There’s nothing quite like braving the elements in search of wildlife. After a long day at work, with a 100km/hr cyclone barreling my way, I grabbed my camera and set out to chase the elusive Bufflehead duck. Some might call it madness, but I like to think of it as passion—okay, maybe a little madness too.
My first stop was a local marina. It wasn’t hard to find the Buffleheads—they were there, bobbing in the waves like tiny feathered buoys. Unfortunately, the waves seemed to have a personal vendetta against me getting a clear shot. The ducks were so far out, and the lighting so dim, that it was impossible to capture the crisp portraits I had hoped for. And, of course, as if on cue, they turned their backs on me. Why do birds do this? It’s like they know we’re trying to photograph them and decide, “Nope, here’s my best side—my butt!”
"In the heart of every storm lies a chance to chase your passion; as a wildlife photographer, it's not about waiting for perfect weather but braving the chaos to find the beauty that endures."
Not one to give up, I wandered farther down the marina, scanning the water for a closer Bufflehead. Instead, I came across a grebe diving enthusiastically for its dinner. Watching it resurface again and again reminded me of the incredible resilience of wildlife, even in the face of chaos.
Grebes are exceptional divers, using their streamlined bodies and powerful legs to propel themselves underwater in search of food. Their frequent dives are a necessity—they hunt for small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans, which make up the bulk of their diet. Grebes can stay submerged for up to 30 seconds, skillfully navigating beneath the surface to catch their prey. Watching a grebe dive repeatedly is a glimpse into its adaptability and determination to survive, even in challenging conditions like stormy waters.
Still, time was slipping away, and with the light fading fast, I pressed on. Then came the jackpot moment—a Kingfisher perched on a rock! These birds are notoriously tricky to photograph, so spotting one felt like a victory. Whoooohoooo! I snapped away, thrilled to capture this vibrant, elusive little hunter. Kingfishers are master hunters, and their perch on a rock overlooking the crashing waves serves as the perfect vantage point. From there, they can keenly observe the water for small fish or crustaceans stirred up by the churning shoreline. Kingfishers are patient and calculated, using their sharp eyesight to assess the best moment to dive for a meal. Perching on a stable rock gives them a break between flights and a clear line of sight to scout their next catch, even amidst the chaos of a stormy sea.
As I moved along the shoreline, I spotted a group of Mergansers. Their stunning colors had me itching to get closer, but they weren’t having it. Each step I took seemed to send them farther out to sea. Why must wildlife tease us like this? Don’t they know they’re supposed to pose majestically?
Just as I was about to pack it in, nature delivered a little gift. An entire rock by the shoreline was packed with Greater Yellowlegs! One of my favorite birds, their presence reminded me of my aunt, who had wonderfully long legs of her own. (Sorry, Auntie, you know it’s true!)
The Greater Yellowlegs' small body, long bill, and bright yellow legs are all adaptations perfectly suited to their lifestyle. Their slender, compact bodies make them agile waders, able to navigate shallow waters with ease. Their long, slightly upturned bills are ideal for foraging—whether probing the mud for insects, snatching small fish, or capturing crustaceans. The striking yellow of their legs not only gives them their name but also serves a functional purpose: the coloration may help them blend into the dappled sunlight and water reflections of their shoreline habitats, offering camouflage from predators. Together, these features make the Greater Yellowlegs an efficient and graceful inhabitant of the shore.
Greater Yellowlegs are remarkably adapted to their watery habitats, showing little concern for cold temperatures. Their legs are covered in specialized scales that minimize heat loss, allowing them to wade and stand in chilly shoreline waters without discomfort.
As if the scene couldn’t get any better, a Killdeer swooped in to join the party. Killdeer are masters of camouflage, with their brown, white, and black plumage blending seamlessly into rocky shorelines, sandy areas, and mudflats. This natural disguise helps them avoid predators while they forage or nest on open ground. Despite their delicate appearance, Killdeer are hardy birds that don’t mind wading through cold water in search of insects, crustaceans, and other small prey. Their resilience and ability to adapt make them a fascinating species to observe in any weather.
Moments like these feel like a nod from the universe—a reminder to stay patient and let nature surprise you. With the wind howling and the light gone, I finally retreated to my car to watch the waves crash against the shore. Despite the cold, the blustering wind, and my still-elusive Bufflehead portrait, I left with a full heart. Witnessing these animals thrive in such harsh conditions was inspiring. I couldn’t help but wish I could knit them tiny sweaters, though they seemed perfectly content in the wet and cold.
One day, I will get that perfect close-up of a Bufflehead. But for now, I’m grateful for the moments I shared with the Kingfisher, the Mergansers, the Greater Yellowlegs, and the resilient wildlife that calls this stormy coast home. Nature never fails to remind me of its strength—and to humble me in the best way possible.
The Greater Yellowlegs was the real highlight today! Keep up the outstanding work.