Start of a new day, start of a new year

Well, 2014 is drawing to a close and sights are locked on our next revolution around the sun. Each morning that I'm able to experience the sunrise leaves me feeling refreshed with the anticipation of a new day, with all the stress of the prior day behind me. In some ways, this last day of year is the same. A chance to reflect on what was and to look forward to what will be. I chose this image from the summit of Mount Cadillac in Acadia National Park as one of my favorite photographs of the year. For me, it embodies that invigorating feeling of the cool morning air and warm first rays of sunshine awakening my senses and nourishing my soul at the dawn of a new day.

I wish all of my followers a happy, healthy, and productive new year -- with as many inspiring moments spent in golden light as you can handle!

Sanderling stretching in evening light, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

I've been back to Parker River NWR a few times since this October evening with the hopes of having a chance to experience something like this again. Any time spent with a flock of friendly sandpipers is a win in my book, but this particular evening was really special with the colorful reflections of an evening sky.

View more photographs of sanderlings

Barred owl in the forest at sunset, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

I saw a small flock of shorebirds near beach #6 on an otherwise quiet afternoon trip to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. But as I was working my way back up the island I came across a cluster of photographers gathered along the side of the road. As I slowly approached it was easy to see why such a gathering had formed, this beautiful barred owl was perched in clear view at the edge of the forest.

View more photographs of owls and other birds of prey.

Island in a sea of fog, Mount Tamalpais State Park

I've previously written about my experience of chasing the sunset above the marine layer on my summer trip to California this year. It was a spectacular experience, and something I wish I had taken the time to do more often back when Mt. Tam used to be visible outside our kitchen window! I took a variety of images from the few pullouts I had time to stop at that day, and I think maybe this one is my favorite. I strongly considered it for my Favorite Photographs of 2014 post, but ultimately it was just outside my top ten.

View more landscape photographs from Marin County, California.

Sanderling flaps it's wings, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

This sanderling put on quite a show while I shared the beach with its flock in October. It was great to watch it splash and clean its feathers, and it finished by standing tall and flapping its wings. I really like this image and had a hard time leaving it out of my top ten Favorite Photographs of 2014. I consider it an honorable mention, but I personally preferred the flying water droplets and splashing action of some other images from this series.