As much as I love “Birding,” it’s surprising how often unexpected events make the trip truly memorable. I did enjoy taking the shots of shorebirds that I went for, but even if I hadn’t gotten a single picture of a shorebird, I would have had a great time on my walks.
For instance, on my first stop at Bottle Beach, a Bald Eagle swooped over my head, so close that I could almost hear his wingbeats before I saw him. It didn’t result in any great pictures, but it still provided a major thrill of the day.
Later, on my way back to Bottle Beach from Tokeland, I saw this Red-Tailed Hawk sitting in a tree beside the road and managed to get the best shot I’ve ever gotten of one, perhaps the only shot not taken of one flying far above me.
And the day ended with another surprise when I encountered this young buck, with several does just as I was finishing my walk at Bottle Beach.
It’s surprising what Nature reveals to us once we open ourselves up to it.
I like the way the wings of the hawk mirror the tree limbs. Nice shot.