Kip’s Comments - April 19, 2024

Enjoying Nature With a New Song

Conditions today were so challenging for outdoor photography. The wind was relentless and very tiring. Still, I wanted to get out to see what I could find - windy or not.

This morning I photographed a couple of bird species. First was this presumed young red-shouldered hawk. I am guessing on the age based on how pale the feather coloration was.

Red-shouldered Hawk - Image 875706

Not far away I practiced my skills on an American coot. Yes, coots are very common and not particularly attractive. But, they make for very good subjects to work with to improve your skills - especially your exposures. Dark feathers and white bills can be exposure challenges. On this coot I watched as it was swimming and suddenly dove under water. A good number of seconds later it popped back up with aquatic vegetation that was quickly eaten as salad.

American Coot - Image 875742

American Coot - Image 875786

American Coot - Image 875808

Then tonight I went out for a windy wildflower walk. I found four species, but only two had blossoms suitable for photo sharing.

Last week I was challenged to find trout lilies (dogtooth violets). Tonight there were many. None of the blossoms were open due to the cold, but they still made for interesting images.

Trout Lily (Dogtooth Violet) - Image 875884

Trout Lily (Dogtooth Violet) - Image 875916

Trout Lily (Dogtooth Violet) - Image 875900

The other wildflower species found with blossoms of acceptable quality was the wild blue phlox. I used the setting sun to impact the lighting/composition.

Wild Blue Phlox - Image 875965

By now you may be wondering about the “New Song” in the title of today’s post. Let me explain. When I stopped to photograph the wildflowers I did not bother to move my truck too far off the road. After all, I was not expecting to be out too long. As often happens I become engrossed in what I was doing and a few seconds soon become many minutes. While I was composing my various images a car came down the path and my truck was blocking the road. I stopped what I was doing and approached the driver. In the classic older car was a friend of mine who takes his young son for a drive every night. When they go for drives the two of them listen to some of the young fellow’s favorite music. Tonight the selected tune was “The Campfire Song” by Sponge Bob Square Pants.

I will be honest… I had never heard the song before and may never hear it again. Whether “Dad” or I enjoyed “The Campfire Song” does not matter. One special young fellow did like the song and the smile on his face when he knew “Dad” and I were going to quit talking and he could again listen to his song was priceless. Seeing the interaction between “Dad” and son was touching. Good job Dad!!!