Recently I made my second excursion to the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary in Augusta, Michigan. The 180-acre sanctuary is home to several previously injured raptor species who have been rehabilitated, as well as a stopping point for numerous migratory waterfowl. During the several hours I spent there I was one of the few visitors, making for a much-needed day of quiet.........just the birds, my camera, and myself.
This peacock was clearly part of the welcoming committee, and followed me around the parking lot for some time. He seemed quite enamored with my camera lens, and for several minutes I thought sure he was going to start pecking at it. Eventually though, he tired of me -- possibly realizing there was no food to be had from this particular human!Of the waterfowl species there, my favorite to photograph are the juvenile trumpeter swans. I find their rose-colored bills and the subtle grays of their feathers to be quite lovely, and they seem more oblivious to the presence of humans than the adults. When I have taken the time to simply quietly observe, I have found that swans in general strike some amazing -- and sometimes tremendously twisted -- poses.
The end.
Beautiful photographs Lynda and I know just what you mean by it being just you, the camera and the birds. Yesterday I delivered a couple of paintings to a charity exhibition which is taking part in the grounds of Maxwell Park. Nothing so grand as your sanctuary just a large pond...but the swans, duck and various other species had an amazing calming effect. I,m looking forward to the work that you will create from these :)
ReplyDeleteand what a great end!!! some beautiful photos Lynda
ReplyDeletesome great material here for painting? Time spent with critters is good for the soul.
ReplyDeleteWe're so glad you had a good time!
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Wonderful photos - especially love "The End"!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone. It is so true for me also: taking the time to STOP -- and really observe and be "with critters" -- is such good medicine. At this time I am not sure I will draw anything from the sources I got there, (amazing, isn't it Elizabeth?......How I can take literally HUNDREDS of photos and not find ANYTHING to work from? hahahaha) but regardless, it was a great day. Sue and Debbi; I couln't RESIST the ending!
ReplyDeleteImagine my surprise to find a comment from The Kellogg Bird Sanctuary itself! Thanks so much for stopping in, and I so appreciate your mission and what MSU is doing there.
We visited a few bird facilities on Vancouver island this summer. A rehab where they had a white raven and also a Rapture centre. Its pretty interesting to be able to view hawks close up, yet also sad as some will never be released due injuries.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Teresa; I feel the same way. As I photographed the redtailed hawk, I had those exact thoughts -- though I truly admire the mission of those who rehabilitate and care for the injured, how sad that such a wonderful creature may have to spend the rest of his life in an enclosure.
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