Niagara Falls, New York during the Pandemic

 It seems that people are still out and about, but NOT at the Falls!

We were there today and saw the least amount of visitors to the internationally-famous Niagara Falls during the daytime hours! As you can see in this image, at the far left are the walkways in the Niagara Falls State Park. This is Prospect Point of the park, and before the pandemic, this would be packed with wall-to-wall people. Well, the fireworks has been canceled due to the huge crowds that gather and wait for hours to see the free fireworks. The night illumination lights are still lighting up the waterfalls each night, so you can see the colorful designs each night. 

If you do come to the Falls, please wear a mask and practice social practicing!

Tonight's Sunset on the Upper Niagara

You should have been here....   

The sunset and the clouds were almost perfect tonight on the upper Niagara River. It's been quite a few days since I've taken my camera with me to see the sunset since I've been working almost nonstop reviewing and archiving image files, though this exciting work has been going on for well over a decade now. I just love being parked in front of a monitor for so many endless hours each day!!

Who wouldn't enjoy such a golden cloudy sunset like this?

The last few weeks have seen empty skies above a setting sun, and I don't even use my camera when the skies are clear like that. Tonight however, was not the same as previous evenings, and I totally enjoyed it, except of course, for the 1,205 flying insects that were buzzing in and out of my camera view, and around and on me! Yesterday, as was the case during the last few times we went out for the sunset, the wind was blowing quite nicely, save for blowing insects onto our clothes and into our faces! The tiny dark spots visible in some of the pictures are the insects flying around with a model release in their little paws......

Nicest sunset in these parts in many days!!

Here's a few images snapped with my S5 of tonight's sunset. These pictures were not edited at all.

Enjoy these golden moments, and leave a few words if you really DO enjoy them!! Remember, you can click on these to see them in a bigger size!

Sheila loves these cloudy fiery sunsets as much as I do!
But she's smart enough to bring a camera when I don't!

Leaving soon after this moment, but not before
we saw the golden light backlighting some
wisps of cloud high up. Soooo lovely!

 I think the upper Niagara River has some very nice sunsets often. There are, of course, many occasions when WE enjoy some quite fiery sunsets. Here's one sample from years ago while I was still new to the area. This is posted at my site at redbubble and will take you to another website. 

click here to fototaker's older image of Fire on the upper Niagara 

Fireworks at Niagara Falls

It's been hot here, as it has been everywhere else, so last night we escaped the heat to see the fireworks, in a not-too-secret location we haven't been for some time.....

I made sure to take both of my tripods (I only have three and about the same number of monopods), so I could use my little smartphone holder to make a video! Due to not knowing if my time is fast/slower than the watch of those launching the fireworks, there is about a minute of no bursts while waiting for the start. 

It was even nice for us, when we later watched the recorded fireworks, as it's not the same when one is looking through a camera viewfinder. Heck, on the S5 screen, it looked sharper than a knife, but we were watching the original file too!

To all of my Canadian friends, as well as everyone else, have a great celebration of Canada Day and/or the Fourth of July, and stay safe with those sparklers and boom-items with the kids! Please take a long minute to remember those who did not return from a conflict, and those friends and Families that waited for their loved ones to return. 

Otherwise, hoping y'all will enjoy the fireworks!!

Moonbow over Horseshoe Falls, Canada

Usually I wouldn't post such a fuzzy grainy image, but as it was snapped very late at night with my SSG S5 without support or tripod, while on the Canadian-side of the Falls for the first time in many many months, and getting rained on by the heavy mist of the Falls, I'd say it looks quite good! 

We had just watched the 10pm fireworks and instead of heading straight home to the American-side, we decided to take advantage of the time (night) and our location (on the other side of the Falls) to snap some night illumination scenes of the waterfalls. The newer LED illumination can be very awesome to watch, and if you were here in the past when the illumination used was NOT the newer LEDs now used, it's a huge difference. I've seen both versions and it's now much better, plus the colors are crisp and vivid!

So we were there walking slowly around the Horseshoe Falls, being all us wet, and the cameras are wet too due to the mist falling all around us; when WE noticed the rainbow. Typically, the mist of the Horseshoe Falls is much intense and can be seen for miles, while the American Falls there is a mist, but it isn't as heavy and disappears quickly. If closer to the Horseshoe Falls, one can expect to see a rainbow anytime!!

Well, we were at the Horseshoe Falls during the night, and I wondered about this rainbow, when I realized it was a full moon night, and the Moon (and Jupiter) were out and above the horizon! 

This wasn't a rainbow BUT a Moonbow!!! Instead of light of the sun during daylight hours creating a rainbow, we were surprised by the quite unexpected moonbow creating such a lovely colored arch!

Still NO pot o'Gold at the other side though! Remember you can click on this snapshot to see it bigger ~ Enjoy!!

