Muggsy is back ... but not for long I'm afraid. I'm on Long Island right now where I have dependable and rapid cable access to the Web, but only for a few days. While upstate I was invited by a kind friend to his camp in McKeever, N.Y. near Old Forge and I spent an entire Sunday from dawn till sunset enjoying the variety of birds on his property. (Over 20 species counted). I'll be posting a series of birds I was able to capture among his Apple Tree blossoms. I hope they are enjoyed half as much as I enjoyed capturing them. What a wonderful day I had that Sunday. Thanks in advance for any comments (and I mean ANY). My apologies to all my friends for my lack of participation of late, but Upstate New York is where my heart longs to be this time of year. The Internet will have to take a back seat for now as the Wi-Fi I enjoyed upstate has become spotty at best and "dial-up" for Caedes is a nightmare. :o)

Hey it's great to have you back even it's for a little while. This is superb and I imagine that was a wonderful day for you. Have missed your fantastic work. > ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ :)sandi♪

Hey John, I was thinking about you the other day and it's fantastic to have you back even if only for a short while.
This is such a wonderful setting for this lovely colored bird.
I was in NY this weekend myself. I was around the upper Hudson Valley. I hope you are enjoying your time away. Cindy

And the Caedes community fell silent as Sir Muggsy walked into the room, went straight to the upload images board, stole a few thumb tacks and hung up his photo. Then he turned around, started to speak, but nothing came out. He then left abruptly. There was still silence in the room..when all of a sudden a clap was heard, then another and another, until the room was filled with thunderous applause. Then the Muggster returned to say "thank you so much my friends, I have missed you all so much, sorry for the short visit, I will be back soon" A camera click was heard, then a photo appeared on the big screen, it was Muggsy, with a tear in his eye, a tear of joy. Welcome back John, you have been missed...Gregg

I have to copy what Gregg has just orated mate....Nice to hear from you again..albeit if only for a short while!..

Good crisp clear post for us to savour too!...cheers mate

ohhh beautiful shot! and hey!! im glad to see you too if only briefly! you mean there is life away from a pc? :-) grin! have a fab time!

~found in voting booth and had to comment~

Jimmy dandy capture of this grosbeak!! Superb pose and colorings!!

Welcome back for this short while john, your work (and you also) has been missed very much. I'm looking forward to seeing your next images of these magnificent species of birds! Great Job!
Nick

What a great capture of such a colourful bird.

Great to see you Muggsy, and what a special photo this is - it is stunning in its colour and clarity. Looking forward to some more :)

well welcome back briefly Muggsy and glad to see new pictures from you! This one is an excellent composition - love the angle and pose of the bird!

I am way behind on my commenting. I have seen all of your postin gs and will get to them as fast as I can. This is excellent. Love the red on the breast and the blossoms. Your really doing good.
Pat

Beautiful, simply a great photo.