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The Nuthatch I've recently discovered an interest in birding and bird photography, so when I saw a road sign in Patagonia Arizona for a bird sanctuary I had to check it out. Patagonia is known for its hummingbirds but perhaps I was there a bit too early to see these migratory birds because I didn’t see any during the two days that I was there. I did however see many other birds, including this White Breasted Nuthatch White Breasted Nuthatches can typically be found in the woodlands across North America; from Canada to Mexico and Florida. Although these birds are small they are certainly one of the noisiest birds in the woodland. Interestingly, you’ll often see them walking upside down, down a tree; they do that to find food that the other birds might have missed as they climb up the tree. They get their name from their habit of jamming nuts and acorns into the bark of a tree and then pecking it with their sharp bill to “hatch” out the seed. They typically live from 2 to 3.5 years but have been known to live for up to 10 years, and like many birds they mate for life.
There are times in life when we lose our way, or we simply can’t see our way. To look beyond our disappointments and look for opportunities instead, not only takes courage and determination but an awareness of self. That said, I was filled with these thoughts on this fall day last year, and those thoughts led me to this photo. Life didn’t go as planned so with a good dose of self talk, I pulled up my big girl pants (lol), and made the most of it by setting off on a photo shoot. As I was strolling through an apple orchard, I noticed some clouds forming and clinging to the mountains that surrounded me. I was excited (!), because I knew that if I could get into those clouds, I'd find fog and "mood". So off I went in search of a road that would lead me into the forest, into the fog, and beyond. Thanks to google maps, I found a muddy and slick logging road (my Jeep was covered!). As I ascended and entered the peaceful and tranquil fog, I no longer paid much attention to the road (lol). With the busy world was behind me and my creative self at ease, I was fully engaged in my photography passion; solitude and passion can be so healing. I enjoyed searching for a foggy composition and felt rewarded when I found this showstopper (I was elated!). I love how the light pulls you into the photo yet you can't see the wonders beyond the fog; hence I named this photo, “Hidden Wonder”.
It may surprise you, but my least favorite weather to shoot in are the clear days, when there isn’t a cloud in the sky. I prefer turbulent skies, overcast skies, fog or even rain because they all add drama, mood and interest to an image. Honestly though, there really aren’t any bad weather days for photography but the lighting conditions do dictate what type of photography I’m looking for. I love shooting in foggy conditions; that’s my favorite. Fog not only helps to define the subject by separating the foreground from the background but it (importantly), fog adds a peaceful and a serene stillness to it too; like this photo. I’m touring my way towards southern US in my RV now and after only three days, I’ve had to changed my travels twice …oh well :-) . The weather hasn’t exactly cooperated but I am getting a few great shots and making some valued memories along the way. Not one to get frazzled by (most) last minute changes, I embrace what I can’t change. That said, choosing which way to go, when you don’t know where to go, is sometimes just a matter of flipping a coin! I once met a lady who was traveling solo, around the world and I asked her, “How do you decide where to go?”. She answered with, “There’s no right or wrong, left or right”. Gosh, isn’t that the truth! Whether they are travel plans or life plans; life is in the memories we create, and those we leave behind. If you see the negative, you’re going to feel the negative, if you see the beauty, you’re going to feel the beauty. Believe in possibilities. Photo captured near Yakima, Washington.
