Nine-Years Ago (11-February-2008) — New Jersey.

Backyard Night Sky in New Jersey: Star Trails.

Winter star trails looking south from my backyard. Composite of ten images taken with a Nikon D3 camera and 17-35 mm f/2.8 lens (ISO 200, 17 mm, f/4, 600 sec). A Nikon MC-36 intervalometer was used to trigger the camera for the 10 minute exposures (with a 3 seconds delay between exposures to allow the data to be written to the CF memory card.

Winter night sky -- star and jet trails looking south. Composite of 10 images taken with a Nikon D3 camera and 17-35 mm f/2.8 lens (ISO 200, 17 mm, f/4, 600 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One Pro, and the composite created using Photoshop CC (statistics, maximum). (David J Mathre)
Winter night sky — star and jet trails looking south. Composite of 10 images taken with a Nikon D3 camera and 17-35 mm f/2.8 lens (ISO 200, 17 mm, f/4, 600 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One Pro, and the composite created using Photoshop CC (statistics, maximum). (David J Mathre)

Backyard Night Sky in New Jersey: Star Trails.

Ten-Years Ago (11-February-2007) — New Jersey

Backyard Winter Nature in New Jersey: Wintertime Birds.

Some birds in my backyard on a sunny winter day. Male & female Northern Cardinal and Turkey Vultures. Images taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 80-400 mm VR lens.

Wary male Northern Cardinal in the morning sun. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 200, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 sec). (David J Mathre)
Wary male Northern Cardinal in the morning sun. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 200, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 sec). (David J Mathre)
Female Northern Cardinal in the morning sun. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 200, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 sec). (David J Mathre)
Female Northern Cardinal in the morning sun. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 200, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 sec). (David J Mathre)
Turkey Vulture soaring in the morning sun. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 200, 400 mm, f/6.7, 1/500 sec). (David J Mathre)
Turkey Vulture soaring in the morning sun. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 200, 400 mm, f/6.7, 1/500 sec). (David J Mathre)
Turkey Vulture soaring in the morning sun. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 200, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 sec). (David J Mathre)
Turkey Vulture soaring in the morning sun. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 200, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 sec). (David J Mathre)

Three-Years Ago (10-February-2014) — Florida

Gone to See Florida 2014 Road Trip. Day 9: Big Cypress Swamp.

While staying at Clyde Butcher’s Swamp Bungalow, I went for a “Swamp Walk” in the Big Cypress Swamp with Kristen and Angela. Before the trip, I got a pair of waders from Cabela’s. Not really sure what I was getting into, I only took a walking stick/monopod and my trusty Leica X2 travel camera. It was a lot of fun — and we didn’t see any alligators or water moccasin snakes. Just the week before, one of the invasive 15+ foot Burmese pythons was caught nearby.

Follow the leader into the jungle. Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/3.5, 1/80 sec). (David J Mathre)
Follow the leader into the jungle. Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/3.5, 1/80 sec). (David J Mathre)
Time to get your feet wet. Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/3.5, 1/80 sec). (David J Mathre)
Time to get your feet wet. Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/3.5, 1/80 sec). (David J Mathre)
Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4.5, 1/100 sec). (David J Mathre)
Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4.5, 1/100 sec). (David J Mathre)
Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4.5, 1/125 sec). (David J Mathre)
Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4.5, 1/125 sec). (David J Mathre)
Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4, 1/80 sec). (David J Mathre)
Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4, 1/80 sec). (David J Mathre)
Feet are now wet. Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/3.5, 1/50 sec). (David J Mathre)
Feet are now wet. Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/3.5, 1/50 sec). (David J Mathre)
Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4.5, 1/160 sec). (David J Mathre)
Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4.5, 1/160 sec). (David J Mathre)
Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/5, 1/200 sec). (David J Mathre)
Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/5, 1/200 sec). (David J Mathre)
Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/5.6, 1/400 sec). (David J Mathre)
Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/5.6, 1/400 sec). (David J Mathre)
Just about out of the jungle. Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4, 1/60 sec). (David J Mathre)
Just about out of the jungle. Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4, 1/60 sec). (David J Mathre)
Just about out of the jungle. Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher's Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4, 1/100 sec). (David J Mathre)
Just about out of the jungle. Swamp walk with Kristen and Angela in the Everglades behind Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery. Image taken with a Leica X2 camera (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4, 1/100 sec). (David J Mathre)

Nine-Years Ago (10-February-2008) — New Jersey

Backyard Winter Nature in New Jersey: New Snow.

A few images from a winter afternoon walkabout in my backyard.