An incredible UNedited Moonbow SSG S5 pano over the Horseshoe Falls!

Niagara Falls Fireworks over the Falls Begins 2019 Season

Living in western New York (WNY) does have its perks. Being photographers, Sheila and I are blessed to have fabulous wildlife areas nearby, not to mention the many city parks. Of course the mighty Falls are nearby, and that is a treat in itself! 

Long-Tailed Ducks cruising the Niagara

Did you know that all along the Niagara River, all sorts of wildlife can be seen? Osprey make their home along the river, along with hawks and even Bald Eagles. Even at the Falls, if you are patient and are there at the right time, you can spot Black-crowned Night Herons flying over the Falls just before sunset, along with Double-Crested Cormorants all day long, along with the every-present gulls. Other smaller birds can be seen too depending on the season: Northern Cardinals are busy almost all year round, while others like the Buffleheads and Common Goldeneye are more visible during the colder months. 

If you want to see the Falls in its uniqueness, then be sure to plan your visit in Winter. Dress warmly and step carefully. Also be prepared for many viewing areas to be closed, but in Winter you'll see the Falls as few do in summer!

Snow-covered Prospect Point Observation Point in Winter

Looking north from Goat Island/Three Sisters Islands

But what I enjoy most of this area are the fireworks over the Falls! 

I must confess I've been lousy at photographing fireworks during most of my life behind the camera. Sure, I've posted the typical snaps of fireworks exploding in the dark night like everyone else, but the majority of those had been captured without a tripod. I couldn't record a decent scene using a tripod at night for almost anything, including fireworks! Really!!

In those early years, I would shoot any fireworks handheld, but at a higher ISO. With patience and a little help from my kid brother Ed, I began using a tripod enough to get better images during the darker hours, and to finally use that tripod to finally get some "decent" results. 

Really!

The problem with fireworks photography, is that the events are not so often as to have a simple way to get some practical experience that one will remember a months later! Well, in this area of WNY, in the summer and even a month or so in winter, fireworks are a very integral part of the Niagara Falls area! So, in the few years I've been here, we have been very lucky to attend a few of the many nightly fireworks at the Falls. Along with that attendance, my experience in capturing fireworks have improved greatly, and the images are better with each passing year!

The Prospect Point Observation Tower backlit by fireworks

Whatever your reason for coming to WNY, you do need to see the Falls with fireworks blasting the sky above! Seeing Fireworks over the Falls, is really something to be seen and experienced! You'll also get a chance to see something else other than the daylight version of the Falls. It's Nature at its mightiest, and do you really want to see the Falls just as millions of others have seen it?

See it during the day and at night. Go early as crowds gather, some for hours, holding what they hope will be a good spot.

In recent years, they have been shooting off a single rocket 15 to 10 minutes before the hour, as a test for wind direction and strength. The only sure method of knowing IF the fireworks will go off as scheduled, is to ask park personnel or by calling toll-free 1(800)563-2557 for a prerecorded message, or even checking online on their social media accounts of niagarafallstourism.com.

Share your great pictures with friends, family or your pet while at the Falls, by tagging Niagara Falls Tourism when posting those special moments with your world!

https://www.facebook.com/NiagaraFallsTourismCanada

https://twitter.com/NFallsTourism

https://www.instagram.com/niagarafallstourismcanada

https://www.youtube.com/user/NiagaraFallsTourism

On the American-side, you'll want to share your pictures and moments with these social media sites!

https://www.facebook.com/NiagaraFallsStateParkUSA

https://www.instagram.com/niagarafalls_statepark

So now you are probably wondering where the fireworks will launch from, and if I will share that information if I know at all?

Of course I do and will!

From Prospect Point on the American-side, look almost directly across the Niagara gorge to the Canadian-side and look to the pier and buildings where the Canadian tour boats dock. To the left of that, you'll see a tiny cove, and to the left of that cove, you will see a tiny point of land. You can expect to see the launch from approximately that area. If you are at Prospect Point, the bursts will be near or in front of the Skylon Tower. On the Canadian-side, an area of about three city blocks of the walkway close to that launch site will be cleared for obvious safety reasons. Niagara Park security will clear the area about an hour beforehand. Keep this in mind IF you decide to see the fireworks on the other side!

Cannot attend but still want to SEE the fireworks? Tune in online at https://www.marriottonthefalls.com/niagara-falls-cam and be sure to have your clock set to NY state East Coast time. Don't forget the time is one hour earlier in summer for Daylight Saving Time (DST). It is NOT a live webcam but you should see most of the bright bursts and smoke.

If you plan to cross the bridge to Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada, do NOT forget to carry your passports with you! Also, you'll need four quarters per person for the customs building turnstile to return to the American-side! Really!


Here's one last snap of the fireworks at the Falls, and hoping you will have an enjoyable time at the Falls! Hoping to see you there! Remember all pictures can be clicked to see them in a larger size!

