Sweet Dreams - Dreamy Bird Photography in Black and White

This digital art photograph has been in my head for quite some time. It started out as a photograph of a gray jay and bare cottonwood tree. I liked the same tones that the tree and the bird shared so I combined them into this composite image. My intention was to create a dreamy image that was peaceful and serene.  Making the bird image semi-transparent and repeated into the distance in the wispy branches is right out of my imagination.  I hope my little trip into fantasy is pleasing, and as always, I appreciate your comments and shares very much!

Sweet Dreams

Three dreamy love birds are perched in a wispy bare tree branches. This digital art photograph creates a soft and dreamy atmosphere perfect for the bedroom or nursery. 
Fort Collins, Colorado

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

A Common Raven in Old World Style

You may recognize this bird as the Common Raven. They are one of my favorite birds because of their intelligence, curiosity, and their communication skills. I have often listened in on their "conversations" and watched their playful antics. This raven I photographed in the Painted Desert as he walked back and forth many times posing for me as the shutter clicked. I believe he just might have wanted me to immortalize him in this Old World styled digital art print.

Old World Raven

Raven print, a solitary raven with each feather in exquisite detail is printed on a background texture with the look of old linen. A perfect way to add the Old World charm of an Audubon style bird print to your home, office, or bedroom decor. Painted Desert, Arizona

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Old World Raven Art Card

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Raven

Ravens have had a place in many different legends from numerous cultures. In the Norse legend the god Odin had a pair of ravens who were his messengers. In the Middle Ages they were harbingers of death and associated with wicked priests. In Native American lore ravens represent the fool and the wise one; darkness and light; death and creation. 

Ravens remind me of playful intelligence. I love to watch them. They will look into your eyes thoughtfully, follow you on a walk, and croak their encouragements in many guttural sounds. If you listen long enough I believe you start to understand the difference between greetings and curses. Yes, I definitely believe that they have emotions too. 

 I have watched them many times. They can dive and soar in free abandonment or fight and claw an enemy. I have also learned that they can be accomplices with hunters. They have been known to perch above prey cawing loudly and drawing the attention of a lion or wolf to kill a deer knowing that they will have the left overs. This is one resourceful bird. So the next time you see a raven or crow give them a little nod of respect or the trickster may just play a prank on you. 

Raven 

On a recent trip to the American southwest this raven seemed to take an interest in me and my camera. He posed for many shots but I liked this one the best. 

You can see more of my work on Etsy or Fine Art America.

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about editorial, photography, and anything in between in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Bodega Bay, Home to Hitchcock Movie "The Birds"

On a recent trip to California we visited the northern coastal town of Bodega Bay. It was not until we arrived that I realized it was the home of Alfred Hitchcock's movie, "The Birds." I remember watching that scary movie as a kid, and with that in mind, I set about recording the sights of this sleepy little coastal town. Now how on earth did Hitchcock manage to scare us with this tranquil setting?

Schoolhouse
The old schoolhouse used in Hitchcock's movie, "The Birds." Bodega Bay, California

Ellen Orr's Grave
Ellen Orr's grave is located at St. Teresa of Avila Church, Bodega, California.

God's House
An architectural photo of a white clapboard Christian church with rays of light shining down from a cloud filled sky. St. Teresa of Avila Church, Bodega, California
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Church Door
An architectural photo of a beautiful wooden Christian church door. St. Teresa of Avila Church, Bodega, California
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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about editorial, photography, and anything in between in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Sierra Club's Daily Ray of Hope - Flicker Feather

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I am so happy to share with you that my photograph "Flicker Feather" has been featured on Sierra Club's Daily Ray of Hope. Have a great weekend friends!

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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The Midnight Call of a Steller's Jay in Colorado

I hear the raucous throaty call of a midnight blue Steller's Jay and look outside to see him posing in the early evening moonlight. Jays have quite a diversity of calls and I wish I knew what they all meant. Sometimes it's a fast clicking noise. Other times they sound just like a hawk's cry and the little birds flee from the feeder. I think I know what that one means. Then there is the sound that makes me think I live in an equatorial jungle. We call it the cry of the monkey bird because it does sound like a monkey. At least to me. But this night he sounded like his brother, the raven. Another irascible bird I admire and another story.

Midnight Jay
A brilliant blue Steller's Jay perches on a silvery blue fence rail in a night time midnight setting.
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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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A Naturalist's View of Feathers

Since I was a child I have been in the habit of collecting little pieces of nature. I have collected a whole basket of heart shaped rocks not to mention a boat load of other rocks I found interesting. I have a giant beetle and a dragonfly that are still iridescent. Sometimes I will spot a flash of color and be rewarded with a brilliant feather. Flickers and Steller's Jays are common in the northern Rocky Mountains and I have collected their feathers too; one brilliant orange the other deepest blue. Which one do you like the best? What do you like to collect?

Flicker Feather
A single orange feather rests on a blanket of sparkling snow.
Flicker Feather, Northern Colorado
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Jay Feather
A single blue feather rests on a blanket of sparkling snow. Steller's Jay Feather, Northern Colorado
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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Framed Black and White Nature Photo - Dreaming of Spring

This year I am offering "ready to hang," one of a kind, framed pieces of fine art photography for your home decor. Let me do the work of finding the perfect frame and mat to go with my photography. My first piece is perfect for a gift or small space in your home. The silhouette of a small bird resting in a thicket of tree branches against a stormy spring sky is elegantly double matted in black in an 8x10 black frame.

