When I photographed this ticked off looking American White Pelican yesterday I laughed out loud. Why? Because I was kind of feeling ticked off myself.
Ticked off looking American White Pelican – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I had arrived at my location well before the sun lit up the area so I could select a good spot to set up my tripod to photograph birds. I needed some time outdoors with birds and I was hoping for some of the peaceful feelings that I get when I am with them. That feeling is fuel for my spirit.
Instead, I had people encroach way too close on where I was standing. I felt like I was ducking the fishing hook that would whiz by my head as close as three or four feet. There was loud talking, sometimes even yelling, and worst of all, rocks being thrown at the subjects that I was trying to photograph.
So when this pelican approached me and I saw that it looked ticked off I felt as if it was mirroring how I felt. Of course, the pelican wasn’t ticked off but seeing how it looked to me, I did have to laugh.
But here’s the truth: not every day in the field is a good one. I’ve been yelled at, mansplained to, and endured sexist comments. There have been times when I couldn’t get the photos I wanted of the subjects I found, and days when everything I hoped for went awry.
Honestly, I’ve had far worse days in the field than yesterday morning.
My patience was tested well before 9 am. So, before I said something I might regret, I put my tripod and camera on my shoulder and left.
Yesterday, the peaceful feeling I was seeking eluded me. But I know I’ll find it again soon.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American White Pelican photos plus facts and information about this species.
There’s the Classic stink-eye if I’ve ever seen one! Sorry about your bumpy day; hopefully this wonderful pic will make up for it…at least a little. Thanks Mia.
Anyone “catches” much more by replacing hunt’n-n’-fishin’ with observation-n’-conservation.
I am sorry that your day wasn’t ideal but hope that a better day comes quickly. And I loved April’s comment.
the pelican does look pissed. Sorry you had such a bad morning. I stopped by after you left. I had taken Eric to work and ran to another location but it was dead, so on the way home swung by. It was crowded, the parking was even full, but I had a nice day talking with other photographers I know. I did have a kid throwing rocks at birds and I nicely asked him not too and he did. I had another 5 year old who kept bugging me to use my camera. I helped him hold it and look through the lens. He though it was neat how well he could see the duck I had pointed it at. His dad yelled at him to leave me alone. I wandered and collected a ton of fishing crap up. It actually encouraged a couple of kids I talked with about all the garbage that day and they started walking around the lake and using their fishing nets to gather all the garbage along the water and reed line. I had to laugh though they both saw that pair of underwear and said “Underwear? Who leaves their underwear?” The underwear is left still floating along the shore and reeds.
That’s cool, I bet the clean-up ethic will grow with the kids.
What an evocative shot you captured! It’s almost moody. Totally love this one! That you managed it in the midst of such an unwelcome invasion is little short of a miracle.
You are a cool customer. Isn’t it sad though when boorish behaviour can’t be challenged, for fear of violence? In America today I am not sure that even a dirty look in their direction might not have escalated things. But it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have been mightily annoyed. You did the right thing. I’m just glad you are safe and that you got one fabulous shot out of it.
Love the photo! I didn’t know that you had sexist comments hurled your way, mansplained to or yelled at during your forays into nature. What is this world coming to? That is horrible. All I can say is, that while I’ve always appreciated what you do, I will think of how brave you are to venture forth to get these wonderful photos.