Celebrating the Ordinary
The Northeast’s varied seasons offer something for everyone, but summer may rightfully claim the most fanfare. This August has delivered favorable weather to the region, and plenty of opportunities to get out the camera. Free time is arguably best spent on the water these days, and many of the migratory birds tend to agree. The Connecticut River has been running low in my neck of the woods, making entry to some of my favorite swampy stomping grounds a bit tedious. Nonetheless, wrestling a kayak through the mud is well worth the effort when there’s a busy marsh waiting on the other side.
The low water has created added shoreline, and the local herons have taken notice. I’ve been spotting great blues, greens, and black-crowned night herons wading about upon each and every launch. The newcomer for me however, is the double-crested cormorant. While these guys have a strong grip in other parts of the state (noteably Lake Champlain) I spotted my first local in a Connecticut River tributary in Bradford, Vermont. This youngster posed for a few shots on a log I’ve grown quite familiar with. It’s a spot I keep a close eye on, as it has hosted snappers, muskrats, herons, and more during my frequent visits.
This month I’ve found myself paddling a bit further down river, which has provided more than just good exercise. The extra effort has exposed some beautiful settings for photography just waiting for the right model to shape the scene. Of course, all wildlife and nature photographers seek that three-course helping of perfect light, a pristine setting, and a trophy specimen, but it’s a tough hat trick to pull off. I’m often content with two out of three, and any willing participant to play understudy for the day. Even the common Canada Goose will suffice. I used a large aperture to soften the scene in this photo, maximizing the drama and focus on the fleeting bird.
I carry this same philosophy into the woods as well. While I’ve been keeping an eye open for bull moose this summer, I must first find photogenic scenery and flattering light. Now I just need a nice pair of antlers to step out on stage. Luckily moose habitat tends to have natural beauty and interest, and the crepuscular habits of moose place them under the soft light of dawn and dusk. My last brief attempt turned up plenty of cow moose, but not a single bull. Nonetheless, I was able to capture some nice close-ups in the flor-abundant August forest.
I see about five cow moose for every bull, and the ratio of doe to buck sightings is even higher. Against these odds, I spotted a massive buck sporting a beautiful velvet rack up in Dixville, NH last weekend. Unfortunately, this guy bolted out of sight faster than my shutter finger leaving behind an eyewitness account but no evidence. While you might think this would leave an eager photographer deflated, it actually had the opposite effect. The wildlife experience is the real reward for the time I put in scanning the woods and water. The impressive buck turned a dull, bug-bitten evening into an exciting and memorable experience. It restored my patience. These are the creatures that keep my imagination stirring as I hear the twig-snapping approach of an unknown visitor.
The next morning I was paddling through a long narrow hallway of cattails on the Androscoggin when this very circumstance unfolded: the crackle of hooves on the forest floor grabbed my attention. My imagination filled-in the mysterious scene with a large bull moose just around the corner. I drifted into view to uncover the less-than-spectacular group of does, exchanging their careful tip-toing for a high-tailed retreat. Still no trophy, but beautiful creatures no less and another moment to remember from the woods.
Lovely photos and commentary, as always. Thanks for sharing!
August 25, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Thanks Nicole, my pleasure.
August 27, 2012 at 5:54 am
Beautiful wildlife captures!
August 25, 2012 at 7:07 pm
Thank you Pat!
August 27, 2012 at 5:54 am
Perfection is an elusive quarry… Any one of your photos would have been a prize in my book. I’m glad to learn about the double crested cormerant in this neck of the woods. If that were me kayaking through the Connecticut River, believe me I’d come home completely content!
August 25, 2012 at 8:01 pm
Thanks Snowbird:)
August 27, 2012 at 5:55 am
Always perfection my friend…it is always a pleasure to see your images! Have a blessed sunday!
August 25, 2012 at 8:08 pm
Very glad to hear it Wendell! Thanks for your kind words.
August 27, 2012 at 5:56 am
I love these wonderful photos, that you take from kayak and mud as you trudge along looking for that one special thing. But I also love your written word which more than complements the photos. Thanks for the post
August 25, 2012 at 8:43 pm
Thanks for the great feedback. Glad you enjoy the blog!
August 27, 2012 at 5:57 am
Chris … wonderful summer photos – love the moose one – some stunning animal – and the deer such a delicate photo … the “taking of” goose – wonderful how you have catch the heaviness in his take of and then – its wings are so massive. Never seen a heron … we don’t have them over here – but he seams all excited. Thanks for bring the beauty too me ..
August 26, 2012 at 5:49 pm
I’m glad to do it Viveka. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
August 27, 2012 at 5:58 am
Thank you for the wonderful pictures and commentary. Jay
August 26, 2012 at 10:43 pm
You are very welcome Jay. Thanks for visiting, and commenting.
August 27, 2012 at 5:59 am
Splendid pictures!
September 7, 2012 at 2:55 pm
Thanks Sue!
September 7, 2012 at 3:01 pm
Wow! I am truly humbled by your work and consider it high praise to receive a “Like” from you! Me and my little Canon Sure Shot thank you for taking the time to encourage! Your work is stunning!
September 7, 2012 at 3:33 pm
Thanks for checking out my blog!! Awesome wildlife pictures, you got some amazing shots. I really like the one of the moose.
September 7, 2012 at 7:54 pm
Incredible photos! I love your blog. And thanks for liking mine
September 7, 2012 at 8:53 pm
Looks like the deer was looking right at you…:)
September 7, 2012 at 10:22 pm