My goodness those scenes do look cold Yildiz and Pat, (what on earth are those ducks doing, haven’t they heard of frostbite?) the Bosporus might freeze yet, they think the high pressure system over Russia is causing an extended period of cold weather over Europe, according to the news I saw here they think there is more to come yet. They might be able to have that 200km skating race in Holland after all.
No ice no snow Frank? One would think you would be knee deep by now.
Greg
Townsville weather: patchy cloud, warm and humid, occasional passing rain showers at night.

A100 KM24-105 + flip up flash at dusk

Everyone is hoping for the best here, but it seems less likely by the day. For this to happen, the traditional route over the waters between 11 Dutch cities and villages in the northern province of Friesland needs to be frozen to a specific thickness. A special committee decides if this is the case. As of yet, they haven't been positive. Only when they do will this race be ridden. Last time it was 15 years ago if I'm not mistaken.

Yes Mark I was watching it on TV last night, they were measuring the ice and cleaning the snow off the ice etc. Also an interview with the last winner of the race, I don't think I remember seeing anything about that race before, but it sure sounds gruelling, 200km of skating wow.
Greg

It is, that's why it's such a highly regarded tradition. The winners are real athletes. Everyone can enter. The last time it was held back in '97, the winner crossed the finish in 6 hours and 49 minutes, with temperatures of -6 degrees Celcius it wasn't that cold, but winds were up to 7 Beaufort, which makes the temperature you feel about -18. That was pretty ugly to be in for 7 hours or more.

The winner from '97 actually emigrated to Australia, so that's probably why you've seen him on tv

Mark

Snow ceased in Istanbul at the moment but it's still very cold. Will be warmer at the weekend only to cool down again by Monday and Tuesday. : )


Pat, wonderful colour in your marshes. There's a chilling 'warmth' across the estate of the photo; almost vintage look. Very eerie scene, too.

Greg, lovely sunset sky. The sculpturesque red berries of Australia are very attractive. No bird has given it any thought as birdfeed yet it seems... : )

Yildiz

Though yesterday's shots (after midnight here), but I guess they do depict the weather:
One of my fir trees
a77 + 16-50/2.8


Lit with street lamps
a77 + 50/2.8 Macro

Thanks Yildiz, those berries don’t seem to get eaten while they are red and producing nectar or some kind of juice, they mainly attract the various Honeyeaters to lick them, they are usually quite popular so there must be something there the birds like. When they turn dark brown I’ve seen the Figbirds having a pick now and then but I don’t think there is much nourishment left in the seeds for them at that stage and strangely enough the Figbirds don’t try to eat them while the Honeyeaters are attracted, maybe they are just too hard to snap off. (I know they are very firmly attached)
Greg
Townsville weather: Overcast pending rain, warmish and humid.

Greg; : ))

I still have lots to learn about the Australian birdies. They are beautiful to my eye no matter how ugly they may appear to the native population and their attitude towards the berries and the plants is also something worth a study...

Yildiz

Tsawwassen 7º Raining.

Both taken from the Westham Island bridge Ladner.

Mt. Seymour north shore.




Arm off the South Arm of the Fraser River.

Fabulous lighting in both shots DA. I like the way the massive mountain dominates the city sky-scrappers.

After it being quite cold this week with a few shart frosts it was a relatively mild day today - it was up to around 8 degrees centrigrade. It was pretty grey though, with just hints of sun though the clouds. I managed to grab a couple of hours at one of the local wildlife reserves - Snowdrop hunting mainly, but the subdued lighting made the brook look even better than normal. It was very muddy underfoot, but the water level in the brook was very low for this time of year.


2012 Knapp - Bend in the brook by Birm, on Flickr


2012 Knapp - February Brook by Birm, on Flickr

Both shots with Nex 5. First with Tamron 60/2 macro, second with SEL 55-210. Both shots with a polariser.

David;

: ) Great use of the heavenly light in your shots. I ike the second image more to my taste as I'm not that much in favour of skyscrapers so close to such beautiful mountains.

Thanks for sharing. : )


Birma;

Hopefully you'll go more snowdrop-hunting and end up with secret spots reavealed instead! : ))
It wouldn't hurt to see some snowdrops in these photos but lovely springy scenes all the same...

Tanks for sharing,


We have sunny yet cold daytime instances in Istanbul at the moment. Some precipitation is anticipated for later in the day.


Yildiz

I reckon all the snow on the Docs tree will be melted shortly, going by the TV world weather map I saw.
Two nice scenes DA, I like the rays and the silver reflection off the water in the last, nice one.
I like the brook Birma, why is it low? Not much snow to melt or something. I’ll have to think about the second one…not sure about that one…
A reasonable sunset tonight, I only see a half decent one occasionally.
Greg
Townsville weather: warmish and slightly humid, patchy cloud.
A100 KM24-105

Very nice sunset Greg - worth waiting for that one

Thanks for the comments - I agree about #2 - I was trying to shows the budding tree branches against the back-drop of the brook.

Like the photos of the brook Birma, especially the first.

Gorgeous sunset there Greg. Nice time to sit back with a brown frosty. ;^)