In Pursuit of Wildlife: A Day of Surprises and Serenity - Nov 30, 2024

Before the sun peeked over the horizon, I embarked on a quest to photograph the elusive surf scoter duck. A fellow photographer had tipped me off to a promising location, but as the light rose, so did the reality: no ducks. In fact, no birds at all. Determined not to let the quiet morning dampen my spirit, I explored several places before hearing the fishing cry of a kingfisher at an inlet.

A kingfisher's call before fishing serves as both a territorial announcement and a form of communication. The sharp, high-pitched cries often signal their presence to other birds, asserting their claim to a fishing spot. The behavior may also help the kingfisher focus by creating a rhythm before it dives, especially in environments where sound cues can help pinpoint prey movements. Can you see him in the photos?

Then, to my astonishment, I spotted a green-winged teal—my first-ever sighting! The Green-winged Teal, one of the smallest dabbling ducks, is known for its striking green wing patches and versatility in habitat choice. They often frequent shallow wetlands, marshes, and estuaries, where they feed on seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates. Spotting one in an inlet alongside mergansers is not unusual, as both species are drawn to areas rich in food and sheltered water. While mergansers are diving ducks that hunt fish, the teal's dabbling feeding style avoids competition, allowing them to coexist peacefully in such environments. Their presence in the inlet highlights the area's diverse ecosystem.

With that unexpected delight, I decided to chase the sunrise into a charming seaside town. As the vibrant hues of the morning painted the sky, I was greeted by common cormorants basking in the wind and sunlight. Their silhouettes against the glowing horizon were captivating.

"Watching wildlife bask in the glow of the morning sunrise is a gentle reminder to embrace the present moment—nature's quiet way of teaching us the art of stillness and gratitude."

Common cormorants perch on pier pilings to dry their wings, rest, and survey their surroundings. Unlike many water birds, their feathers are not fully waterproof, allowing them to dive efficiently for fish but requiring them to air-dry after feeding. The elevated vantage point also provides safety from predators and a strategic lookout for spotting prey in the water below. These pilings offer the perfect combination of utility and visibility for these skilled divers.

Then, an adorable surprise—a harbor seal snoozing upright in the water! Her serene smile and calm demeanor, even amidst curious onlookers, reminded me of the simple joy of being present. As the wind rippled across the water and the sunlight danced on the waves, I found myself enchanted by the peacefulness she exuded. What could she be dreaming of, I wondered, with that contented smile on her face? Was she reliving the joy of chasing fish through the currents, or perhaps imagining the weightless, gentle swaying of the ocean's embrace? Maybe she was simply basking in the warmth of the morning sun, perfectly in tune with the rhythm of her watery home.

Watching her, I felt a profound sense of calm, as if her serenity was quietly reminding me to slow down, to appreciate the simple beauty of the moment, and to find peace in the stillness. Nearby, her mother swam gracefully, occasionally glancing her way as if to ensure her little one was safe.

The connection between her and her mother was also a quiet marvel to observe—a bond of care and watchfulness that added another layer of warmth to the scene. It was a tender reminder of the interconnectedness in nature, where every creature finds its place and purpose, thriving in harmony with its surroundings.

Refocusing on the cormorants, I admired how they stood unfazed by the brisk wind, perfectly positioned to enjoy the sunrise.

Even the seagulls perched among them seemed to join in this peaceful moment. Watching them all, I couldn’t help but think: we could learn so much from wildlife about savoring the beauty around us.

After a much-needed coffee break to thaw from the cold wind, I ventured to a favorite spot—the lagoon estuary. As I crossed the bridge, I spotted another kingfisher perched right on the bridge’s edge! My excitement soared. Though it darted off too quickly for a photo, I wasn’t giving up. I parked and followed its familiar cry, weaving under and over the bridge. When he stopped to survey his world on a telephone line, I was able to snap a photo before he took off again. I followed him over the bridge. I had to get a portrait. I was determined.

As I watched from a distance, the kingfisher perched on a mossy tree, its keen eyes scanning the waters below. From this elevated vantage point, it seemed to command its territory with quiet authority, ever watchful for any movement in the water. The moss that clung to the branches provided the perfect camouflage, blending the bird seamlessly with its surroundings. I marveled at the stillness, wondering if the kingfisher was silently plotting its next dive or simply taking in the peace of its domain. There was something so graceful about how it surveyed its world—patient, focused, and completely in tune with the rhythm of nature.

