There was a lot of bird activity on Tuesday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge both in the air and on the water. Unfortunately most of the action took place well out of the optimal range of my camera, so I had to be content with capturing long distance photos.
Flocks of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) periodically announced their presence as they passed by. A large flock of crows was equally vocal as it harassed a pair of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) perched peacefully in a distant tree. Only the shy little Pied-billed Grebes (Podilymbus podiceps) were silent as they paddled about, periodically diving in search of food.
I spent several hours walking about, listening and observing, enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of natural surroundings, unconcerned that I was not able to capture amazing photos during this outing. That is the uncertain fate of a nature photographer. To borrow a line from Paul in his letter to the Philippians, I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
I returned home from this walk in the wild feeling renewed and refreshed—that was my biggest reward.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Nice Mike! Yes Mike, it is Great when there are lots of photo subjects! But it is also nice just to walk around and get some fresh air and enjoy the surroundings!
Mike, I love Paul’s letters. I have also learned to be content. I’ve been studying James this week in a study with Francis Chan. My faith and nature keep me grounded. Thank you for sharing the beauty with us!
Paul always seems so human to me in the way that he acknowledges his imperfections and struggles. I remember that because there are so many of his lessons that I have to re-learn over and over again. I really like the way that you stated, “My faith and nature keep me grounded.” That simple affirmation is a wonderful summation of my approach to life too. Thanks for your wonderful response to my posting.
You’re welcome, Mike. Thank you for the kind response as well. Peace and blessings.
As a stranger once said “Some days you eat the Bar, other days the Bar eats you”.
Amen!
“renewed and refreshed” Who can ask for anything more? 🙂
A wonderful day out, Mike, being refreshed by nature!
Your Crows and Eagle image tells a great story and the trees are so interesting, both the big one with bare limbs the Eagle is in and the smaller ones to the side.
Acceptance of what is in front of us, finding something positive wherever we are… are a few of the things I am learning too.
I watched a video recently in which the speaker said that one of the keys to happiness for him was getting rid of expectations, which often caused him to be disappointed when things didn’t meet those expectations. So, for example, if the weather turned out to be bad when he was traveling, it was better to just make the best of the situation rather than be disappointed that it was not better. It’s kind of a variation of “living in the moment.” It sounds, Chris, that you and I are pretty much in agreement on this approach (though I must confess that it is not always easy to implement it in practice).
It sounds like you had a nice day, Mike. Nice photos.
Thanks, Dan.
There is nothing like a hardy walk in nature, accompanied by all the calls and sights of birds, fresh air, open skies. I enjoyed the drama in the second photo, Mike.
Thanks, Jet. Usually when I see crows mobbing an eagle, I assume that it is a territorial issue, but these trees are on a small island in the Potomac and I think that the crows were simply bullying harassing the eagles out of spite. Who knows?
The path to happiness is to want what you get. You have that gift.
Thanks, Nina. I like the formula that you presented for the secret to happiness.