Kip’s Comments - April 8, 2024 — LadagePhotography.com

Thoughts on the Partial Solar Eclipse

Partial Solar Eclipse Selfie - Image 873344

I have spent countless hours studying wildlife during my decades of hunting with a bow, a gun, and now a camera. Never - not once - have I witnessed what I observed today at Sweet Marsh during the partial solar eclipse.

Early into my outing, when the moon was first beginning to obscure the sun, I could sense an eerie feeling. There was an uneasiness, a feeling of impending doom, or something unknown about to happen. Even the light seemed different as the partially blocked sun was peeking through clouds that varied from dark and heavy to slightly more than wispy. That was odd enough, but then things changed.

As I walked on the dike I quickly noticed that the birds, especially the American coots, began swimming toward me when normally they run across the top of the water to increase the space between them and me. A pair of sandhill cranes on the dike about fifty yards away did not move. Instead they stood nearly still as both called and called and called, as if in distress.

A sizeable flock of American white pelicans appeared particularly uneasy. So many times three or four birds would take flight, circle close to me, and then land again - only to repeat the process many times, all as the sky grew increasingly darker. From my vantage point it appeared the birds sensed a rapid change was underway, but did not know how to respond. Should they go to roost for the night, was this just some odd passing cloud?

American White Pelicans During Partial Solar Eclipse - Image 873291

Then the moon blocked the sun as much as possible in our location to create a partial solar eclipse. When the peak was reached, Sweet Marsh grew nearly silent. Yes, a few Canada geese honked - but not often. Otherwise there was not much to hear for that minute or two. Then, almost beyond my perception, the sky began to brighten again.

Partial Solar Eclipse - Image 873221 (darker than it appeared)

For the first few minutes as light levels increased there seemed to be restlessness among the few pelicans that did not leave when darkness approached. Then, as if orchestrated, every bird around became alive. Sandhill cranes called from all directions. There were cranes where I did not know cranes were hidden. Coots began their haphazard feeding and grunting again. And the pelicans - oh the pelicans. From all corners of the marsh the pelicans returned to where they had been just minutes earlier. For a brief moment the sky was filled with low-flying pelicans moving every way possible. Visually the sky was so busy - almost overwhelming - but beautiful. Then one by one the pelicans hung their orange legs and dangled their feet to land in the shallow water of Sweet Marsh. Sandhill cranes dropped in among the geese. For a few minutes all of the bird species were in one wide view. It was amazing.

Sandhill Cranes During Partial Solar Eclipse - Image 873849

I had not planned to record any eclipse photos, but the temptation to try was stronger than my initial plan. So, I pointed my lens skyward and used my flip screen to attempt to aim and focus my lens. Since we were afforded only a partial eclipse, I do not have the full ring images as many others do. But, I captured what I saw high in our Iowa sky. What I could not preserve was the aura about this event - the air, the light, the sounds, the silence, then the return to normal.

This partial solar eclipse was so much more than I expected. I am thankful that I was curious enough to go out to see what happened. The pleasant surprise was for me. This was a real treat - something I have never seen before and may never see again. Wow…what an experience!

Following are more photos from the eclipse outing. The shooting was easy, so I did.