Sometimes I am content to capture a sense of the moment rather than a detailed image of my subject. That was certainly the case this past Friday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, when I experienced an overwhelming feeling of tranquility upon spotting this solitary Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) peacefully perched in middle of a large field.
We were alone, but somehow together, as we each enjoyed the moment on our own terms.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
A beautiful photo of Benjamin’s favorite “Orange-Bluebird” – He will love it! Thank-you x 2!!
I’m hoping to be able to get some closer shots in the near future of the orange-bluebird–I like that name for it.
There’s something very evocative about this image. There’s a sense of isolation and serenity and I also love the composition.
PS I also love the mirroring of the bird’s chest plumage and the tones of the grasses at the bottom of the image.
And I happen to love the curves at the top of some of the grasses–they are not just straight up and down.
Yes. It’s a really pleasing image.
I love the image and what it evokes as I admire it. Very well captured, Mike. There are beautiful little details too, like the curl of the reed just above the bird.
Thanks, Chris. It is really kind of strange how much I liked the image as soon as I saw how I had captured it–it is not the “normal” kind of shot that I shoot. One of my favorite aspects of photography is that it lets me express a kind of artistic sensitivity that I keep hidden in most of my daily life.
Well you should let it come out more often Mike!
That’s such a simple and beautiful scene. I can feel the quiet.
Thanks, Allen.
This is such a wonderful picture. So peaceful.
Thanks so much. I never know for sure how viewers will react, but mostly I post images that I like and it’s enjoyable to see the responses, especially to an “artsy” image.
I am so glad Jodi directed me towards your blog. Has been enjoyable!
I think that’s the best way to handle a blog, whether in photography or writing. Post what you like. Keep it up! 🙂
so beautiful Mike! Indeed a beautiful moment captured! love it!
Thanks, Jodi. FYI, I just got a little watercolor set and may try playing around a bit with them. I’ve already watched a whole bunch of Youtube videos and am fascinated by the folks who do a kind of nature journaling think. Of course, I need to work on my drawing first, but I feel inspired by you and others to try some new things that are way out of my comfort zone. 🙂
How exciting Mike! Can’t wait to see what you create! Have fun with it most of all!
Lovely!
Smashing composition, Mike.
Thanks. I am still a bit unaccustomed to the British-influenced use of the word “smashing,” which means that I do a kind of double-take when I see it used in a way that does not suggest destruction. Language is such a fun thing!
What would a comparative word from your neck of the woods, Mike?
“Excellent,” “wonderful,” or “delightful” might be somewhat equivalent, though I am not sure if “smashing” carries with it a somewhat different shade of meaning.
The nuanced English language.
This picture really captures a moment. The bird appears to be contemplating its surroundings.