My latest photography adventure began with a plan: capture the magic of shorebirds at sunrise. I envisioned a serene morning with the golden light of dawn reflecting on calm waters and birds dotting the shoreline. The sunrise delivered, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. But my first two chosen spots? Almost a complete bust. I managed to get a few snapshots off of two seals in the cove. There was actually six all together but only these two came up enough for me to grab some quick shots.
Seals are masterful swimmers and can often be seen lounging on rocks or gliding through coastal waters. These marine mammals are incredibly adaptable, using their streamlined bodies and powerful flippers to navigate the ocean in search of fish and squid. With their curious nature and endearing expressions, seals often capture the hearts of wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Undeterred, I moved on to a familiar lagoon where I could count on finding birds. But I didn’t want the same old shots. How could I approach a place I know so well with fresh eyes? I decided to focus on close-up portraits, showcasing the personality of the birds. Instead of capturing entire scenes, I wanted to tell a story with each bird’s unique expressions and traits.
Then came my first surprise of the day—a brand-new species for my bird list: the Surf Scoter. Oh my word!!!
These striking birds, with their bold black-and-white plumage, vibrant orange bills, and crystal blue eyes, instantly captivated me. My aunt spotted them first on the ocean side of the lagoon, where they were bobbing in the waves. I wasn’t optimistic about getting clear pictures—wind and rain aren’t a photographer’s best friends—but I gave it my best shot. The results? Not only did I manage to capture two Surf Scoters, but I also snagged a few shots of a Grebe! Surf Scoters are striking sea ducks often spotted in coastal waters. Their name comes from their preference for feeding in the surf zone, where they dive beneath the waves to forage for mollusks, crustaceans, and other marine life.
The Scoters, Merganser and Horned Grebe were hanging out together, fishing, enjoying their lives, and occasionally glancing my way. I wasn’t sure if they could even see me from that distance, but it didn’t matter. They seemed unbothered by my appearance on the beach.
The Horned Grebe, a small waterbird with striking red eyes and unique breeding plumage, is named for the "horn-like" golden tufts that extend behind their eyes during the breeding season. These adept divers can often be seen in sheltered coastal waters or inland lakes, where they feed on small fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Electricity coursed through me as I clicked the shutter. I couldn’t help but do my happy dance—a quick little booty shake. I was beyond thrilled. Even if the day had ended right there, it would have been a success.
Inspired by this newfound joy, I doubled down on my portrait challenge, embracing an open mind. Were some of the ducks ones I had photographed before? Sure. But this time, I looked at them differently, zeroing in on their individuality. Ducks like American Wigeons and Pintails were abundant, and I chose a few to focus on, aiming to capture their unique beauty.
Did You Know?
Male and female American Wigeons are easy to tell apart, thanks to their distinct coloring. Males have a striking white crown that gives them the nickname "baldpate," along with a green patch that extends from their eyes to the back of their heads. Females, on the other hand, are more subdued with warm brown tones and a grayish head, providing excellent camouflage. Despite their differences, both sexes share a soft, whistling call that's often heard before they're seen!
What struck me was how each duck seemed to have its own personality. Despite their similar coloring, no two were truly alike. It almost felt as though they knew I was photographing them—they’d throw me side-eye glances or little smirks, as if saying, “Make sure you get my good side!” It made me chuckle, adding a playful note to my day.
The grand finale? Trying to capture the elegance of a Pintail duck landing in the water. The photos turned out better than I expected, with splashes of water and outstretched wings creating dynamic, story-filled frames.
As the pintail descended, its wings stretched wide and feet skimmed the water's surface, it was a moment of pure grace. The ripples it left behind seemed to echo the elegance of its landing—a fleeting dance that perfectly captured nature's quiet beauty.
Successful touchdown!
Just when I thought the day couldn’t get better, I spotted movement on the lagoon side: a river otter! Watching this agile creature dive and resurface was magical. While I didn’t catch him with the sea urchin he’d been munching on, I managed to capture a few shots of his head above the water. Moments like these remind me why I’m out here in the first place.
Wildlife photography—especially in winter—is no easy feat. Birds migrate, weather conditions can be harsh, and wildlife can be elusive. But persistence always pays off. The rewards of witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat far outweigh the challenges.
This adventure reaffirmed my purpose: to showcase the incredible beauty of wildlife, inspiring others to protect and cherish it. Over the next few days, I’ll share a series of blogs highlighting the other birds I photographed that day. Each one deserves its moment to shine.
For now, I’ll leave you with this thought:
Even on days when the weather isn’t perfect, or the birds seem scarce, nature always has a way of surprising us. We just need to be present, patient, and open to seeing the familiar in new and extraordinary ways.
Very dramatic up close
As they say,the early bird gets the worm,and you got a lot more--congratulations!
V E R Y well done.