The alarm rang early on Day 4 of my Urban Wildlife Photography Challenge. With Baylee by my side, we set out, eager to capture the morning's first light and the wildlife that comes with it. Unfortunately, luck was not on our side. The birds were elusive, and my efforts yielded little more than a few fleeting glimpses and blurred shots.
As the day wore on, an awful headache and nausea took hold, keeping me confined indoors. I spent the day resting, hoping that by evening I might feel well enough to venture out again. The summer sun was relentless, but as it began to dip, I decided to give it another go. The warm evening air, although stifling, promised a different kind of serenity and perhaps, better luck.
Stepping into the familiar surroundings of the park, I was met with silence. The birds, it seemed, were still playing their elusive game. I wandered, scanning the trees and bushes, but nothing substantial caught my eye. Just as frustration began to creep in, a hawk swooped into view, a majestic silhouette against the bright blue sky. My camera clicked away, but the bird was too quick. I only managed a few shots of it passing by, a fleeting moment of excitement.
Determined, I continued my search and soon found myself amidst a flurry of activity. Brown sparrows and white-crowned sparrows flitted about, their small bodies darting between branches. They were a challenge to capture, the setting sun casting long shadows and silhouetting their forms. Patience and persistence paid off, and I managed to get a few good shots, their delicate features and subtle colors finally coming into focus.
The highlight of the evening came unexpectedly. A flash of red caught my eye, and there, through the maze of tree branches, was a House Finch. Its bright red belly was a stark contrast to the green foliage. It took some time and careful maneuvering, but I finally captured him, peering curiously at the lens. The satisfaction of that moment was immeasurable.
As I headed back to the car, I decided to take a moment in the middle of a field and just take in the sun bathing all of the foliage. Then I spotted them. Several birds came out to pose, as if they knew I needed to take their pictures. It was a perfect end to the evening.
As I wrapped up, 11i realized how much the evening had done for me. The headache and nausea had subsided, replaced by a sense of calm and fulfillment. Being in nature, surrounded by the sights and sounds of wildlife, was the perfect remedy.
Day 4 might have started rough, but it ended on a high note. The challenge continues to test my patience and skill, but moments like these make it all worthwhile. Until tomorrow, happy shooting!
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