Seeking A Suitable Location

Our very good friend John, who blogs as Paol Soren, has recently suggested to me that it might be a good idea to register the changing nature of our environment by photographing one particular scene or tree at regular intervals during the year. This set me thinking about a suitable location. Water should, I thought, be involved; certainly trees and other flora; and seasonal wildlife. The old quarry lake at Pilley seemed a likely candidate. Jackie and the same idea. On a sunny morning we set off there quite early.

This took us up Pilley Hill where the decorated post box now bears crocheted birds and their nesting boxes.

Significant signs of this early May in my pictures, are the unusually low water levels in the lake; the proliferation of water crowfoots floating on it; and the fresh leaves on the trees.

Long shadows were cast by the early sun, and the clear light offered crisp reflections.

Throughout my circumambulation of the lake the regular honking of a Canada goose tenant set up a marching rhythm, only to cease when

a grey pony descended the receding bank to drink. The bird then flew away.

I walked around the perimeter photographing whatever caught my eye. The images may or may not contain that with which to start my project. I would appreciate readers’ comments on whether or not this is the right area, and whether any spot would bear repeating on a regular basis. Accessing the galleries will provide titles for which choosers may opt.

The above gallery offers the general scene.

The crowfoots and these fallen branches are not contenders for the regular location, but they do add to today’s atmosphere.

The trees and their shadows will change with the seasons and their accompanying light.

There are plenty more suitable sites should this not be a popular choice.

On our return I began digging out an hibiscus planted by our predecessors too close to the Brick Path. I was soon sent inside by a heavy shower. The rain stopped before lunch, enabling me to finish the job.

If this is a fledgling robin perhaps Jackie has encountered and photographed a third generation Nugget

Our morning was the best time for an outing. Frequent precipitations throughout the afternoon included both rain and hail.

I am happy to say that this evening’s meal was a repeat of yesterday’s jalfrezi with the addition of vegetable samosas. Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Fleurie.

74 comments

  1. This is a lovely location for your challenge — as well as the trees and their shadows, the changing levels of the lake will provide evidence not only of seasonal changes, but also longer term climate changes. Good to see Nugget3 showing up in the landscape, too!

  2. A bounty of beautiful shots! Others who are more familiar with the area can advise you better, but I like the idea of both water and trees. The trees will definitely look different in various seasons. Right now it seems they are a combination of bare and spring-feathered.

    I love the reflection shots, and also the pony reflection shot #1.

  3. “Tis a wonderful location for the photo challenge! Especially the photos where we can see the lake and the trees, etc. There will be changes through out the seasons of the year that would be great to note! 🙂
    Especially the photo of The Pony drinking from receding Pilley Lake…with the lichen on the tree trunk.

    I always enjoy seeing gooses! They are fun to watch. But they can be aggressive (they make good watch dogs! 😉 😀 ) and they can be messy. A family member has some who visit her property often and she says they are good poopers. 😮 😛 I like her positive attitude! 😉 HA!

    ALWAYS brings a smile to my face to see any of Nugget’s relatives!!! 🙂
    (((HUGS))) 🙂

  4. Will you be able to take shots from exactly the same spots as the seasons change? Although general shots will convey a picture, a ration of shots from the same spots would appeal to me. Might what would be a good shot in winter be obscured by foliage in the summer? I visualise the year long equivalent of a time lapse sequence. Iy would take a lot of work and need a tripod perhaps.

    1. Sound observations, Tootlepedal. Some of these pictures would be non-starters in the summer. The emerging favourites both have the possibility of shooting from the same spot throughout the year.Thanks very much.

  5. The fledgling robin is very cute! My pick for your location would be Trees around Pilley Lake and reflections 2 and Trees around Pilley Lake and reflections 3.

  6. Whatever you choose as a subject for shooting over a span of time, it better be a view with less clutter. Could you please include a patch of flowers too?

  7. I vote for the location with the pony drinking from the receding Pilley lake. The tree and dwelling give context to the scene, so it will be easier to follow changes.

    Whichever you decide on, please ensure there is an unchanging reference point so we can relate to the location.

  8. That is an adorable third generation Nugget, Derrick and Jackie! I have a hard time selecting a favorite spot to keep tabs on. I enjoy all these forest photos. Any of them work for me.

  9. The floating water crowfoots are a delightful treat, especially with the gray pony. This does look like a good area for the project for which I’m drawn to photos with a broad perspective and a variety of subjects like “Trees around Pilley Lake and reflections 3.” I love vegetable samosas and the close up of Nugget 3.

  10. I have enjoyed looking through these picturesque scenes – and love the fledgling robin! This potential project is an excellent one which we will all benefit from. My first thought is that an open view framed by trees and showing the water level would be a good place. The idea of a good ‘permanent’ reference point has been made as well as a less ‘cluttered’ scene. I have always enjoyed the ‘feet’ of some of the trees you have shown: moss covered / covered with autumnal leaves … Your choice will have to be what is convenient for you in the end.

    1. Thanks very much, Anne. One reason for this location is it is one of the nearest for my Chauffeuse. Your observations about the open view and water levels are good ones

  11. I think that is a interesting spot. It will be nice to see how the  light and shadows reflect the tree foliage, and the grounds during the season. I am also curious if you can capture a pony amidst the landscape each season.

  12. I think you’d get the most dramatic changes by picking a place with a definite bank, but where the water is quite shallow so that you will see mud, dry earth and so on as the water recedes.
    Definitely a young robin. Probably wondering why he’s got the feet and legs of a baby ostrich.

    1. Thank you very much for these most helpful comments, John. Good observations about the scene, which coincides with Jackie’s pick; and welcome confirmation of our robin identification.

  13. I like ‘White pony drinking from receding lake’ that will have the best range of elements to demonstrate the changing seasons. ( and it is not too far to drive!)

  14. Jackie, you have nailed it as far as I am concerned. Derrick, this will be a fun project to follow and Sher and I look forward to the compilation gallery this time next year!

  15. I think your project’s a good one. I’ve known people who have done variations. One friend took a photo from her back porch every day for a year, at the same time. It was more interesting than you might think. Another, a botanist/naturalist, did what he called his ‘square meter project.’ He marked off a square meter of land on his family’s prairie, and photographed it through the seasons: weekly, I believe. You can’t believe how many insects lived on that square meter of land!

  16. Hi Derrick – I love that mailbox cozy. And the robins you have over there are so much cuter than the ones we have here. Ours are big and athletic.

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