 Fireworks as seen from the Prospect Point Observation Tower

A little bit of this, a little bit of that (again)

Though this winter started late in western New York (WNY), I am thinking Mother Nature has fooled a lot of people who thought we'd get a little bit of snow this winter, and not anything like that big mess that fell back in 2014/15 or even the six months of winter snow back in 2017/18 when winter stuck it out till Spring! Even worst was the Buffalo snowstorm of 1977, when this whole area was paralyzed and cars were buried under the snow! Here's an article about that 1977 blizzard 
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/blizzard-of-1977-meteorological-analysis-canada-niagara/78699

Glass of a frozen front screen door!
I love the trees in the frozen "tundra"

Since I last posted, it's snowed three times more, but the in-between times were the warmest yet to date, getting up to the mid- and higher 40s. Those higher temps and a little rain melted all but the biggest piles of plowed snow in parking lots and roadside. 

As I write, it's snowed a few hours and everything is again white, but now it appears to be freezing rain. How fun!! As I have reported previously, WE aren't scared of weather extremes, and this winter we've been out in -17 temps and with gusting howling winds!

This tiny waterfall is cute in summer
BUT in winter, it is truly gorgeous!!!
This is the first time I've ever seen it completely frozen!

The last time we had to clear off the vehicle, it took over an hour after an evening and all-night session of freezing rain. It left about an quarter of an inch to - in some spots - a half-inch of frozen hard clear ice on the windshield and most parts of the vehicle! I haven't had to deal with ice like this since the mid-90s when I lived in Norfolk, Virginia! 

I know...  YOU can't even find your car.
Our car was luckily sheltered from the snow/wind

Just an example to show the depth.
This is probably about four inches or sooo

Not cracked windshield but cracked frozen ice, as I attempt
removing the ice and not crack the windshield in the process!!

Icicles hanging off the backside of our camping minivan 

Icicles everywhere, including from the front end!!

Thank goodness the windshield didn't crack!!

Frozen ice on passenger side of the car. Some of the
ice covering the rear view mirror was removed already

On the other hand, the amazingly gorgeous ice sculptures and abstract snowy drifts that look like someone's hairdo, always takes my breath away! 

Snapped through the window, these icicles were fabulous!

Even the trash can lid sprouted icicles!!

If you live in a icy cold area, have you been outside to admire what Nature has given us? Share your experiences, BUT be careful driving or walking around in the white stuff!!!

Are you seeing and hearing the strong winds too? It started yesterday and will continue all day till tonight Wednesday, but we have been experiencing strong winds about once a week for some time. Last night the winds were howling all night, and was louder than a steam train! Several times its direction shifted, but it still howled, just from a different direction!

Remember you can click on any image to see it bigger. Most of these pictures were snapped with my Samsung S5, which now needs to have its cache cleared about four times daily. The apps don't function correctly and often freeze or just close unexpectedly. Same with the bluetooth, and it's just being a pain. If you buy a samsung phone, be sure its update will continue or else you too will end up with a very annoying and non-functioning dumb phone, like I have right now!

Down on the river named Niagara, there's LESS ice than last year
at this same period of February. BUT, that's a lot of ice cubes!!!

Looking north to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada 

UPDATE 4:35pm Wednesday: Almost whiteout conditions with over 25mph winds blowing snow 

If you can't see and you need to use your wipers, your lights
 should be ON to improve visibility. Be careful while outside!

Not to forget all those little piggies enjoying a
birthday during this year's Chinese New Year,
Happy Chinese New Year! 

First Sunset of February 2019

Ice on the Niagara River is an awesome thing to see.

A flaming red sunset is also really gorgeous.

Together, it's an incredible scene that stays in your mind and heart forever.....

This morning's sunrise was also a flamer and very red. Did you see it?

ahhhhhhh

ooooooooooh!!

More pictures at http://www.fototaker.net

and 

http://sheilak-lee.pixels.com

Freezing temperatures BUT wonderful winter scenes

The weather was dreadfully cold, very gusty windy and snowing all the while, but WE got out and about yesterday! Traffic was very light as everyone was encouraged to stay home, and especially on a weekend when windchill temperatures drop to 10°f/-25°c!!

When the temps are this low, the Niagara River freezes in various parts of its course through the area. These are snapshots of the lovely textures created by the waters of the Niagara, and how the ice also covers bushes and plant-life near the water also! 

Just love seeing these in the Niagara

Even twigs and branches take on another soul and appearance

This bush by the water was transformed into a huge ice monster

No need for ice cubes or swords here!

Yesterday we spent a good half hour shoveling the snow which was about a foot deep, with accumulations reaching two feet and higher. I love these sights though, and how Nature will blow and sculpt a little mountain out of sand at a beach, or in this case, out of snow around a dwelling!

