Taking a day off work to indulge in my passion for wildlife photography is always a treat, and my recent visit to Esquimalt Lagoon was no exception. The day started with a heavy heart; grief had a firm grip on me, making it hard to muster the energy to leave the comfort of my home. But I knew that immersing myself in nature would provide the solace I needed.
Armed with my Sony A6100 and 600mm lens, I arrived at the lagoon under the scorching sun. The heat was intense, limiting the time I could spend outside, but it was well worth it. As I walked along the shoreline, I was greeted by the serene sight of herons standing gracefully in the water, fishing with an air of patience that matched my own approach to photography. I captured these moments, their stillness a stark contrast to my earlier turmoil.
At Esquimalt Lagoon, the majestic bald eagles are a captivating sight, embodying both grace and power. Perched high in the trees, these iconic birds of prey survey their territory with keen eyes, their distinctive white heads and tails contrasting sharply with their dark brown bodies. With wingspans reaching up to seven feet, they effortlessly glide over the lagoon, their sharp talons ready to snatch fish from the water below. Observing these eagles in their natural habitat, whether they are soaring high above or perched majestically on a branch, offers a profound connection to nature and a reminder of the beauty and resilience of wildlife.
Then, my lens followed a brown and white hawk soaring above, its keen eyes scanning the water below. The brown and white hawks are a striking presence, embodying the wild beauty of the area. These agile predators, often seen soaring high above the lagoon, are masters of the skies. With their sharp vision and powerful wings, they scan the waters and fields below for unsuspecting prey. Their plumage, a blend of earthy browns and stark whites, provides excellent camouflage among the trees and grasses, making them elusive yet fascinating subjects for wildlife photographers.
The lagoon was teeming with life. Starlings and pigeons fluttered about, creating a symphony of bird calls. The black bird with an orange bill I saw (middle picture bottom row) was likely a Black Oystercatcher. These birds are distinctive with their dark plumage and bright orange-red bills. They are commonly found along rocky shorelines and are known for their loud, piercing calls. While the picture isn't perfect, capturing a bird in flight is always thrilling. As my wildlife photography skills improve, the images will become sharper and more detailed.
After spending the morning at the lagoon, I decided to head to the Dallas Road Coastline. Unfortunately, I arrived too late. The tide had come in, and the beach was bustling with people. The shorebirds I had hoped to photograph were nowhere to be seen. It's a reminder that in wildlife photography, success isn't guaranteed. Nature operates on its own schedule, and sometimes, we have to accept that not every outing will yield the desired results.
As the day wore on and the heat became unbearable, I made my way back to the car. Despite the challenges, the morning had been transformative. Once I captured my first shot, I felt a wave of calm wash over me. My mind, previously cluttered with grief, was now focused solely on the beauty around me. I found a moment of meditative bliss, reconnecting with nature and myself.
This day off was more than just a photography session. It was a reminder of the healing power of nature and the importance of taking time for oneself. While not every moment was picture-perfect, the experience was invaluable, reaffirming my love for wildlife photography and the peace it brings me.
What a beautiful adventure today!
Stunning!