Chunks of ice on the marsh at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f14, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
While I was at Bear River MBR on Tuesday I stopped to photograph and listen to the ice that has piled up on the west side of the auto tour route. The upright chunks of ice were glowing in the morning light which caught my eyes and the sounds that the ice was making enchanted me.
Ice chunk with cross hatch marks on it – Nikon D500, f14, 1/640, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
There were patterns on some of the ice which included what appeared to be cross hatch marks. How those marks formed I have no idea but I enjoyed seeing them.
Chunk of ice with a crack in it – Nikon D500, f14, 1/500, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
As I photographed the ice I could hear it crack, pop, and ping. I’ve heard ice “sing” when people skip rocks or skate over it. This was different than that. It was the sound that ice makes when the change in temperature has been rapid or when the ice starts to break up in the spring.
Fractured ice standing upright – Nikon D500, f14, 1/500, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This chunk of ice had some marks on it that I’d best describe as curlicues. The curlicue on the far right reminded me of a unfurling fern frond.
Frosty chunk of ice – Nikon D500, f14, 1/640, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Some of the chunks of ice were very frosty and some were less so. If I had been at this location as the sun rose over the mountains in the east I might have been able to get more translucence in the ice. I might have to try to be in this spot earlier in the day to see if that would be the case.
Pile of ice chunks – Nikon D500, f14, 1/1000, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The ice and the sounds it was making relaxed me. I find the marsh at the refuge very peaceful in winter especially when I take the time to stop and listen to it.
An ice “sail” (composite of two images) – Nikon D500, f14, 1/640, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was close enough to this big chunk of ice that I couldn’t fit it all in my viewfinder so I joined two frames together as a composite when I got home and processed these files.
Frosty ice chunks – Nikon D500, f14, 1/800, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I’m glad that I took the time to listen to the ice and to take photos of the different chunks of ice that I found. It won’t be long before spring arrives and the ice will disappear.
Yesterday as I waited at home for the Safelite technician to arrive to repair the newest rock chip in my windshield I found violets blooming in the front yard. It seems odd to see their royal purple blossoms in January in northern Utah. I wonder what other surprises January will bring.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Miscellaneous photos which are basically images that I have taken that just do not fit into one specific category.
Fascinating series. Don’t see much of that here in San Diego. Thanks Mia.
Monday, it took me a while to determine where the sounds were coming from. I did not think to take photos of the ice, just the landscape.
Gorgeous photographs capturing so many interesting details in the ice! I’m imagining the sounds and the sparkle of light.
Very perceptive observations– you have a scientific mind and ask questions about the natural world. There are so many unanswered questions. Science is about trying to find what it is about.
I love the ice photos. It was fun to see you this afternoon! I hope the canvasback stays put, let me know if you see her again.
Hi sweetie! Beautiful photo’s We use to go to Lake Huron near our home growing up! and walk out and listen to Ice! It was beautiful when spring came and it was piled and breaking Up ! Love you and the photo’s
Did you record what you heard?
Oh my. Oh my, oh my, oh my.
How very, very beautiful. And something I have very little chance of seeing, much less hearing. Deep in our sweaty season I thank you.
Violets in January! Wow! I wonder what made those curlicues in the ice?
Lovely images of ice! Makes me want to go out an explore our icey world up here. Thank you.