Light snow on a Rhododendron leaf -- Winter backyard nature in New Jersey. Image taken with a Nikon D3 camera and 200 mm f/4 macro lens (ISO 200, 200 mm, f/36, 1/60 sec). (David J Mathre)
Light snow on a Rhododendron leaf — Winter backyard nature in New Jersey. Image taken with a Nikon D3 camera and 200 mm f/4 macro lens (ISO 200, 200 mm, f/36, 1/60 sec). (David J Mathre)
Light snow on Yucca plant seed pods -- Winter backyard nature in New Jersey. Image taken with a Nikon D3 camera and 200 mm f/4 macro lens (ISO 200, 200 mm, f/11, 1/60 sec). (David J Mathre)
Light snow on Yucca plant seed pods — Winter backyard nature in New Jersey. Image taken with a Nikon D3 camera and 200 mm f/4 macro lens (ISO 200, 200 mm, f/11, 1/60 sec). (David J Mathre)
Light snow on Holly berries -- Winter backyard nature in New Jersey. Image taken with a Nikon D3 camera and 200 mm f/4 macro lens (ISO 200, 200 mm, f/8, 1/60 sec). (David J Mathre)
Light snow on Holly berries — Winter backyard nature in New Jersey. Image taken with a Nikon D3 camera and 200 mm f/4 macro lens (ISO 200, 200 mm, f/8, 1/60 sec). (David J Mathre)
Pine cone -- Winter backyard nature in New Jersey. Image taken with a Nikon D3 camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 1250, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/800 sec). (David J Mathre)
Pine cone — Winter backyard nature in New Jersey. Image taken with a Nikon D3 camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 1250, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/800 sec). (David J Mathre)

Thursday (09-February-2017) — New Jersey

Backyard Winter Nature in New Jersey: New Snow.

First snow in New Jersey this winter that didn’t disappear within a day. The day before it was 65°F (18°C). Ultimately, we got about 6 inches (15 cm) of a heavy wet snow. It was enough that I needed to shovel part of my driveway. The solar panels are covered with snow. We will see how long it takes to melt off so I am producing electricity again.

First snow in New Jersey this winter that didn't disappear within a day. The day before it was 65°F (18°C). Ultimately, we got about 6 inches (15 cm) of a heavy wet snow. It was enough that I needed to shovel part of my driveway. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 16 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 16 mm, f/9, 1/125 sec). (David J Mathre)
First snow in New Jersey this winter that didn’t disappear within a day. The day before it was 65°F (18°C). Ultimately, we got about 6 inches (15 cm) of a heavy wet snow. It was enough that I needed to shovel part of my driveway. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 16 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 16 mm, f/9, 1/125 sec). (David J Mathre)
Birdbath statue standing on a bench covered with snow. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 16 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 16 mm, f/7, 1/125 sec). (David J Mathre)
Birdbath statue standing on a bench covered with snow. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 16 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 16 mm, f/7, 1/125 sec). (David J Mathre)
Birdbath statue standing on a bench covered with snow. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 16 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 16 mm, f/7, 1/125 sec). (David J Mathre)
Birdbath statue standing on a bench covered with snow. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 16 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 16 mm, f/7, 1/125 sec). (David J Mathre)
First snow in New Jersey this winter that didn't disappear within a day. The day before it was 65°F (18°C). Ultimately, we got about 6 inches (15 cm) of a heavy wet snow. It was enough that I needed to shovel part of my driveway. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 16 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 16 mm, f/9, 1/125 sec). (David J Mathre)
First snow in New Jersey this winter that didn’t disappear within a day. The day before it was 65°F (18°C). Ultimately, we got about 6 inches (15 cm) of a heavy wet snow. It was enough that I needed to shovel part of my driveway. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 16 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 16 mm, f/9, 1/125 sec). (David J Mathre)
Road looking east, covered with snow. Four-wheel drive vehicles are out, but still waiting on the snow plows to do a second pass. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 16 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 16 mm, f/8, 1/125 sec). (David J Mathre)
Road looking east, covered with snow. Four-wheel drive vehicles are out, but still waiting on the snow plows to do a second pass. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 16 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 16 mm, f/8, 1/125 sec). (David J Mathre)
Road looking west, covered with snow. Four-wheel drive vehicles are out, but still waiting on the snow plows to do a 2nd pass. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 16 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 16 mm, f/8, 1/125 sec). (David J Mathre)
Road looking west, covered with snow. Four-wheel drive vehicles are out, but still waiting on the snow plows to do a 2nd pass. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 16 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 16 mm, f/8, 1/125 sec). (David J Mathre)