Another timely choice of theme for the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge from our guest hosts this week, Rusha and Bert, who would like to see our take on Getting Away. We haven’t been far afield for some time but we did manage to get away on a trip to Wisconsin this past weekend. It’s amazing how many activities you can pack into a single day when the moving force is a three-year old.
Our youngest granddaughter started the proceedings with a demonstration of her ballet skills. I think she has quite an interesting technique.
Next she showed us how to have fun at the beach. Her choice of venue on this occasion was Bradford Beach, just north of Milwaukee, and I was able to get one or two interesting shots while we looked for shells and feathers, including one of the historic water tower nearby and an impromptu exercise class that had been conveniently set up next to the bar. I had to admire their enthusiasm and I joined them in spirit if not in body.
Our final stop of the day was at the Milwaukee Zoo, where we got some useful tips on feeding the goats. In between trying to stop our tour guide from climbing into all the animal enclosures I did manage to snag some shots of a Cinereous Vulture, one of three, who demonstrated clearly why it was unable to make it in the wild.
Also in the same enclosure were a couple of Southern Ground Hornbills. I’m not sure if this was part of a courting ritual but one of them seemed intent on impressing its partner with a dead rodent. She clearly wasn’t interested so he hopped nearer to the fence to show us. I could imagine him thinking, “What’s not to like?! as he waved his trophy around, looking for some sign of appreciation..
A little further on we came across two grizzlies, one of which appeared to be playing a game of hide and seek.
The last shot of the day was of a peacock chick. I’d never seen one before so I was quite pleased to be able to capture this image.
After all that, our tour guide was showing signs of fatigue and it wasn’t too long before she was fast asleep in the back of the car as we made our way home. I was feeling quite exhausted too and although it was great to get away and see the family, I have to take issue with that old saying about a change being as good as a rest.
The Nature of Things 
The orange on the hornbill is beautiful
It does stand out, doesn’t it. And it did seem like he was very eager to be photographed.
A super packed day out beautifully recorded in your wonderful photos.
Many thanks, Marianne. And thank you for taking the time to visit and comment as I’m sure you must be busy now with that lovely garden of yours and guests returning to the cottage.
Thanks Sue. I am busy but I really enjoy your posts and the beautiful photos…very relaxing looking at them!
I must try out a dead rodent on Mrs Tootlepedal.
A very good selection of photographs to go with your theme today.
Haha! I somehow think it wouldn’t be appreciated. Thanks for stopping by, Tom.
Great great photos. Love the kids! The closeup of mice meals, uhhhhh. 🙂 If I can’t see you because my hand is over my eyes, are you really there? Deeeeep! 🙂 🙂
Many thanks, John! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything or anyone as proud of a possession as the Hornbill was of that gruesome trophy.
Superb clicks, Sue!!
Thank you so much, Jyothi.
Ooh… what a fun series, Sue! Amazing bird captures. The first image is priceless.
Many thanks, Amy. Our granddaughter likes to put her own spin on ballet classes, usually with a little bit of gymnastics thrown in.
Nothing beats seeing family after a long absence, especially at your granddaughter’s age! Loved the ballet shot LOL. She’s adorable. Also enjoyed all of the farm shot – the birds are a hoot!!
Thanks so much, Tina. I agree. Seeing family was the best and the chance to get some photography done was a bonus.