Sometimes, the best medicine is the shoreline—its ever-changing landscape, its wild residents, and the way it pulls me back to the present moment, even when my heart feels heavy. With my camera in hand, I ventured out on a chilly winter day, unsure of what I’d find but knowing I needed this adventure.
The tide was low, exposing rocky pools where a Greater Yellowlegs hunted for its dinner. It was mesmerizing to watch him pick through the shallow water, each step deliberate. The Greater Yellowlegs moved with such grace, each step deliberate and elegant as it searched for dinner in the shallow pools along the rocky shoreline.
These resourceful shorebirds are drawn to such areas during low tide, where the exposed pools are rich with small fish, insects, and crustaceans. Every so often, it stopped to glance at me, as if acknowledging my presence.
I quietly thanked it for its patience, allowing me to snap a few photos and capture its majestic beauty. This moment felt so special that I decided to give him a name—Yarrow Yellowlegs, a tribute to his serene and timeless presence by the shore. Look at that booty. Work it, Yarrow!
Nearby, a group of Harlequin Ducks dove gracefully into the waves, bobbing back up with whatever treasures they could find beneath the surface. Their patterned plumage seemed almost too vibrant for the grey day, but they blended so seamlessly with the rocks when they rested. It was incredible to see how their camouflage helps them disappear into their surroundings.
Harlequin Ducks depend on rocky shorelines for survival, as these areas provide the turbulent waters and abundant marine life they rely on for food. Their diet consists of crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, often found clinging to rocks beneath the waves. Photographing these diving birds can be a real challenge—they move quickly, disappearing beneath the water for long stretches before surfacing unpredictably. Their ability to blend seamlessly into the rocky surroundings, especially the more subtly colored females, makes capturing a sharp, detailed photo a test of patience and timing.
Then, I spotted a bird I’d never photographed before—a Plover! The excitement of adding a new species to my portfolio filled me with a sense of discovery that I hadn’t felt in a while. These little moments of surprise are why I keep returning to nature with my camera.
Plovers are agile, small shorebirds that thrive in rocky shorelines, where they forage for insects, crustaceans, and small invertebrates nestled among the rocks. Their quick movements and keen eyesight help them spot prey in even the most challenging terrain. Watching this particular Plover search for dinner was a delight—the sun illuminated its gorgeous coloring, bringing out the subtle earth tones and intricate patterns of its feathers. Photographing such a fast-moving bird required careful observation, but the moment it paused, bathed in sunlight, felt like pure magic.
Further along, a Great Blue Heron was hunkered down against the biting wind. He looked like such a grumpy gus, feathers puffed up in protest. I couldn’t help but imagine wrapping a sweater around him to keep him warm.
However, Great Blue Herons are remarkably resilient birds, well-adapted to withstand the cold wind and water at the water's edge. Their specialized feathers provide excellent insulation, while their long legs allow them to wade through chilly waters without losing too much body heat.
Despite the biting wind, this heron stood stoically, seemingly unbothered by the elements, a testament to its ability to thrive in harsh conditions. Watching its quiet endurance made me marvel at the strength and grace of these incredible birds.
Not far from him, a male Merganser paddled around the rocks, focused on his next meal. Male mergansers are known for their striking appearance, with their sleek black-and-white plumage and a crest of feathers on their head that gives them a punk-rock vibe. During the breeding season, they use their bold coloring and dramatic head bobs to impress potential mates. These diving ducks are expert fish hunters, using their serrated bills like a built-in fishing tool to grip slippery prey. Watching one glide gracefully through the water is always a treat!
As I moved to another stretch of shoreline, I caught sight of a majestic Double-Crested Cormorant perched on a buoy. He turned to look directly at me as I took his photo, his posture regal against the open water. These birds have such a commanding presence, as if they know they’re the kings of their domain.
Then, two birds with white-tipped tails landed on the shore in the distance. Through the zoom of my 600mm lens, I discovered they were Egbert and Harriet, a pair of resident Bald Eagles I had photographed last month. They were feeding on something near the water, and it was magical to watch them so close to their element. Their power and grace always leave me in awe.
Nearby, more cormorants huddled together on a light marker and in the distance, a small island, proving that they too find comfort in numbers. Double-Crested Cormorants are excellent divers, using their powerful webbed feet to propel themselves underwater in search of fish. Unlike most waterbirds, their feathers aren’t completely waterproof, which allows them to dive more efficiently by reducing buoyancy. However, this means they need to dry their wings after fishing—often striking a signature pose with their wings outstretched to catch the sun and wind. It's like nature's version of laundry day, and it’s always a fun sight to see!
My day ended with one more surprise—a female and male Harlequin Duck fishing among the rocks. The female, sitting perfectly still on a rock, was so well camouflaged I could hardly spot her through the lens. Even her partner’s brighter coloring blended in more than I expected. As I zoomed in to capture the details, I marveled at how nature equips them to survive.
Just as I was about to leave, my aunt pointed out a seal swimming nearby. This little one had such a curious expression, and when he turned to look right at me, I felt that electric jolt I always get when I connect with wildlife. It’s as if, for a brief moment, they see me as much as I see them.
And yet, the day wasn’t quite over. On my way home, I thought I saw an eagle perched by the shoreline on an old, broken tree. At first, I wasn’t sure if it was an eagle or just part of the tree limb, but something told me to stop and check. I pulled the car over, grabbed my camera, and looked through the lens. To my surprise, it was an eagle.
I snapped a few photos as he sat there, majestic and unbothered, surveying his domain. The sunlight glinted off his feathers as he stood watch, a sentinel over the shore. The icy wind was biting, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he felt the cold the way I did. But he didn’t seem to care. He was completely focused, watching the world go by as though he had all the time in the world. It was such an incredible moment—a reminder of the strength and resilience in the natural world.
This adventure was exactly what I needed. With my dad’s 13th death anniversary weighing heavily on me, and my mom’s loss still so fresh, I’ve been reflecting on how much has changed in their absence. Thirteen years since I lost my dad. Two since my mom passed. The grief feels as raw as if it happened yesterday, and I often wonder what they would think of how I’ve spent my time since they’ve been gone.
Often overshadowed by their more colorful male counterparts, female Ring-Necked Ducks possess a subtle beauty, with warm brown feathers and a delicate eye ring that reflect the quiet strength and grace of nature’s understated designs.
Photography has given me a sense of purpose. It’s helped me see the world through a new lens, literally and figuratively. Watching how wildlife survives—their resilience, their ability to thrive despite challenges—gives me hope. If they can make it through the harshest conditions, maybe I can find my way through this grief, too. It’s not easy, but in moments like these, surrounded by nature’s beauty, I feel a little less alone and a little more connected to the world around me.
A wonderful ode to your late parents--theyy would be very proud of you the way you have handled your grief.
The best one yet.