New Year. The Right Way.

I was about to quit. Going out today was hastily planned, if you would call it a plan at all. Its New Years day morning. The family went to bed after the ball dropped so they were sleeping in, and like normal, I can't sleep much past the sun coming up. Finishing my coffee, I gathered my camera gear and headed out into the world. It was extremely cold for the region. Around ten degrees Fahrenheit. The wind was blowing in strong gusts but the newly laid snow that lightly blanketed the ground stayed put. I was off to my go-to spot that I frequent when I don’t have any better plans.

I arrived to find the reservoir mostly frozen. There were thawed pockets but all on the opposite side of where I decided to park. The bald eagles that often perch over the water’s edge were absent. Perhaps it was too cold even for them. There were a smattering of waterfowl diving and floating around; different ducks, mergansers, geese, and the lone swan that hangs around here in the winter. Nothing that I really wanted to photograph and plus they were slightly out of range. I took a side trail to check out the dam. A familiar call of a King Fisher could be heard but it wasn’t in sight. As beautiful as the landscape was, nothing was speaking to me. I decided to get back in the truck and drive around to see what else I can find.

As I drove to my other normal locations, I was met with locked gates. One after the other. It was obvious the park rangers were enjoying their New Year not at their job. As they should. 

About to throw in the towel, I spotted a small fly fishing spot that had enough room to park my oversized truck. A quick three-point turn, camera unloaded, warming layers re-layered and I was ready again. Full disclosure, I really didn’t think this was going to pan out. I’m a big baby when it comes to cold so I wanted to go home where it was warm. But something told me to just check this area out. So I walked past the road closed gate and proceeded down the road. The wind blew hard, and I tightened both hoods (my hoodie and coat) over my winter hat. I instantly thought of Ralphie’s brother from the movie Christmas Story.

Not too far past the gate, I spotted two figures in the distant trees from the side of my eye. Side-by-side, their round shapes stood out from the straight lines of the branches around them. "Don't look at them," I told myself. I was sure they were birds of prey but didn't know what kinds just yet. Owls maybe? It was still pretty early in the morning and they looked big enough. Once you make eye contact with these predators, they spook and you lessen your changes that they'll stick around. Aim a camera at them while making eye contact and kiss your photo opportunity goodbye. It's like they are staring into you soul from down your lens.

I steadily extended my monopod, set my camera up for the current lighting, and placed the cold camera body in my ice hands. In once calm, slow, and sweeping motion, I aligned my lens with the birds. A couple of fluffed up, cuddling redtail hawks. My heart swelled with gratitude. What a treat after a morning of no luck at all. Even though there wasn’t a composition, I clicked away. In this moment, I couldn't help but think of their relationship. Where they mates? Siblings? Was I witnessing a couple getting ready for breakfast together? Or were they just trying to stay warm? Either way, sitting as they were was a choice. 

Just as fast as my thoughts came and the shutter released, one got spooked and jumped to a branch behind the other. And I couldn't help but feel like I ruined their morning together. Silly human emotions. I didn't want to ruin anything else so I picked up and continued my walk. They were too far away anyway. Even for my 600mm. 

My walk was mostly uneventful. Just cold, windy, and the occasional slip on the ice hidden under the powdery snow (I say occasional but it happened more than I want to admit. I'm still very surprised I didn't go down at least once).

The trail opened up to a frozen marsh. Winds gusts blew the cattails back and forth. A flock of blue birds hung around the trees on the edge. Personally, I love cattails. Obviously, I love birds. Put the two together, and I get all sorts of excited. 'Come on. Give me a bird on a cattail,' my inner thoughts were loud. 'That would be perfect.'

As if the nature Gods were listening, a beautiful vibrant blue bird landed feet in front of me.. On a cattail. 

About 15 feet in front of me, it sat there. Swaying back and forth in the wind. One talon clenching the top stem, the other braced on the flower head. We checked each other out with no rush from either of us. “Thank you.” It was the right thing to say.

Hundreds of photos later, it was time to continue my walk back to my truck.

I had to pass the hawk couple again and this time they weren’t having me. Immediately, one dove off the branch and flew a pattern over the area. Hand holding my big lens, I took the photos I could. Up and down, changing directions while catching the wind in its wings. Its bright red tail was put on display. It continued down the creek when its partner took flight. As to check me out too, it followed almost the same flight path as the other. Maybe to get a closer look at the human who ruined their date.

Sorry. It wasn’t on purpose. But for what its worth, I’m grateful.