Pied-billed Grebe shaking it off – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
After the past few weeks of the headaches and problems that I have had to deal with about 18 hours each day I can now safely feel like this Pied-billed Grebe and shake those things off. Things still aren’t perfect but they are under control and the biggest issues have been dealt with.
I guess I shouldn’t whine much about the crap I have been through recently because there are people who have had to deal with far worse but I am glad that things are settling back down to a normal level for me. Whining doesn’t do much good any way. And tonight I know I will get more than 4 hours of sleep.
I was able to go out and photograph yesterday morning at Farmington Bay Bird Refuge and relax while breathing in fresh air, feeling the crisp temperatures, taking in the gorgeous fall views and seeing plenty of birds all around me. I needed that.
I’m looking forward now to the birds I see in the winter, the Harlan’s Hawks have already made an appearance and I have been seeing a beautiful Harlan’s at Farmington Bay. I am still waiting for my first of the season Rough-legged Hawk and for the Bald Eagles to return to the Salt Lake Valley.
I’m seeing more and more Pied-billed Grebes and that excites me because these little guys might be small but they are tough. They kind of remind me of myself.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Pied-billed Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
Thats a nice picture – that stance when they stand in the water and shake is very characteristic of many small grebes.
Feel free to link this post up to Wild Bird Wednesday (along with about 50 other bird bloggers) on my photo-blog.
Cheers – Stewart M – Melbourne
Love this feisty charmer.
Love this picture! Thank you 🙂
Four hours of sleep just isn’t enough (reminds me of my night-shift days at the hospital). Nice image and metaphor for a fresh start, Mia. Your mention of Harlan’s Hawks led me to read more about Red-tail Hawk variations. This PDF from 2010 is excellent, for those who missed it.
https://www.aba.org/birding/v42n2p30.pdf
Also one of my favorite species. They simply ooze “attitude”!
Superb image, Mia!
Yes, life IS good. Take care.
Great Images Mia and great to hear things are turning upward! I may refrain from referring to you as a Grebe though 😉 .
Glad to see you back. Missed ya.
Thank you Judy!
He’s a cutie … and I love your “shaking it off” philosophy!!!
Thanks Lois.
Shaking it off feels marvelous.