Up & out at 6 AM; back at 9 with lots of images. Played with the early sun lighting this one and finally went with side-lighting. But you know me, my heart was really with this dahlia - http://www.pbase.com/ed_k/image/65305908

Saw a green heron and after much experimenting got a decent shot. Think spot meter when the bright water background wants the matrix metering to underexpose the bird, Ed. Think you'd know that by now - http://www.pbase.com/ed_k/image/65305845 - Fortunately it was patient with me.