I have lots of ideas and combinations to work on in the next several weeks. Let me know if you like this idea of offering my photography ready to hang right out of the box. Thanks!

Dreaming of Spring Framed OOAK
My Colorado photography studio is featuring a one of a kind black matted and framed photo of a small bird silhouette resting on tree branches against a gray storm clouded sky. The 3.5x5 photo is elegantly double matted in black and in an 8x10 black frame.
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Dreaming of Spring 5x7 Photograph
My Colorado photography studio is featuring a black and white photo of a small bird silhouette resting on tree branches against a gray storm clouded sky.
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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Happy Thanksgiving 2010!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends! I wish each of you a warm day surrounded by friends and family. May you enjoy your favorite traditional meal and eat your fill. May you smile and laugh with glee. May you get warm embraces and know you are loved. Know that I treasure your visits and send happiness your way. Hugs, Julie

This young hen turkey decides she likes the large male turkey that struts for her and tentatively approaches him for a closer look. This little dance was happening in our driveway last spring.

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Hummingbird Repose

The other day I was watering plants on our deck and spotted this little hummer girl sitting peacefully and enjoying the day. I was so taken aback by her unusual behavior. Most of our broad-tailed hummingbirds are blatantly feisty, constantly diving and chattering over front row seats at the three feeders that I refill a couple times a day. (We go through over ten pounds of sugar a week!)

I went inside to get my camera, thinking she would surely be gone when I returned. But she was still there, tilting her head and blinking at me. She sat there for several minutes completely unperturbed by my close proximity. Then a big gust of wind blew her right off her perch and she was gone, leaving me to ponder what I had just witnessed.

Hummingbird Repose
A larger than life size photo of a female broad-tailed hummingbird with green iridescent wing feathers rests next to a pine in Colorado.
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North American Wild Turkey

Now I know all of you are thinking what the heck is she doing talking about turkeys. It is not even anywhere near Thanksgiving. But springtime on Stellers Ridge is turkey time! The North American Wild Turkey believes that living here in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies is turkey heaven. Every spring they gather together in large groups to party down. The girls try their best to ignore the puffed up "gobblers," cackling amongst themselves that so and so is a jerk. But he keeps strutting and puffing and one by one they fall for the guy. Now tell me. Who could fall for a face like that!! It must be love.

Hen Party
A group of hen turkeys ignore a male turkey intent on their attention.

Hey Baby!
A young hen turkey investigates the large male turkey.

Turkey Trot
A male turkey struts his stuff after a fresh spring snow to attract a hen.

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A Summer Breeze of Turquoise

This week I am featuring the tropical color of turquoise. It inspires me and lets my imagination wander to a Pacific island. Can you see yourself sitting in a rattan chair sipping a mai tai and watching the waves of the ocean spill across the white sand beach. Ah yes, there it is. A summer breeze smelling of coconuts and salty sea. Enjoy the view!

Be sure to visit each of these shops by clicking on the artist's name. They have many more wonderful items to view.

Summer Neck Rag
by Textile Monster
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Coastal Dream
by Kenna Foster
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Racquet-tailed Rollar Bird
by LD Photography
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SOLD!
by Lucciao

Water Trio
by Alison DuBois
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Eagle in the Mist

Winter's breath frosts the landscape outside my window in every shade of white. Snow is lightly drifting falling floating from the sky. Fog creeps slowly through the pines whispering murmuring calling me outside. I can not resist. I love the softness of the world. I bundle up in layers of soft billowy sweaters. Camera in mittenclad hands I step forth from the porch. The dogs race ahead as I wander down the little trail away from our home.

The snow crunches under my heavy boots. I pass by tiny frosted firs glimmering in contrast to the fog shrouded dark pines, and head toward the saddle, a low point on the connecting ridges. With steaming breath held I watch as a single solitary bald eagle appears out of the foggy mist like a ghost bird and silently disappears. Our mission seems accomplished. With frozen fingers and paws, we return home to our warm cabin on the hillside nestled in the tall pines.

Frosted Pines
Chilling and frigid arctic air envelopes the tiny frosted fir tree in a northern Colorado pine forest.
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Eagle Pines
A snowy mountain hillside shrouded in a cold fog is the home of an American bald eagle.
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Cabin in Pines
A cedar sided cabin is perched on a snowy slope and nestled in a pine forest of northern Colorado.
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Dreaming of Spring

Like a hibernating bear, I am dreaming of spring. Twitching for it. Yearning for it. Waiting for it. But Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow which means six more weeks of winter. And for the high country of Colorado I know that my wait for green meadows and bursting flowers will not be until June. So wish me luck and happy springtime dreams.

Spring Breeze
The old and twisted cottonwoods were wearing the lacy light green of spring and standing over a field of purple wildflowers.
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Dreaming of Spring
The silhouette of a single small bird perched in the bare branches of a tree is a harbinger of spring to come.
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Horizon
The lush spring grass stretches as far as the eye can see into the horizon with a rain promising spring sky overhead.
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