"I'm going to speak my mind because I have nothing to lose."--S.I. Hayakawa
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Thursday, June 13, 2019

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.





3 comments:

  1. Sometimes you just get lucky, and you deserve it. Beautiful.

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  2. Great that the robin indicated you should not leave yet! I had never even heard of a red-throated loon, let alone seen a picture of one. Stunning. Hugs from Siberia. Patti and Cap

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  3. Too funny. A red throated-Loon you'd been looking for suddenly showed up. I sure know-the-feeling about some of my photos coming out great when I figured they would not. And I think that some of the things I chase after on Trip Advisor are crazy. Fun story. Smiling with Patti .. Cap

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