close enough!

10.29.21 ~ double-crested cormorant on Thames River

So, Tim & I were on our way home from the food co-op and decided to drive down by the Thames River. Much to our surprise, two cormorants were sitting on a rock in the water close to the riverbank. “Try to get your picture!” Tim encouraged. “When I open the door they will fly away,” I replied, but decided to try anyway, not expecting much.

Well, they didn’t fly away! As many of you know, I’ve been trying to get a decent picture of a cormorant for many years now. They are always just a little too far away to get the “perfect” picture. And I love my bird portraits and headshots. I have to say, I am finally satisfied!!!

24 thoughts on “close enough!”

  1. Absolutely Beautiful, Barbara 🀩! Cormorants are common here, but these birds do keep their distance from people. I never knew that cormorants could be so colorful! These photographs ought to be submitted to Parks & Wildlife Magazine or something of that sort of thing.

    1. Thank you for your very kind words, TD! I was surprised by the subtle pattern on the top of its beak. It’s funny how when we least expect it, something we’ve been hoping for suddenly happens. πŸ“· 😊

  2. A true photographer never gives up. Only waits for the next opportunity! Glad you followed your instincts as well as your desire to capture in photo these amazing birds. The details are beautiful.

    1. Thank you so much, Jeff! 😊 As they say, good things come to those who wait, but patience and waiting have never been my strong suits. To think how close I came to passing this opportunity by…

    1. Thank you, Leelah! They must have been waiting. I was sure they would take off the moment I got out of the car. Hard to believe they stayed. It was my lucky day! 😊

  3. You should be satisfied — you did great! Just goes to prove that perseverance is crucial in life for any ultimate success. Well done, Barbara!

    1. Thank you, Debbie! It’s true, perseverance is key, and then sometimes after all that effort an opportunity just falls into one’s lap. πŸ“· 😊

  4. Thank goodness for Tim insisting you persist in getting your coveted cormorant picture on this impromptu trip. It’s funny … you could have planned to look for a cormorant and no sightings. What a great pose Barbara, as if it is keen on showing you its profile and bowed head. You were happy and can cross this off your personal birdie bucket list now.

    1. Thank you, Linda! 😊 I am so lucky to have Tim’s support, encouragement and companionship. He often spots a bird or a good photo op long before I do. It was so unexpected, we weren’t looking for cormorants or anything in particular, just going home by another way. Makes me want to spend more time wandering around town. With camera, just in case. πŸ˜‰

      1. It was a lucky find to be sure Barbara. And you are blessed with Tim. I like when there are unexpected treats like that … those Mallards meandering over after walking up the Creek banks was a surprise as I’d not seen them doing that since the Spring. We always have to have our eyes and ears tuned in to our surroundings!

          1. It is an adventure at all times so take a camera. No oddball sightings for me today – almost slide and fell on the grass as it was so slippery and took pictures of the mud oozing through the ground. This weather – we have a week of nice weather, so hopefully I can get to a few shoreline parks next week before it rains again or the snow flies.

          2. This weather is definitely for the record books. I don’t want it to get too cold, but it’s been too warm for autumn, and way too wet. Like you, we’re trying to squeeze in walks between the raindrops. Be careful on that slippery grass!

  5. What struck me in this–even more than the great picture of the cormorant–is Tim’s love and kindness and care for you. I can feel it. So beautiful!

    1. Oh Kathy, I teared up when I read your kind words. Thank you for noticing what a wonderful guy Tim is, even after 46 years he’s still the one for me!

  6. I’ve seen many cormorants in FL but never close up. I always thought they were solid black. Thanks for showing us the beautiful details.

    1. You’re welcome, Anna. I thought the same until I started getting glimpses of color and pattern and then got obsessed with capturing them with my camera. They’re plentiful here, too, but do keep their distance.

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