A Dreary Winter Day
February 12, 2021 – 10 Day Weather Forecast
When the weather forecast looks as dreary as this screenshot shows I find myself day-dreaming about summer birds, warmer days, and cloudless skies. I can hear the wind outside my window, see that the road is wet, and I know that my hopes for getting out into the field today and over the next week or so are slim. We need the moisture. I know that. I also know that I am starting to get antsy about being back into the field.
On some days like this one I go through my archives and see which birds I photographed during the summer, check where I photographed them, and I think about what I could do to get the photos I desire. I look on maps for new locations to explore, ponder new approaches, and brood about any changes I believe I might want or need to make.
Thinking Of Summer Birds
Adult male Broad-tailed Hummingbird perched on a Chokecherry branch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the changes it has caused in our lives over the past year I have realized that I want to slow down, relax more, and savor every minute I have in the field with the birds.
Last summer was different in many ways because of the Coronavirus travel restrictions, social distancing, and all of the concerns that came with it. Hopefully by the time summer arrives most of us will be vaccinated and some of our travel concerns and worries will be less intense. At the very least I have higher hopes of that now.
I’m not really wishing time “away” this morning, I am just thinking ahead. I am simply looking forward to seeing, hearing, watching, and photographing summer birds.
Life is good.
Mia
To view more of my Broad-tailed Hummingbird photos plus facts and information about this species click here.
The Hummingbird pic is wonderful. You captured the iridescence perfectly. Thanks Mia.
I’m envious of your weather. I would love to see some rain and having snow in our mountains is just a myth. We’ve only had 2 & 1/2 in., of rain so far and we’re 4 in., below normal for this time of the year. But, for that matter, all of CA is in drought mode [again]. I wonder if this miserable dry cycle in the West will ever end…
I so understand your perspective. I am glad that you are getting some moisture, but understand…
Gorgeous. As for your 10-day forecast, you do need the moisture but ugly-icky at the same time.