I arrived early at the marsh on a cool fall morning. The dew was heavy on the vegetation and the warmth of the rising sun was creating a fog-like list that hung over the field of cattails. Looking toward the west, I could see trees in the distance that were starting to show their glorious fall foliage and there was a soft illumination from the sun (as shown in the first photo). Looking in another direction, I could see darker shadows of the tress and a heavier mist (as shown in the second photo). You can see some golden light in the upper branches of the tree.
I am not sure that I was able to capture completely the inner peace I felt as I watched interplay of the light and the water on the cattails in the foreground and on the trees in the background. For a few moments, nothing else seemed to matter as I was caught up in the beauty of nature.
Morning mist and fall foliage
Morning mist and shadows
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I’m so jealous! The only marsh similar to that is on private property and they don’t give permission. The next best place is almost 50 miles. You captured the inner peace. It washed down through me. Thanks
It’s kind of amazing that I have this wonderful marshland park to visit in suburban Virginia that is run by the county, within five miles of where I live. There are boardwalks that run through the marshland that let you be in the midst of the creatures and the plants of the marsh. Apparently over two hundred species of birds have been spotted here. It’s a whole lot easier to get motivated to go out and shoot photos with places like this so close by.
I can’t imagine an early morning in the marsh when spring migration is in full swing. I haven’t birded seriously for many years. All your outings remind me of ones I did alone, with a friend or my kids. I enjoy your outings and my walks back through memoried. Thanks