Just a short note to wish everyone a wonderful day of thanks for all that we have in this country. As we sit down to the thanksgiving feast, or spend the day with friends watching football, or even preparing for a big day of Black Friday shopping, let us also remember those less fortunate who may not have family, friends or the means to enjoy the day. And our young men and women of the military and first responders protecting our safety and our freedom, where their comrades are their extended family on this day. A big thank you to all!
Two weeks ago I spent the morning at Watkins Lake enjoying the beauty of nature. Fall is in full swing and the waterfowl are migrating south. It was a beautiful sunrise with the light and reflections dancing across the surface of the lake.
The ducks and geese were everywhere on the lake, but I was drawn to the western shoreline where the rising sun at my back provided beautiful lighting on the water and fall foliage. I found this image of the lone Mallard drake shimmering for me. I waited for him to swim in front of a nice stand of scrub trees reflecting on the water to set up an intimate landscape shot. At my wife’s suggestion I zoomed in a little more on the Mallard to add a nice focal point for the image and I think it works nicely.
Along the western boundary of the lake and State Park there is a large field of unharvested corn that I anticipated was the nighttime feeding ground for deer. The far western corner the corn field funnels back into the wooded parkland so I slowly worked my way to the corner to investigate. I was in a position to watch both deer and turkeys moving from the field into the woods for a day of rest. After watching several does and young fawns moving through, this particular doe became very curious about what I was. She moved closer to investigate until we were within about 20 feet. I like this image with the fence post and barb wire fence separating us and casting shadows across her, adding to her natural camouflage. I believe she eventually concluded I was harmless as she wandered off into the woods.
It was a beautiful morning to be communing with nature and it gives me one more thing to be thankful for on this day. If you enjoyed this Journal entry, please drop me a comment below, feel free to share with your friends, and visit my website Terrance Alexander Photography.
Terrance Alexander