A view near Goat Island. It was a very grey day, then the sun smiled!

We went hoping to see frosty trees at the Falls as in previous winters, but instead it was just the usual naked trees with light snow on the top of branches. We were disappointed but still, it's quite lovely how Nature paints a snowy winter landscape for our eyes and minds to enjoy for those brave enough to wander out.

I was delighted to see visitors at the Falls too. The weather can change and who knows what can happen between the time when travel arrangements are made, and what is really there upon arrival and while wandering around? I think those who visit from faraway lands, actually luck out because many see the Falls in summer or Autumn, but to see it in Winter is really a special treat!

After our little chilly outdoor jaunt, we return home to another "joy" of winter. The outside screen door was frozen shut and couldn't be opened! We also have discovered in previous winters that same screen door freezes during the night and we can't get out!

Now Monday, the temps are really low at 3° with a wind chill of -17°, BUT the clouds are few and a lot of blue sky can be seen, but the wind is blowing in excess of 16mph. But the best part of it is the bright warming sunlight everywhere! Yesterday while we were out the gusty winds bit through our outer wear and chilled us a lot, but we have been out in more extreme temperatures and conditions.

​Yesterday's scene at the Falls as the sky broke through. You can't see the snow
falling but it was wonderful! Snapped with my SSG S5 in pano mode ~ really!

Sunday night brought reminders from many near and from far, to not forget to look for the Wolf Eclipse! I kept thinking "see what?" since it was forecast to snow practically all day.....  but before the day ended, I put on my shoes for the last time to go out and shoot that Wolf Moon just before 11pm! I knew there was something wrong with the moon since it was due to be a full moon, and all I could see a little more than a half of the moon! It was frigid cold but I got the shot.

Not bloody red nor blue, but I saw the Wolf Moon!

It didn't turn red, but I couldn't stay
outside to see; it was freezing cold!

Remember you can click any image in any post of my blog to see it larger and beautifully displayed to enjoy!

So, this is the New Year (not impressed)

Well, not the New Year's I thought we might have, but we are still alive at least (for now). We thought Michigan was grey, windy and full of dread..... Leading up to the final day of 2018, it was quite cold and grey also in western New York (WNY), but we survived. We were able to catch a few "sunsets" but color was lacking, as known by those residing in upper attitudes during the winter. 

It's snowed a few times already, and even today/tonight it's snowed, though it seems to be little ice pellets, probably due to the high winds. Tonight the winds from the south could reach even up to 55 mph!! 

Street under the car turned white with the tiny ice pellets.
Any higher winds and we'd have golf balls instead!

Detailed snap of those ice pellets. A very nice crunchy
surface but just as slippery

We had decided to catch the double fireworks show on the final night of the old year, but cloudiness, combined with a late hour, together with a rainy chilling day in general dashed those plans. We can hear the fireworks going off even though we are just over six miles from the Falls (as the mad Hatter flies), and though it did go off on time, the midnight edition was MUCH shorter than it should have been, and I wondered if rain had a factor in making it so short-lived?

These past few days I have been going through my archives as I do every year-end, ready to close out the current main temporary storage before moving on to a new 2019 temporary spot for future image files. Considering the fireworks, I thought: what happens if we can't go to both (as happened) on the final day of the year? So, for an hour, I searched through almost all my fireworks image files for about the last two years, and made a "few" selected favorites, then readied my laptop to display on the much-bigger television flat-screen screen. As a result, we watched for about 20 minutes as my fireworks exploded upon the screen in various locations like San Francisco and various locations in WNY. 

We were both smiling, happy, warm and dry, and we didn't have to worry about the weather or the chilling temperatures outside. Plus, it was a fabulous fireworks show!!! 

Don't believe me? Look for yourself!
Click here to see First Friday 2019 fireworks over the Falls

Actually, the image link points to a picture that was taken a few days later. The winds had finally died down enough, plus no sign of rain. Actually, we were quite happy with the cool temps (in the low 20s) and lack of wind kept the cold from freezing our old bones. Here's a quick snapshot of some of the other images from that day of fire over the Falls. You can easily see the holiday decorations and trees. The tower is the Skylon Tower, which offers a fabulous view if we could ever save enough to get up into the tower for a few pictures of the view!

Click on this pix to see the image in its entirety 

Sheila and I also had a chance to see a Snowy Owl that is very close to where we live. Talking with others, it may even be one of the snowys that has been returning to the Falls area for some years now. We had the most amazing moments with this snowy, and got the most incredible images also (finally!).

These lovely birds have the most amazing eyes!

I wasn't ready for its jump, but seconds after this snap,
it flew about 15 feet right over me!!

You can view Sheila's fabulous snap of the same snowy at her foto website:
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/what-was-that-sheila-lee.html


So, how was your year-end holidays?

Now, if only there were an available flight to Spain!! As of 12 January, there are none