I'm busy figuring out what I need to pack for my flight out of Seattle to the east coast tomorrow night. When I think of packing, my mind goes to the really important things - gadgets, music, camera accessories. Of course I'll make sure I have something to wear, it's just not a priority. What I need to do is collect the two iPod's, charge them, fill them with fresh music and make sure they are in the pile of things not to be forgotten. I have had an iPod save my sanity more than once on a flight with a screaming child, annoying nearby passengers, etc. It's a long flight. I think it's much better than earplugs because it not only blocks out noise, it adds a pleasing sound to drown out anything that could slip past the earplugs. While it's fine to plug earbuds into the jack on the jet seat, I have found that it scares the hell out of me when the pilot suddenly comes on at a really jacked up volume to say something. I just can't stand to be intermittently startled like that. It would be different if it were a constant volume, but it isn't. I am glad that I'm taking JetBlue because it's a long flight and I have found them to be a nice ride and you aren't totally crammed in like sardines. As it stands now, it would appear that I have only one other person in my row with a seat empty between us. It's the emergency exit row, so there is extra legroom and the "potential" for sleep. I think I have fallen asleep on a jet once briefly in my life, so I'm not really counting on this time being any different. I am usually awake all night and then I stay awake all day when I arrive on the east coast, in hopes of attempting to go to sleep at a reasonable hour to acclimate to east coast time. This never works, but in theory, it seems like a good idea.
It's possible that I will actually get some sleep on this trip because I am going sailing for a few days with my parents on their sailboat. it's possible that the rocking of the boat combined with the sound of the water might help. We are hoping to sail to the eastern shore of Virginia to an area that has abundant wildlife. We have planned that trip three times now and we've never been able to make it happen. Twice we have had weather problems and on my last visit, my mother was diagnosed with cancer, I was sick, and the weather was horrendous. It was sort of the non-sailing trifecta. We did manage to get a couple of day sails in the last two days I was there and it was lovely. We saw a ton of dolphins and plenty of Brown Pelicans among other things.
The place where my parents live is on the water and it's teeming with wildlife. The water is calm enough back there that I have taken my camera out on the kayak a few times, although I'm not convinced that's a good idea. The lure of some shot or chance encounter is what has caused me to do it twice. On one of those occasions I got a shot that I really liked. It was of an elusive Green Heron that had been appearing in the form of a glimpse here or there for the length of my visit. I finally got one shot of it as the last light of day was draining from the sky. It was a nice way to end my visit last May.
This time when I arrive, I will be looking for a copy of Chesapeake Bay Magazine. It hit the newsstand the end of last week and has three of my photos in it this month. Last Fall when my mom was undergoing cancer treatment, she called me and said they were having a photo contest and she really wanted me to enter. I read over the rules and sent five shots. They chose three. It was pretty neat. They chose a sunset shot, a Brown Pelican shot, and a shot of some dolphins. I could only enter shots that I had taken on Chesapeake Bay or its tributaries, so that seriously limited my options. It wound up being a good thing because I learned a lot of things that I need to know about publication resolutions and requirements. Even if they hadn't chosen any of my photos, it was still a good learning experience. Placing twice and receiving an honorable mention was icing on the cake.
Providing I don't get swine flu, I'm looking forward to a great visit this time. Mom just had a CT and MRI and she is good to go for the next three months, so we won't feel like we have this awful thing breathing down our necks the whole time. It's a very welcome relief!
I'm going to go back to figuring out what needs to come with me. I'm also trying to figure out if I can slip out in the morning with my camera for a bit before I really need to get serious about preparing to leave. I saw something today that I'd like to photograph but the conditions weren't good for me to catch it today. Maybe in the morning....
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
The Long-billed Dowitcher
Late Thursday afternoon when the sun made its appearance, I swung by the Union Bay Natural Area to take a look around and see what was going on. I headed down Wahkiakum Lane towards Shoveler's Pond and I could hear the swallows before I saw them. They were sort of swirling above the water and I felt like I could actually see the wind. I always feel like that when I see groups of swallows and pause to watch them. I know what the wind is doing by watching their flight patterns and those patterns dictate where I plant myself when I'm going to attempt to photograph them in flight. It can be a dizzying experience to try to catch them in the act. I stand and watch them to get a feel for the rhythm of their movements and flight paths. While they have similar flights and swoops, the individual birds have a lot of variation in the patterns they prefer to fly. Some seem fond of the long figure eight pattern while others seem to fly a simple loop pattern. I noticed at least one bird that reminded me of flying S patterns while taking flying lessons. I panned and zoomed, making adjustments to my shutter speed, aperture, and focus points, pretending that I could actually do something to make those shots possible. I know that the shots aren't IMPOSSIBLE because I've gotten them before, however, it has proven to be one of the more difficult shots to capture. I'm always looking for a better shot or something that really connects with me. I can't describe it, I only know that I know it when I see it.
