If I wanted to invent a flying machine, I would study your photos very carefully, because you capture the details of how birds fly.
Also, the title of these two posts, Birds on Ice, kept ringing a bell in my head for some reason. (Are you surprised to know I have bells going off in my head?) I just now realized what it was. American Airlines used to have a safety video where a rather well fed person put the emergency oxygen mask on and looked a little too much like the Muppet's Ms. Piggy. I mentioned the similarity to a flight attendant who laughed and told me they referred to it as the Pigs in Space video. Ducks on Ice, Pigs in Space. See why the bell rang?
Now I wonder if that is how I would look in an oxygen mask. Maybe I'll hold my breath for vanity's sake.
A beautiful collection of Hooded Merganser images. I’ll gladly second Clark’s remark from 8:28 AM.
I commented recently that the count of Hooded Mergansers in our small pond has dwindled rapidly of late. On my morning walk today still one pair remains. I had to wonder, “Why this pair?” Is their calculation of increasing daylight, the angle of the sun, different from the others? Illness? (They both appear healthy, speedy, alert?)
Or are they, too, influenced by Mary Oliver’s comment about casting aside facts, choosing to float a little above this difficult world.
I’m grateful for your images and words which keep me anchored to the natural world. And the present moment.
I so hope you are correct. Before you read on I want to warn that I discusses the demise of a special bird. I felt sick, heartbroken after reading an account yesterday. I don’t want to foist similar feelings on you over my account that follows. Proceed after all due deliberation.
I want to share an incident that occurred here in Tallahasse yesterday. A pair of Tundra Swans somehow made their way to a lake in the northern part of town. Word got around. Birdwatchers gathered to photograph and observe. In the midst of their gathering a hunter shot one of the swans. I’m devastated both by the loss of the amazing creature, and the horrifying actions some people are capable of. No word has been released since the first report appeared about the incident.
Closer to home here today, I saw only a female Hooded Merganser in the pond this morning. I have to hope the male was out on reconnaissance for weather reports concerning their flight path back north.
I try to maintain a sense of balance and the influence of Great Spirit in the full sweep of my life. I read John Lovie, an island dweller NW of Seattle, because of his energy and activism. He operates from the place called “Think Globally, Act Locally.” I could go on but the bigger point is that I’ve learned of so many people here on Substack each bringing their love for all living things wrapped up in ideas to benefit Nature. And in the end, each other. That’s what I need to embrace, to the exclusion of people I can’t begin to understand.
Thank you again Karen for bringing Nature right into our day filling me with peace that some things are still grounded in normalcy. Blessings right back to you.
Yes, I love the rusty colors in Photo #5! And I laughed at Mr. Merganser doing his Arnold blown-out chest pose after his bath! Male vanity for sure! :-)
I love how your wildlife photos always have such personality! They always make me smile. Their feathers are beautiful.
Thank you
Beautiful! So glad to be catching up with your letters today :)
Thank you! I’m glad I’m not the only one that gets behind on that inbox!
🤣 It happens
Beautiful… those Mergansers are amazing ❤️😍🥰👍
Thank you
Beautiful photos! I especially like the ones of the male Hooded Merganser running across the surface of the water.
Thank you
Love the group pic of the fine feathered mergansers. Somehow, I can picture them all with argyle socks under the water. They are just so natty! 😄
Lol, argyle socks. Thank you
If I wanted to invent a flying machine, I would study your photos very carefully, because you capture the details of how birds fly.
Also, the title of these two posts, Birds on Ice, kept ringing a bell in my head for some reason. (Are you surprised to know I have bells going off in my head?) I just now realized what it was. American Airlines used to have a safety video where a rather well fed person put the emergency oxygen mask on and looked a little too much like the Muppet's Ms. Piggy. I mentioned the similarity to a flight attendant who laughed and told me they referred to it as the Pigs in Space video. Ducks on Ice, Pigs in Space. See why the bell rang?
Now I wonder if that is how I would look in an oxygen mask. Maybe I'll hold my breath for vanity's sake.
This is hilarious! Thank you
A beautiful collection of Hooded Merganser images. I’ll gladly second Clark’s remark from 8:28 AM.
I commented recently that the count of Hooded Mergansers in our small pond has dwindled rapidly of late. On my morning walk today still one pair remains. I had to wonder, “Why this pair?” Is their calculation of increasing daylight, the angle of the sun, different from the others? Illness? (They both appear healthy, speedy, alert?)
Or are they, too, influenced by Mary Oliver’s comment about casting aside facts, choosing to float a little above this difficult world.
I’m grateful for your images and words which keep me anchored to the natural world. And the present moment.
Thank you. Who knows, maybe that pair claimed the pond.
I so hope you are correct. Before you read on I want to warn that I discusses the demise of a special bird. I felt sick, heartbroken after reading an account yesterday. I don’t want to foist similar feelings on you over my account that follows. Proceed after all due deliberation.
I want to share an incident that occurred here in Tallahasse yesterday. A pair of Tundra Swans somehow made their way to a lake in the northern part of town. Word got around. Birdwatchers gathered to photograph and observe. In the midst of their gathering a hunter shot one of the swans. I’m devastated both by the loss of the amazing creature, and the horrifying actions some people are capable of. No word has been released since the first report appeared about the incident.
Closer to home here today, I saw only a female Hooded Merganser in the pond this morning. I have to hope the male was out on reconnaissance for weather reports concerning their flight path back north.
Oh that is truly awful 😢
I try to maintain a sense of balance and the influence of Great Spirit in the full sweep of my life. I read John Lovie, an island dweller NW of Seattle, because of his energy and activism. He operates from the place called “Think Globally, Act Locally.” I could go on but the bigger point is that I’ve learned of so many people here on Substack each bringing their love for all living things wrapped up in ideas to benefit Nature. And in the end, each other. That’s what I need to embrace, to the exclusion of people I can’t begin to understand.
All the best.
Thank you again Karen for bringing Nature right into our day filling me with peace that some things are still grounded in normalcy. Blessings right back to you.
Thank you
Yes, I love the rusty colors in Photo #5! And I laughed at Mr. Merganser doing his Arnold blown-out chest pose after his bath! Male vanity for sure! :-)
Thank you.
You excel in your craft. Sooo impressive. National Geographic
Thank you
National Geographic should be calling you…
Or Audubon Society.