Just as I caught my breath, a bald eagle announced itself with a powerful squawk. My excitement reached a crescendo as I watched the majestic bird soar in a graceful arc, then return to its perch. Moments like this make me feel alive—my little happy dance probably gave that away to anyone nearby!

"Perched high above the lagoon, the bald eagle surveyed its world with an air of majesty. I couldn’t help but wonder what thoughts filled its mind—was it scanning for prey, reveling in its dominion, or simply lost in the beauty of the windswept estuary below?"

Continuing my journey, I ventured closer to the water, where ducks and shorebirds were feeding. I nestled between bushes, patiently waiting at eye level. My patience was rewarded as the ducks, sensing no threat, returned to their activities. I captured intimate portraits of a Canada goose stretching its wings and another surveying its surroundings. The harmony among mallards, geese, dunlins, and wigeons was mesmerizing.

Did You Know? Geese are known for their adaptability and often share habitats like lagoons with a variety of other birds. Unlike more territorial species, geese typically coexist peacefully, feeding on aquatic plants and grasses without competing directly with diving ducks, shorebirds, or wading birds. Their harmonious presence highlights the intricate balance of ecosystems, where different species thrive by finding their own niche.

A pair of crows caught my attention next, playing and snuggling on the bank, their iridescent feathers glistening in the overcast light. As I watched the pair of crows on the bank, their bond was undeniable. They stayed close to each other, gently rubbing their feathers together and communicating in quiet squawks that seemed almost conversational. Their behavior was tender, almost affectionate, and I couldn’t help but wonder what they were thinking. Were they reaffirming their bond, sharing a private moment of connection, or simply enjoying the comfort of each other’s presence? Observing them, I felt a deep appreciation for the complexity of their relationships and the subtle ways wildlife expresses care and loyalty.

Then came the American wigeon, its coloring as stunning as ever. As I watched the American wigeons preening and glancing around, their movements were calm and deliberate, as if they had all the time in the world.

One fluffed its feathers while another surveyed the water with quiet curiosity. I sat there, mesmerized, wondering what they might be thinking. Were they contemplating their next meal, alert to subtle changes in their surroundings, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the lagoon? Their peaceful presence invited me to slow down and observe the world as they did—with patience and purpose.

And finally, the highlight of the estuary: dunlins feeding along the bank with their signature rapid movements. The dunlins darted along the shoreline of the lagoon, their tiny bodies moving in unison as they probed the soft mud for food. Their quick, rhythmic movements created a lively energy against the stillness of the water. Watching them feed, I marveled at their precision and determination, a reminder of how even the smallest creatures play an essential role in the ecosystem. Their presence added a touch of charm and vitality to the tranquil scene.

Among them, a solitary black turnstone caught my eye. As I watched the black turnstone foraging in the lagoon, I couldn’t help but marvel at its unexpected presence. Typically a shorebird of rocky coastlines, it seemed out of place among the mudflats and marshy edges. Yet, there it was, diligently searching for food among the ducks, geese, and dunlins. Perhaps the lagoon offered a temporary refuge or a rich feeding ground it couldn’t resist. Its adaptability and determination were fascinating to witness, a reminder of how wildlife can surprise us by venturing beyond their usual habitats when conditions are just right.

With memory cards full, I made my way home. But the wildlife had one last gift for me—a Cooper’s hawk perched in a sparse tree. Carefully, I approached and captured its watchful gaze. After a few shots, I thanked the hawk aloud for its time. It looked at me briefly, as if acknowledging my gratitude, then resumed its vigil.

This adventure reminded me of the profound harmony in the natural world. Wildlife lives among us, quietly coexisting and finding joy in the simple rhythm of life. Today was more than just a day of birding—it was a journey of connection, peace, and a reminder to savor the magic in the everyday.

"Spending a day immersed in nature, capturing the beauty of wildlife through my lens, feels like a symphony for my soul—each moment of connection, each snap of the shutter, a note in the melody that restores my spirit and makes my heart sing."