California Gull on ice – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Sometimes I complain about the weather when I am out looking for and photographing birds because it can get so hot that I feel like I am melting or the wind blows hard enough that my eyes get dry or the winter cold hits me like a slab of ice has been shoved down the back of my shirt or I get soaked by pouring rain. The weather can be and is uncomfortable for me at times.
Just yesterday my feet got cold and didn’t really warm up until about half way through the 90 mile trip home, that was my fault though because I could have worn my heavy, winter boots instead of hiking shoes. I can add or subtract clothing, turn the heat up or the AC on, I can roll up windows to block the wind and rain or the falling snow. I can put gloves on to warm my hands and add heat packs if that isn’t warm enough. I can do a lot to make myself more comfortable when I am out in the field.
But my subjects live in all kinds of weather in temps above 100° and below -0°. They live through hurricane strength winds, hail, driving rain, lightning, blizzards and heavy fog, they live through it all because they have to.
While photographing a California Gull on ice two days ago I was reminded of how well these gulls survive the bitter cold we have here at times during the winter even when the ponds, lakes and rivers freeze over. They are tough and I have to admire that.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my California Gull photos plus facts and information about this species.
Here at the moment I am awed by how well our birds are coping with heat. Heat which I find almost insupportable (despite adjustments not available to the wildlife). As a supposedly superior species we are weak on rather a lot of levels.
Nature is hard, we are lucky we can adapt our world rather than adapt to the world. I think we will need to start learning how to adapt to the world.
Thanks Mia…have to go and put on a pair of heavier socks after seeing this photo..:-)