Contemplating 2015

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Contemplating 2015

January 1, 2015 by Mike Powell

As you contemplate the promises and possibilities of the new year that has just begun, are you more like the pensive Great Blue Heron in the first image or the intensely focused heron in the second photo? (For the record, the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) in both photos is actually the same one that I photographed last weekend at a local water retention pond.)

I’m more like the first heron—I am full of optimism and hope, but don’t have specific plans or resolutions.

Best wishes to all of you for a healthy, prosperous, and blessed new year.

Posted in Birds, Nature, Photography, Winter | Tagged Alexandria VA, Ardea herodias, Canon 50D, contemplation, Great Blue Heron, Kingstowne, new year, Tamron 150-600mm telephoto | 14 Comments

14 Responses

on January 1, 2015 at 2:50 pm | Reply nrlymrtl

Today is is too cold to be highly focused on anything other than my tea mug, so I am more like Heron #1.
on January 1, 2015 at 5:29 pm | Reply Birder's Journey

What a great question and illustration for a blog post on January 1! I think both of the GBH poses epitomize my ongoing journey as a birder, as a photographer, and as a human being – Thanks for always sharing your ideas and visions of nature so beautifully.
on January 1, 2015 at 7:42 pm | Reply gaiainaction

Great and interesting photos of the Heron, a beautiful bird. Always enjoy your blog.
- on January 1, 2015 at 7:44 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks. I never tire of taking photos of Great Blue Herons. Best wishes for a wonderful 2015.
on January 2, 2015 at 7:21 am | Reply New Hampshire Garden Solutions

I don’t worry or think much about the future so I’d have to say the first one and I would probably have the most to talk about. I do like that second shot though. He looks ready to strike.
on January 2, 2015 at 9:36 am | Reply Dan Traun

Best wishes to you in 2015
on January 2, 2015 at 1:22 pm | Reply Ginny Alfano

Both are great photos, Mike. You and I are like two peas in a pod. I, too, am “full of optimism and hope, but don’t have specific plans or resolutions.” That keeps my life open to all new possibilities with no restrictions!!
- on January 4, 2015 at 4:43 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Ginny. I hope that wonderful things happen for you during this new year.
on January 2, 2015 at 2:26 pm | Reply Lyle Krahn

I’m still learning to seize the day (carpe diem) so I’d say a little of both. Great use of photos for a post. I hope 2015 fulfills your optimism.
on January 2, 2015 at 8:02 pm | Reply Sue

Ok, I’ll be different, just because, and say I am like the seond heron, waiting to jump into something new in this New Year. I really am looking for something new — a challenge, new equipment, new ideas, whatever.
on January 2, 2015 at 8:18 pm | Reply nliakos

Definitely Heron #1 for me too!
on January 3, 2015 at 2:47 am | Reply Marie Keates

I’m heron number 1, looking a little nervously into the future with no plans.
on January 4, 2015 at 4:50 pm | Reply mvschulze

Beautiful images, Mike. Looking forward to more in 2015. Happy New Year. M
- on January 4, 2015 at 6:15 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks. Best wishes to you as well for a wonderful 2015.