Sunset on WashingtonThe sun sets on Washington, D.C. Featuring the Washington skyline, the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, the Capitol, and dramatic clouds.

A couple of weeks ago, NASA had scheduled to launch a rocket from the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. I thought it might make for a nice photo to shoot the Washington, D.C., skyline with the rocket rising in the distance. Unfortunately, NASA scrubbed the launch because of high winds. However, while I was waiting around for the launch, I got some great photos of the D.C. skyline at sunset. I've found that planning is an important part of landscape photography. An equally important part is being able to adapt when your plans don't work out.

Clouds Over the Washington SkylineThe Washington skyline shortly before sunset. Featuring the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Capitol, and dramatic clouds.

Sunshine on LincolnThe sun shines a spotlight on the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., as the sun starts to set. Also featuring the Capitol and the Washington skyline.

Last Rays of Light on WashingtonThe last rays of sunlight hit the Washington Monument and the Capitol in Washington, D.C., as the sun dips below the horizon. Also featuring the Lincoln Memorial and dramatic clouds.

Spring twilight at the Tidal BasinSpring twilight at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, during the cherry blossom bloom. Featuring the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

Spring dawn at the Tidal BasinSpring dawn at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, during the cherry blossom bloom. Featuring the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

Spring sunrise at the Tidal BasinSpring sunrise at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, during the cherry blossom bloom. Featuring the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

This year, winter in Washington was long and dreary. We had lots of that hybrid rain and snow that we call “wintry mix.” It seemed like it would never end, but now it has. I cannot imagine a more dramatic end to such a winter than the arrival of cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin. It’s a truly magnificent sight. I feel so blessed to live here in Washington and to be able to experience the arrival of spring with the cherry blossoms.

Cherry blossoms at first lightCherry blossoms lit with the early morning sun. New growthA new twig with blossoms grows forth from a cherry tree.

Sitting RegallyA bald eagle sits regally on a bare branch in Washington, D.C.

I recently came across a bald eagle here in Washington, D.C. I was very excited to see it and have my camera with me! I absolutely love raptors, especially bald eagles, and I'm thrilled to have these photos!

Ruffled FeathersA bald eagle with ruffled feathers sits on a bare branch in Washington, D.C.

Sitting AlertA bald eagle sits on a bare branch in Washington, D.C.

This bald eagle wasn't the only bird I saw recently. I also came across this blue jay. We don't have a lot of blue jays here in Washington and I'm very fond of of these birds too. I feel very fortunate to get this photo.

Blue JayA northern blue jay at rest.

On the other hand, we do have lots of ducks here in Washington. Here are two mallards. I love the coloring of male mallards.

Two MallardsA male mallard duck and a female mallard duck swim in the Potomac River.

We also have lots of birds of the metallic kind, such as this jetBlue passenger airplane taking off from National Airport.

Metallic Blue BirdA Jet Blue passenger jet airplane takes off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

I had no idea that January could be such a great time to shoot birds.