Life Thru A Lens

​ Birds on the island of Antigua come out to feed in the shallows of the mangrove roots, just as the sun sets. Yesterday waiting for the grey blue feathers of the bird, an adult little blue heron. Camera in hand focused upon a spot I’ve seen last linger, always leery of my presence on the dock but more intent on fishing blessed with clear golden evening light I capture my first photo of him. Another tall bird walks out of the mangrove, an adult yellow crowned night heron and looks right at me, as if to pose. I capture the moment. A flock of Royal Tern roost every evening in the mangroves to the left of my anchor, I can sit on the bow with binoculars and study them. Cattle egrets seem like cartoon characters as opportunity feeders, I see them in drainage ditches as cars wiz by, atop of the backs’ of critters like goats and name sake cows. A pair of Zenaida dove or turtle doves play in the water reserve bowl of the hot tub and drinking daily from the roof eves a white crowned pigeon visits his handsome silhouette stately against the bright sun.
Eurasian collared doves gather mid afternoon under the shade of the mango tree. I’ve taken to putting food out for the banana quit crowd and brown trembler, and another I’ve yet to identify maybe a thresher? Mostly brown with a patch of red at throat and tail. Inquisitive and bold the first to taste whatever daily offering I’ve added to the tree on the back deck.
I’ve lived for years with a good camera as my best friend, always within close reach. Travelled a few months in Europe at age 20 with a small bag and a large camera and now close to that goal again, travel light with a good camera. Taking the time to see life through view finder, helps with seeing better.
There’s a lot of good photographers out there, everyone with a camera in the pocket and social media to post them. It’s mostly good I think, but I look at the thousands of images I walk around with and unless there’s a way to categorize it’s a bit pointless. Folders help sort.
I’m not sure there’s any reason to worry, every phone I lose tends to take its photo journey to its grave.
I’m likening the time signature of patience and awaiting, mostly anticipated birds but the heron was a complete surprise.