Harriers, Swans, and Muskrats

I’m finally getting out a bit more and enjoying the new camera! The Canon EOS R is so light and easy to handle. I’m still getting used to the differences between the EOS R and the 5D I used for so long, but I am loving it! The EOS R is excellent for these dark, foggy mornings. Considering just how dark it was on this morning, I am very pleased with these results.

Northern harrier
Muskrat
Muskrats
Geese and swans
Geese, swans, Northern shovelors
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Finally, a Wetlands’ Morning Without Rain

It was cooler and cloudy this morning, but just a few sprinkles. Many of the paths were covered with water, but I decided to risk walking through it. I’m glad I did!

Many egrets and a great blue heron!

Great egret
Great egret

I think the smaller one is a juvenile little blue heron.

Great egrets and juvenile little blue heron
Great egrets
Great egret and great blue heron
great blue heron

Frolicking muskrat youth. I counted five, but I only see four in this pic.

Juvenile muskrats
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Nature Photography in the Pandemic

It seems like getting out to wild spaces would be one of the safest activities in these times, but alas, I have not been out as much as I would like. Some of my favorite spaces are overrun right now with folks who feel like wild spaces are their own personal off-leash dog runs and masking up is unnecessary.

Last week, I was minding my own business taking pictures of a muskrat and this woman came into the space, wearing camo, but no mask. The hilarious part of this was she had this incredibly bright white hair that made her look like a partially hidden light bulb. I’m not sure what she thought the camo would do. Anyway, she got within about ten feet of me, so I pulled my mask up because I had to walk past her to get back to the path. She never attempted to put a mask on or even turn in a different direction. I said, “Good morning,” and she just stared.

The few times I have been to my favorite wetlands space, this has been the case. I don’t wear my mask at all times because I wear glasses and it’s just easier if I don’t have to continually adjust it to keep the glasses from fogging. I pull it up whenever I see people coming. While I have seen some people do the same, for the most part, they do not.

I hope as it gets colder, the people will thin out and I’ll have some space to safely wander. I’m sure the wildlife will appreciate the lack of off-leash dogs as well. If you’re going out, no matter where you’re going out, bring your mask, and wear it when needed. I love dogs, but unless the space is for dogs, leave your dogs at home, or at least keep them leashed (and pick up their shit!).

Muskrat swimming
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Occupy the Wakarusa Wetlands

Every picture I post this week will be from the area of the Wakarusa Wetlands that will be obliterated by the SLT. I have hundreds of pictures of hundreds of species who will be displaced and/or killed by greed and indifference.

This will be gone. Click on pictures to enlarge.

© Chris Taylor This is where they have begun clearing.

© Chris Taylor
This is where they have begun clearing.

© Chris Taylor Same area in August of 2012.

© Chris Taylor
Same area in August of 2012.

© Chris Taylor  Same area in March 2011.

© Chris Taylor
Same area in March 2011.

 

© Chris Taylor April 2010 in the same area.

© Chris Taylor
April 2010 in the same area.

 

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Occupy the Wakarusa Wetlands

Every picture I post this week will be from the area of the Wakarusa Wetlands that will be obliterated by the SLT. I have hundreds of pictures of hundreds of species who will be displaced and/or killed by greed and indifference.

This will be gone. Click on pictures to enlarge.

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

 

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

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