After getting dizzy on the swallows for a bit, I continued over towards the main pond to see what was going on over there. A Killdeer complained and protested as I passed by on the path on the way to the pond. Generally speaking, if I even LOOK at one of the Killdeer, they will begin to rattle and trill and act as if I'm the most dangerous thing they've seen in a long time. The reality is, they complain about just about everything, and I actually think of them as tattle tails. They sound their alarms and oftentimes scare away birds that I'm hoping to photograph. It's been my experience that American Robins do the same thing.
It was fairly quiet at the main pond and as I scanned the shore on the opposite side, my eyes were drawn to movement at the water's edge. At first glance I knew it was a Dowitcher, although I wasn't certain which kind from that far way. I headed towards the path that leads to the opposite shore in hopes of getting some shots of the Dowitcher. I walked softly as I made my way around the pond and didn't make any sudden movements. Body language seems to be one of the biggest factors when photographing wild animals. Some animals are very spooky and won't let you get anywhere near them. Others can be approached fairly easily and you can get as many shots as you'd like. It isn't all about my body language, although that plays a role as well. I read their body language and quickly understand whether there is a chance or not. The whole process requires an endless supply of patience. Some days I have it and others I don't. When I saw the Dowitcher, I knew that I had to get it right or that there may not be a second opportunity. There was only one bird and I rarely ever see them. Another Killdeer began complaining as I made my way closer and I stopped until it ceased vocalizing. By this time the Dowitcher was aware of my presence and it was watching me very closely. I don't think that the bird was spooky by nature, but I do think it was in a spooky mood because of how uptight the Killdeer was. I aimed and took a quick shot in case I wouldn't get another opportunity. I knew that it was too far away to be a really great shot but it was better than nothing. The Killdeer decided that I had committed a Capital Offense and vocalized as it took flight towards the other side of the pond. The Dowitcher decided to do the same thing and I figured it wasn't going to work out. Just in case, I went over and crouched behind some vegetation that only partially obscured me and hoped for the best. Within a couple of minutes, the Dowitcher flew back over and landed near the water's edge. It stood staring at me for a long time. I remained completely still aside from blinking and watched for signs that the bird might relax a little. I felt like we were having a staring contest or something. After what seemed like an eternity, the Dowitcher began foraging in the soft mud at the edge of the pond. I remained still as it glanced in my direction frequently. I made sure that my lens was up and ready before the bird ever came over and landed because I knew that raising it afterwards would spook the bird yet again. I moved the lens slowly, bringing the bird into frame and focused. It was a beautiful bird. I watched as it moved a little closer and when I thought it might not get any closer, I took the shot and waited for the response to the shutter release. The Dowitcher didn't seem phased by the sound, opening the door for more opportunities. Just to test my patience, some Tree Swallows flew slowly overhead. I could visibly SEE the shots that I had been attempting to capture earlier slip away. I told myself to stay with the Dowitcher and that the swallows would be there all the time. I had been crouching for a very long time and my knees began to throb and I was losing circulation to my feet. I began shifting my weight and attempting to make things better without standing up and scaring the bird away. Every time I shifted my weight, the Dowitcher would stop what it was doing and look at me. I exhaled and knew that I couldn't stay like that much longer. Visions of blood clots and pulmonary embolisms started to come to mind. Really, I was just looking for a good reason to stand up. The Dowitcher never did come quite close enough for a really great shot, but I was able to get a few that I liked and it was going to have to do. When I finally did stand up, I had to rest my hand on a stake in front of me in order to straighten my legs. Pain shot through my knees and walking was entirely out of the question for a short period of time. I stood there feeling the blood returning to my feet and I wasn't exactly savoring the pins and needles sensation that accompanied the process. When I stood, the Dowitcher took off as I had anticipated, flying in a large loop over the pond. It flew over and landed on the other side and I decided to move on. My knees were shot anyway and I didn't think that I was going to have any better luck on the other side.
Was it worth it? It's debatable. Today I required advil for the knees and I didn't really have any eye popping shots of the Dowitcher. At least I tried.
Today I went back over there for a bit in the afternoon to see what was going on. I accomplished a few things in the process I suppose. I got sunburned, came in contact with some plant or tree that I am allergic to and I didn't do anything that would help the plight of my knees. I did get a few nice Spotted Towhee shots on my way out though, so it's all good.
