Field notes and reflections from time spent outdoors and in nature.
In the middle of the day,
Bold as could be,
A coyote stopped short
And stared back at me.
No hurry, no fear,
Just time to spend,
Just a pause in the trail
Where our worlds chose to bend.
I lifted my camera,
He gave a small sigh,
Then off he went,
Light on toe, quick and spry.
I was walking on the trail, not seeing much wildlife at all, though I did spot several photographers along the way. I was starting to think I wouldn’t see anything when, suddenly, a hawk swooped right in front of me! My heart raced as I watched it glide by so close and then perch in a tree just ahead. (I wonder what caught its eye.)
It was an unexpected and incredible moment that brought the quiet trail to life.
While out on the trail the other day, I was quite amused watching this cardinal eating snow. I've never seen one do so before, though, ..... I was pretty sure I knew the reason why.
Yes, did some research (as I often do )..... staying hydrated when liquid water isn't readily available.
It's a practical adaptation, but they typically consume small amounts since eating too much snow can lower their body temperature. When liquid water is accessible, they'll always prefer that over snow. (So cute! )
Every thread has a purpose. Every connection, intentional. A quiet reminder from nature to slow down and look closer.
They met by chance,
they met by nose ...
And paused, unsure
of where this goes.
So here’s a cautionary tale for all you young whippersnappers out there ... don’t get so involved in what you’re photographing that you lose awareness of your surroundings (and this can matter on many levels).
I absolutely love being out on the trails, especially with my camera. You never know what wildlife you might come across.
Well, I was out enjoying a beautiful day, camera in hand, when I spotted an egret playing with a fish. Oh, possible photo op! I started shooting. He (or she) was really going after that fish, and I got completely caught up in the moment … so much so that I didn’t notice the big dip in the ground ... or all the loose gravel.
You know that split-second thought: Am I going down, or can I save this?
And then you realize … nope. She’s going down!
So there I am, lying in the middle of the trail, heart pounding, cycling through anger, embarrassment, and a bit of denial. Thinking, thank goodness no one saw that! (And thankfully, the egret was far too focused on the fish to notice.)
Once I did a quick assessment ... camera landed on me (so it’s fine), I can move (so I’m fine) ... I glanced to my left … and what do I see? A butterfly.
So naturally, from my position flat on the trail … I start taking photos of the butterfly. (Seize the moment, right?)
A couple of nasty bruises, but overall ... fine.
So … be prepared, stay mindful, and keep aware of your surroundings. And always, always be careful out there while chasing those shots.
Stay safe.
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