Be Dazzled

After managing to capture a gorgeous close-up shot of a male Red-Breasted Merganser bursting into flight at Port Orchard last year, I’ve been trying to recapture that moment again this year, but as the time nears for them to leave for their breeding grounds it looks like I’m not going to get that shot despite a lot of effort.

I’m amazed this male Red-Breasted Merganser hasn’t filed a restraining order as many times as I’ve pointed my telephoto lens at it this winter. In reality, though, it seems to have become somewhat indifferent to my presence as if I’ve finally faded into the background. This male also seems to have taken up permanent residence in the Port Orchard Marina, as I’ve been able to count on seeing him on nearly every visit.

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Where he used to paddle away, or fly off, as I approached, he now seems to be content to continue feeding on shrimp while I snap away.

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I was so so close when he emerged from this dive that this would have been a great portrait if the background hadn’t been so dark that the water and the head and black feathers merged into one.

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In the end, you have to appreciate the shots you do get as much as you enjoy simply sighting the bird, and this is one of many favorites.

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Luckily, I still find it impossible not be dazzled by such beauty.

4 thoughts on “Be Dazzled”

    1. Thanks, robin. It was a little like looking for an old friend every time I went to the Port Orchard Marina.

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