I guess I need to get some SPF 85 and hope for the best. As for the allergic reaction - there really isn't anything to be done about that. I took benedryl and I'll just have to ride it out. I don't know what planet I was meant to live on, but it's clearly not this one. I have far more sensitivities than I can count. I don't allow it to keep me from doing the things that I love and I suppose that's as good as it gets.
After getting dizzy on the swallows for a bit, I continued over towards the main pond to see what was going on over there. A Killdeer complained and protested as I passed by on the path on the way to the pond. Generally speaking, if I even LOOK at one of the Killdeer, they will begin to rattle and trill and act as if I'm the most dangerous thing they've seen in a long time. The reality is, they complain about just about everything, and I actually think of them as tattle tails. They sound their alarms and oftentimes scare away birds that I'm hoping to photograph. It's been my experience that American Robins do the same thing.
It was fairly quiet at the main pond and as I scanned the shore on the opposite side, my eyes were drawn to movement at the water's edge. At first glance I knew it was a Dowitcher, although I wasn't certain which kind from that far way. I headed towards the path that leads to the opposite shore in hopes of getting some shots of the Dowitcher. I walked softly as I made my way around the pond and didn't make any sudden movements. Body language seems to be one of the biggest factors when photographing wild animals. Some animals are very spooky and won't let you get anywhere near them. Others can be approached fairly easily and you can get as many shots as you'd like. It isn't all about my body language, although that plays a role as well. I read their body language and quickly understand whether there is a chance or not. The whole process requires an endless supply of patience. Some days I have it and others I don't. When I saw the Dowitcher, I knew that I had to get it right or that there may not be a second opportunity. There was only one bird and I rarely ever see them. Another Killdeer began complaining as I made my way closer and I stopped until it ceased vocalizing. By this time the Dowitcher was aware of my presence and it was watching me very closely. I don't think that the bird was spooky by nature, but I do think it was in a spooky mood because of how uptight the Killdeer was. I aimed and took a quick shot in case I wouldn't get another opportunity. I knew that it was too far away to be a really great shot but it was better than nothing. The Killdeer decided that I had committed a Capital Offense and vocalized as it took flight towards the other side of the pond. The Dowitcher decided to do the same thing and I figured it wasn't going to work out. Just in case, I went over and crouched behind some vegetation that only partially obscured me and hoped for the best. Within a couple of minutes, the Dowitcher flew back over and landed near the water's edge. It stood staring at me for a long time. I remained completely still aside from blinking and watched for signs that the bird might relax a little. I felt like we were having a staring contest or something. After what seemed like an eternity, the Dowitcher began foraging in the soft mud at the edge of the pond. I remained still as it glanced in my direction frequently. I made sure that my lens was up and ready before the bird ever came over and landed because I knew that raising it afterwards would spook the bird yet again. I moved the lens slowly, bringing the bird into frame and focused. It was a beautiful bird. I watched as it moved a little closer and when I thought it might not get any closer, I took the shot and waited for the response to the shutter release. The Dowitcher didn't seem phased by the sound, opening the door for more opportunities. Just to test my patience, some Tree Swallows flew slowly overhead. I could visibly SEE the shots that I had been attempting to capture earlier slip away. I told myself to stay with the Dowitcher and that the swallows would be there all the time. I had been crouching for a very long time and my knees began to throb and I was losing circulation to my feet. I began shifting my weight and attempting to make things better without standing up and scaring the bird away. Every time I shifted my weight, the Dowitcher would stop what it was doing and look at me. I exhaled and knew that I couldn't stay like that much longer. Visions of blood clots and pulmonary embolisms started to come to mind. Really, I was just looking for a good reason to stand up. The Dowitcher never did come quite close enough for a really great shot, but I was able to get a few that I liked and it was going to have to do. When I finally did stand up, I had to rest my hand on a stake in front of me in order to straighten my legs. Pain shot through my knees and walking was entirely out of the question for a short period of time. I stood there feeling the blood returning to my feet and I wasn't exactly savoring the pins and needles sensation that accompanied the process. When I stood, the Dowitcher took off as I had anticipated, flying in a large loop over the pond. It flew over and landed on the other side and I decided to move on. My knees were shot anyway and I didn't think that I was going to have any better luck on the other side.
Was it worth it? It's debatable. Today I required advil for the knees and I didn't really have any eye popping shots of the Dowitcher. At least I tried.
Today I went back over there for a bit in the afternoon to see what was going on. I accomplished a few things in the process I suppose. I got sunburned, came in contact with some plant or tree that I am allergic to and I didn't do anything that would help the plight of my knees. I did get a few nice Spotted Towhee shots on my way out though, so it's all good.
