Through Another’s Eyes

Inspired by my previous-day outing at Port Orchard and a forecast of a sunny day at the coast, I set out for Ocean Shores at 6:30 the next morning.  It’s become traditional to start the day at the North Beach Jetty where I can usually spot a small colony of Black Turnstones.  They were easier to find than usual because the high tide forced them into one small area almost on the beach.

They are obviously used to visitors because they walk around, preen,

and nap as if there was nobody else there. 

I mean, I knew it looked lighter than your average Turnstone, but I attributed that to it being immature or to changing from winter plumage.  It didn’t help that I had never heard of a Rock Sandpiper before. 

In retrospect, I realize that serious birders and I see birds rather differently.  When I am looking at a flock, I am trying to figure out what would make the best picture.  When a serious birder is looking at a flock, he is noticing small differences, looking for an unusual specie. 

I, on the other hand, may get distracted by the sight of a common Sanderling landing nearby because I like its reflection in the water.

3 thoughts on “Through Another’s Eyes”

  1. A lot of your pictures have interesting things going on in the background. You’ve shown me lots of beautiful things over the years, things I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. I appreciate you sharing your photos with us.

  2. I loved reading this. Yes, I tend to look more for the photographic moment than the species (or atmospheric optic) that I’m trying to photograph. These are truly beautiful photos. I’m glad you headed out early to the coast.

  3. I am with you Loren as many photographers will be. I have just moved from the Blue Mountains outside of Sydney to the Southern Highlands just south of Sydney and there are plenty of birds here but not the variety of the Blue Mountains. Soon after moving here I bought a new Olympus 100-400 + 1.4 tel-converter giving me over 1000mm lens, been out on three trips and not seen one new bird variety nor one in a great photo position. Best laid plans etc etc.
    Enjoy your posts
    regards
    Bob

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