Posted by Don Grall on January 18, 2013 at 5:59 PM
This first photo was taken in Ecuador while on a kayaking trip in February. This is a cloud forest pic on the eastern side of the Andes, and right across the Rio Quijos from the small riverside lodge where we were staying.
Posted by Don Grall on January 18, 2013 at 6:00 PM
Pikes Peak the morning after a snow fall this past spring, taken from near my house in Woodland Park.
Posted by Don Grall on January 18, 2013 at 6:00 PM
A Spotted Towhee taken the same morning as the Pikes Peak image, but with different lens (500/4)
Posted by Don Grall on January 18, 2013 at 6:02 PM
Maroon Bells this past fall.
Posted by Don Grall on January 18, 2013 at 6:03 PM
Cathedral Cove on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand
Posted by Don Grall on January 18, 2013 at 6:05 PM
A New Zealand Falcon, which was being exercised by a falconer at Wingspan, a raptor rehab and education center near Rotorua, NZ. This bird was incredibly fast as are most falcons and I felt lucky to get one sharp image out of about 20 runs and 50 or so exposures.
Posted by Don Grall on January 18, 2013 at 6:06 PM
Falls Creek on the way to Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand
Posted by Don Grall on January 18, 2013 at 6:08 PM
An aerial view from a helicopter flightseeing trip to Mt Cook on the South Island, NZ
Posted by Don Grall on January 18, 2013 at 6:09 PM
A Yellow-eyed Penguin, endangered, taken after it emerged from the ocean on the southern tip of the South Island, NZ
Posted by Don Grall on January 18, 2013 at 6:10 PM
This is Tongaporutu Beach, a beautiful area of multiple arches and sea stacks which can only be accessed at low tide, on the North Island of NZ
Posted by Don Grall on January 18, 2013 at 6:12 PM
Hokitika Gorge on the South Island, NZ.
Posted by Don Grall on January 18, 2013 at 6:15 PM
This a wild parrot called a Kea which is famous for its curious nature that can result in damage to untended things like backpacks, vehicles, etc.
Posted by Stan Rose on January 18, 2013 at 9:28 PM
Cool! Love Mt Cook and the wildlife especially!
Posted by Bob Miller on January 18, 2013 at 10:27 PM
Beautiful set of images that kept me very interested- in fact it took a long while to move on the next image posted. What a treat. The variety of subjects and locations really show the diversity of your interests. I like the way you achieved such a soft quality to the water on Falls Creek but I probably like that Kea best. The feather pattern is insane.
Great mix of shots, Don. All of them are nice. Being a landscape fiend, my favorites are the Bells and Mt. Cook shots. Good stuff!
Posted by Morris McClung on January 18, 2013 at 11:33 PM
An excellent set and such a great variety. Loved the New Zealand pics. Man, would I love to see that place someday!
Posted by Bret Edge on January 19, 2013 at 1:07 AM
That Maroon Bells photo is one of the most interesting and unique I've seen, Don. Some really lovely work in this collection. Congrats on a great year!
Very quality, beautiful images. Looks like you had a productive, incredible year! I have to say, the aerial shot is one of my favorites from this. Nice images, and thanks for putting this together!
Posted by John Mumaw on January 19, 2013 at 10:10 PM
One of the most beautiful and varied 'best of 2012' offerings I've seen to date. It was a pleasure and a privilege to view these, Don. That shot of the Maroon Berlls is one of the best I've seen from here!
Wishing you a happy, healthy and productive New Year in 2013!
Glad to see your post Don. As one of the truely great photographers I know, youre recap is most appreciated. Love the varied subjects, all of them are top notch. I think that Pikes Peak image is one of the best I've seen of that mountain. And the Spotted Towhee image stands out as well.
Posted by Joshua Hardin on January 20, 2013 at 3:49 PM
The Pikes Peak photo almost looks like it could have been taken in the Himalayas. I don't think I've ever said that before about a photo from Colorado! Beautifully done. The Central Cove shot is spectacular. Love the framing and warm light! The wildlife images are also top notch. The Towee has great sharpness on the bird with interesting depth of field elements keeping all other distractions away.
Quite a year Don! I've always wanted to go look for a kea, the idea of burrowing, carnivorous mountain parrots is just too cool. That towhee image is really gorgeous, and though I usually give a jaded shrug to Maroon Bells shots, that one's an exception with the perfect trees and killer clouds.
Posted by Anne K. Rusk on January 23, 2013 at 6:40 PM
Wow! This is such an excellent group of images! They are so varied and different, I cannot come up with a favorite.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on January 25, 2013 at 9:27 AM
What collection from these locations. Each is a joy to look at. From the landscapes, I especially enjoyed the Pikes Peak and the low contrast, Maroon Bells for its cloud framing and viewpoint, and Cathedral Cove images.
Discussion
25 repliesWishing you a happy, healthy and productive New Year in 2013!