It is what it is....but how did that happen?

A few weeks ago, I went to Anchorage and searched for a specific bird.   I'd been looking for it for two years, all while admiring photos others had posted of it.

I was getting discouraged.   Finally, I received corrected directions and looked some more.   Nothing.

I was getting even more discouraged, as this bird--a red-throated loon--was said to swim right up to you, making some great opportunities for close ups.   I got in the car and started to leave, when a bird flew in front of me and landed in the grass.

Oh, well, I thought.   May as well see what this is.    It turned out to be a robin, but in following it along the edge of the lake, I spotted the loon.

I sat down on a timber and aimed my big lens at it.   I got off only a few frames, when suddenly, the loon was swimming underwater figure eights RIGHT BESIDE ME!  

It surfaced just a few feet away, far too close for my big lens.   I pulled out a pocket camera and snapped away.

I didn't expect much from the photos.   The day was overcast, the light dull, and rain was falling.

I was astonished to see what I'd captured when I downloaded the photos.   It just goes to prove that while you don't always get what you want, sometimes something else is much better.