I want to talk about using one image, with alternative processing to show an emotional transition between winter and the hope for a nice spring. Last week I was out at Watkins Lake enjoying a beautiful sunshine filled day, but with a deceptively cold biting wind. The day had the look of spring but definitely felt like winter hanging on.
Along the main trail I came upon a grove of trees that have fascinated me for years, but I never fully caught the shimmer of a photograph. This time something just looked right to me and I was able to capture an image of the trees just waiting for spring to pop. The silhouettes of the twisted trees against the cloud filled blue sky really struck a chord.
The first image to me embodies the beginning of spring. The buds have not quite appeared on the trees, but there is enough color in the grasses and sky to indicate what is to come. But as I said, the biting wind certainly felt like winter, so I took a stab at converting my image to a high key black and white. The sharp contrast, dark skies, and light foreground really feels like winter to me.
My favorite of the two? I guess I have to be honest and point to the second; while I like spring maybe the early landscaping activity makes me slow in giving up on the winter we never really had this year. Michigan appears to have two primary seasons where I live. The first, and I’m finding in recent years my favorite, is winter. The snow covered ground hides the mess left over by a long growing season, the plants get an overdue rest, and the peace and quiet can be spectacular. Unfortunately that season was pretty short this year with the unusually warm and wet weather. But it provides photographers a great opportunity for enjoying the out of doors.
The second season, and the one I was reminded of over the last couple of days, is the long days of non-stop chainsaws, giant wood chipping equipment, and leaf blowers. Yes, the landscaping crews have started early and if the last few years are an indictor, it will go on all spring, summer, and late into the fall. Really, how many trees need to be destroyed, along with the peace and quiet we long for while attempting to just sit on the deck? But enough of my rant!
Earlier in the month I also took a hike at Crosswinds Marsh Preserve, checking on the bird population that migrates through each year. Outside of a few geese and swans the birding activity was pretty minimal. However, my eye was drawn to the golden reeds that lined the jagged shoreline of one of the ponds. This image attempts to capture the beauty that drew me in.
While I was at Crosswinds Marsh I came across one of the oddest behaviors I’ve seen among Mute Swans. Swans are typically very territorial and can be quite aggressive. But this display involved two swans swimming in circles adjacent to each other; almost like a synchronized choreography. When one swan reversed direction the other followed in turn. This went on for nearly 10 minutes. I don’t take advantage of the video capabilities of my camera nearly enough, but did manage to capture this activity. The 10 second clip illustrates the odd behavior.
Nerdy science alert! After some research I found the following explanation thanks to Claire Thomas, Wildlife Advisor.
“Mute swans are territorial and will often defend their territory in an aggressive manner. Rotation displays, however, are rare examples of a non-violent territorial display. Rotation displays are most commonly seen at the territory border between two adult swans. During this display both neighboring swans swim close together whilst they turn simultaneously 360 degrees on the spot. This display is performed successfully for several minutes, in which time neither of the swans attack the other. It is used in the maintenance and reputation of territory borders.”
I have to mention one other really cool thing that occurred on my hike at Watkins Lake. I was on my way back to the parking area thinking about an afternoon snack. Camera was by my side and I was just enjoying the walk. The trail is maybe 20 feet wide with a ditch on either side. Without any warning a bobcat ran across the trail about 20 yards in front of me and disappeared into the opposite ditch. It happened too quickly to pull my camera up for a shot, but sometimes our eyes and memory are the best camera we have. I’ve seen and heard numerous coyotes during my hikes, especially at night, but see one of Michigan’s three big cats was a first for me. Sometimes nature can be so cool!
March provided an opportunity to get out to enjoy nature at two of my favorite hiking locations. And while the weather was still not great, I do look forward to next time when hopefully there will be more wildlife to capture, making for another adventure. If you enjoyed this Journal entry, please drop me a comment below, feel free to share with your friends, and visit my website at Terrance Alexander Photography.
Terrance Alexander