Yesterday, I had a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a swirling vortex of Snow Geese circling over my head at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
Swirling vortex of Snow Geese at Sequoyah NWR – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/4000, ISO 1250, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
There is magic in the field, and yesterday, I was reminded of it once again. This photo? It’s not great, but it conveys the swirling geese well.
I was standing on the gravel road, photographing the geese in the fields on both sides of the road, when something I could not see caused all the geese to blast off simultaneously. As I stood there, photographing the geese at the refuge, they began to circle over me.
I could hear their calls and the sound of their wings and felt as if I were somehow part of this flock of geese, that I, for a very brief moment, had taken flight with them. I’ve photographed flocks of Snow Geese before but never felt as if I were part of the flock, yesterday, I did.
I was mesmerized—gobsmacked, even. Enchanted. I got goosebumps, and not because of the frigidly cold air.
Nature puts on the most amazing true-life shows.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Snow Goose photos plus facts and information about this species.
Just incredible! And I get why you felt like a part of the flock. Your photo conveys that sensation perfectly. Thanks Mia.
I love the photo. I‘ve had this happen with snow geese and sandhill cranes. It’s amazing. The sandhills made my ears ring.
What an incredible thing to see and hear.
This is so exciting! When Imaje the picture larger I can see the geese’s faces and a few with their beaks open. Sounding a call to the others? We ho knows. Interesting to see how close they are.
Did you feel the wind from their wings, too?
I’ve watched several flights like this and what amazes me is they don’t run into each other.