Mike Powell

This Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) was poking about in the shallow pond water when I spotted it earlier this month at Occoquan Regional Park in Lorton, Virginia. The species name seemed to fit perfectly, because the bird was indeed by itself in its foraging.

In some ways I felt a bit like this sandpiper. I spend a lot of time by myself, pursuing my own interests in my own way at my own pace. For me, though, “solitary” is not synonymous with “lonely,” as some people seem to believe. Loneliness is an emotional state of sadness and feeling disconnected from others, even when they might be present with you. When I am by myself, I feel a sense of liberation from societal pressures to conform to norms and expectations.

In case you haven’t guessed it, I consider myself to be an introvert.  My well-developed social skills prompt some folks to think I’m an extrovert, but I often feel that I am most completely myself when I am by myself. It’s not that I lie about things, it’s more that I am a bit guarded in letting others go beyond the superficial level in getting to know me.

This solitary photographer shared a few quiet moments with the Solitary Sandpiper on a beautiful spring day and I hope this photo helps to convey to you a sense of that brief encounter.

© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.