The Swan at the Lake
a short visit, a few captures, and a magnificent white swan
A wildlife photographer I am not; I don’t possess the right gear, or the right patience, to attempt to capture those beautifully crisp and detailed shots of animals in their natural habitat. I’ll share these with you anyway — because a solitary swan has made a home in a nearby lake, and it’s a beautiful thing.
This guy, or gal, is a timid one. When we first spotted him in the fall, he would quickly swim to the far end of the lake as soon as we appeared along the shoreline. Maybe it’s because he’s on his own, I’m not sure, but he quite obviously, is not comfortable with us around.
This may be the 4th or 5th time we’ve visited the lake, and every time we move slowly and keep quiet, ensuring we never overstay our welcome. Just a few minutes to watch, to admire, and then we carry on our way.
A short one from me today; my heart is growing tired of the winter scenery and it’s taking my photography inspiration with it.
Until next time,
♡ Whitney
A single swan, the indulgence of staying with that. Lovely, slow, thoughtful photography.
Hear you on the tiring of winter. She decides how long. Listened to interesting reflections today from Katherine May on 'wintering' or seeking rest / retreat in difficult times. On looking it in the eye, not flinching away, learning to walk in its darkness, accepting this seasonal darkness as part of life, learning softness towards ourselves and others. That capacity for the wider range of emotions as normal, more than that, necessary.
The other day, John Denver's song, Annie's Song, played on the radio. As I sang along, the lyrics....you fill up my senses like a night in the forest....found you on a similar frequency. I found myself connecting to your poetry lyrics and photographs. This is what you do for me, fill up my senses.
Now. I'm not a singer (tones, etc) but I love to sing. Maybe similar to what you may feel about your photography. All of us here get filled up by your taking action to photograph images in such a sensory-alive environment, which adds dimension to our lives and expands them.
And the swan, spreading his wings with his beautiful mirrored reflection....well, he serves as a profound symbol for me. Thank you, Whitney!