As a wildlife photographer, I am always searching for the next extraordinary photo...the Bald Eagles tumbling in a 'death spiral,' a Red-tailed Hawk pouncing on its prey, a Fox Kit poking its nose out of the den for the first time...and I often find that task quite daunting. Oh, I will be the first to admit stumbling upon any of those scenes certainly gets my blood pumping; but those moments are far from the norm, and rarely just "stumbled upon." Wildlife Photography is an exercise in patience to say the least!
Yesterday I found myself wandering in the woods. Oh sure, there is always that part of me that hopes I will spot something "exciting," but to be honest with you - I was completely content just being outside. The sky was blue, the air was crisp and the woods were alive with the sounds of nature. That is when I came upon this simple little scene. It wasn't some magnificent raptor soaring through the skies...but just two common forest friends...seemingly having a little chat. Perhaps they were discussing the Hawk they saw hunting in the field that afternoon...or maybe they were just stopping by to say hello. Of course I never will know, but it was at this very moment that I realized...it truly is the simple things that are the most extraordinary.
Red-bellied Woodpecker and Tufted TitmouseEssex County, MA