
After a long day at work, I felt the familiar pull to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature. Being on the computer all day drains me, and nothing revives my energy quite like being outdoors with my camera in hand. Today, I had one goal in mind: find and photograph a Bufflehead duck.
As I made my way to the location, something caught my eye—a hawk perched on a lamp post, surveying its surroundings like a sentinel. This time, unlike many others, there was a space for me to pull over. I grabbed the opportunity and my camera, ready to capture the moment. The hawk, aware of my presence, turned and looked directly at me. Then, almost theatrically, it began to preen, as if wanting to look its best for the lens. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself—how considerate of the beautiful creature! In that moment, I felt an electric jolt of excitement, the perfect boost to lift my spirits.


When I finally reached my intended destination, I was met with disappointment. No ducks in sight. Determined not to give up, I headed to the inner harbour of a small seaside village, hoping the Buffleheads might be lurking there. Alas, no luck.
But all was not lost. I spotted several cormorants perched by the water. The challenge today was the sky—a stark white backdrop that silhouetted the birds, coupled with the wind picking up speed.

Cormorants are often seen sitting with their wings spread out, a behavior known as "wing-drying." Unlike many other waterbirds, cormorants have less waterproofing on their feathers, which allows them to dive deeper when hunting for fish. After swimming, they spread their wings to dry them out in the sun or breeze, making it easier to take flight again. This unique pose also helps them regulate their body temperature.
Though I didn’t get the spectacular shots I had hoped for, I did capture something far more important: a sense of calm. Nature gave me exactly what I needed—a release from the tension that had built up over the day, and a quietness in my mind that only being outside can bring.
Thank goodness for nature, always there to restore balance and bring peace.
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