I guess I need to get some SPF 85 and hope for the best. As for the allergic reaction - there really isn't anything to be done about that. I took benedryl and I'll just have to ride it out. I don't know what planet I was meant to live on, but it's clearly not this one. I have far more sensitivities than I can count. I don't allow it to keep me from doing the things that I love and I suppose that's as good as it gets.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sunny weekends are for the birds...
I've noticed something this Spring in Seattle that doesn't entirely delight me. It's this pattern of crappy weather during the week and beautiful days on the weekend. I realize that I'm in the minority regarding this issue but that doesn't change the way I feel about it one bit.
After many consecutive days of rain, wind, and low clouds, the skies opened up and the sun was shining in Seattle. As a photographer, you would think that this would be great news. Not so fast. I swear Seattle's population quadruples when the sun comes out. I really don't know where all of these people come from, but they come, and they come in droves. They come with children in tow and sometimes they are towing the children in wagons or strollers. Sometimes there is a dog in the mix to keep things interesting. They march across every inch of open space surrounding all bodies of water in the city. You can walk through a nasty mud bog where you are scratched by blackberries and surrounded by bugs thinking that you will find a private part of the woods that you can sort of claim for yourself for a moment in time. Not going to happen. You will arrive covered in mud and scratches only to find out that people are already in that spot. You can tuck yourself away behind a log by the water's edge and wait for wildlife to show up for a photo op. The next thing you know, some hippie will be sitting on that log singing kumbaya and playing a picolo. Laugh all you want, I've got photos to prove it. Okay, so it wasn't a picolo. It was a mandolin. You get the idea.
At one point under the trees in Magnuson Park, I spotted a Bewick's Wren singing. For a brief moment I thought that my luck was changing. I locked onto the wren with my lens, seeing what would make for a lovely shot. I was about to release the shutter when what looked to be a 4 year old came barreling down the trail. Just for a split second, the wren and I both spooked and it felt like we were looking at each other trying to figure out where to go. After experiencing similar scenes on the various trails, I decided to bag it for the day and that I would surrender and go home. On my way out I saw a Spotted Towhee but I had already put my lens cap on and turned my camera off. I glanced over at the towhee and said, "good luck! I'd go get under those blackberries if I were you". I don't think the towhee knew what I had said, but it did disappear beneath the blackberries.
Today is supposed to be another beautiful day. If I go out at sunrise, I'm likely to have a much better time of it. Since that is in about five hours, I'm not sure it's really going to happen. I guess time will tell. When I saw the extended forecast on the news, it suggested that the weather during the week would be less than stellar. I can see that I'm going to have to go and photograph raindrops on flowers or something. I'm sure I can capture a lovely raindrop on flower shot, I'd just rather have the bird.
After many consecutive days of rain, wind, and low clouds, the skies opened up and the sun was shining in Seattle. As a photographer, you would think that this would be great news. Not so fast. I swear Seattle's population quadruples when the sun comes out. I really don't know where all of these people come from, but they come, and they come in droves. They come with children in tow and sometimes they are towing the children in wagons or strollers. Sometimes there is a dog in the mix to keep things interesting. They march across every inch of open space surrounding all bodies of water in the city. You can walk through a nasty mud bog where you are scratched by blackberries and surrounded by bugs thinking that you will find a private part of the woods that you can sort of claim for yourself for a moment in time. Not going to happen. You will arrive covered in mud and scratches only to find out that people are already in that spot. You can tuck yourself away behind a log by the water's edge and wait for wildlife to show up for a photo op. The next thing you know, some hippie will be sitting on that log singing kumbaya and playing a picolo. Laugh all you want, I've got photos to prove it. Okay, so it wasn't a picolo. It was a mandolin. You get the idea.
At one point under the trees in Magnuson Park, I spotted a Bewick's Wren singing. For a brief moment I thought that my luck was changing. I locked onto the wren with my lens, seeing what would make for a lovely shot. I was about to release the shutter when what looked to be a 4 year old came barreling down the trail. Just for a split second, the wren and I both spooked and it felt like we were looking at each other trying to figure out where to go. After experiencing similar scenes on the various trails, I decided to bag it for the day and that I would surrender and go home. On my way out I saw a Spotted Towhee but I had already put my lens cap on and turned my camera off. I glanced over at the towhee and said, "good luck! I'd go get under those blackberries if I were you". I don't think the towhee knew what I had said, but it did disappear beneath the blackberries.
Today is supposed to be another beautiful day. If I go out at sunrise, I'm likely to have a much better time of it. Since that is in about five hours, I'm not sure it's really going to happen. I guess time will tell. When I saw the extended forecast on the news, it suggested that the weather during the week would be less than stellar. I can see that I'm going to have to go and photograph raindrops on flowers or something. I'm sure I can capture a lovely raindrop on flower shot, I'd just rather have the bird.
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