Cautiously looking forward

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Cautiously looking forward

February 13, 2021 by Mike Powell

For almost a year now we have been taking defensive measures to minimize our risks—we now must cautiously consider our actions before we take them. “Spontaneity” has almost disappeared from our active vocabulary. Were we ever completely carefree?

When I first looked at this photograph of a Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) that I spotted on Monday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, I immediately saw it as a kind of visual metaphor for my life. Surrounded by thorns in an almost monochromatic world, this serious-looking little bird cautiously contemplates its surroundings. Is it safe yet?

No, it is not yet safe, but there are signs of hope that things are improving. Vaccinations have started and here in the Northern Hemisphere, there are already small indications that spring is on the way. The birds are preparing their nests and buds are appearing on the trees.

Our celebrations may still be muted, but even now there is joy to be found. Don’t forget to stop and look for it in today—joy in the midst of caution.

Posted in Birds, Nature, Photography, wildlife, Winter | Tagged Canon 50D, Carolina Wren, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Tamron 150-600mm, Thryothorus ludovicianus, Woodbridge VA, wren | 15 Comments

15 Responses

on February 13, 2021 at 8:27 am | Reply Laura Denise

❤️
on February 13, 2021 at 8:32 am | Reply Patricia M Osborne

So much joy in nature. And yes light is ahead with the vaccinations. I am having my first jab today.
- on February 13, 2021 at 8:35 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Good luck with the shot today. I am still patiently waiting for my turn to come. I consciously remind myself to be patient and gentle with others around me as well as with myself. Comparatively speaking I have not suffered much during this pandemic.
  - on February 13, 2021 at 12:02 pm Patricia M Osborne
    
    All went well. Hope yours arrives soon. I’m waiting for hubby to have his now. He’s a little younger than me. 🙂
on February 13, 2021 at 9:10 am | Reply Mitzy Bricker

Hope springs eternal, doesn’t it? Or as a wise old neighbor told me years ago,”The road ain’t so long that it don’t have a bend in it somewhere.” He was right.

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- on February 13, 2021 at 10:37 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  I agree with you about hope, Mitzy, and I love the saying of your old neighbor–so true.
on February 13, 2021 at 9:22 am | Reply Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography

Well said 👏👏👏.
on February 13, 2021 at 10:38 am | Reply Eliza Waters

Great metaphor, Mike. Proceed with caution…
- on February 13, 2021 at 11:59 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Eliza.
on February 13, 2021 at 11:36 am | Reply Reed Andariese

Nice Mike! Great image!
on February 13, 2021 at 11:37 am | Reply susurrus

I like the metaphor too. Funny how birds can fly into thorn trees without getting hurt.
- on February 13, 2021 at 12:01 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  I am amazed whenever I photograph birds, butterflies, and dragonflies amidst the thorns. I guess they are all very spatially aware of the size of their bodies.
on February 13, 2021 at 6:21 pm | Reply krikitarts

Just keep creeping and cheeping, but take great care to maintain due caution.
on February 13, 2021 at 9:16 pm | Reply Ms. Liz

Thank you for finding joy and having found it, sharing it with us. Best wishes!
- on February 14, 2021 at 7:16 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Liz. Things have settled down a bit here in the US, but we continue to have huge problems dealing with the pandemic.