Early One Morning at the Marsh
Featured in All Countries~Wetlands, Ponds, Lakes, and Rivers
I woke very early, and headed with my all my gear to a marsh not far from my place that has provided me with many photographic subjects. I was not to be disappointed with my lack of sleep, and the chill in the early morning air. Red-winged blackbird songs created a symphony of sounds, as the birds began their feeding, hopping from one lily pad to the next, finding grubs on the tops and often on the bottoms as they lifted the large leaves. Most of the action required that I shoot into the sun. I was not expecting great shots, but one or two captured the scene the way I witnessed it. In this shot a female is standing “ankle deep” in a pool of rain water on the surface of a large floating water lily, just as the sun is breaking the horizon and sending first beams of light onto this magical world.
The Cornell University Ornithology site provides much information about the red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), including its calls, on the excellent website.
Nikon D300, Nikkor f4 600 mm lens and 1.4 teleconverter on a Gitzo 1325 tripod. Image captured about 20 kilometres west of Campbell River, on Vancouver Island, Canada.


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tuffcookie
wow absolutely gorgeous David! I like the water on water effect :)
David Friederich replied
Yes, the water of water is cool. I hadn’t thought of it that way until your comment. Thank you, Kelly.
Donna Adamski
Great shot David….caught it on the lily pad….awesome :)
David Friederich replied
Yes, this was very cool. I had seen this before but from such a distance I could not get a good shot. Thank you, Donna.
Marcia Luly
The little bird standing on the lily pad really adds to the originality of this shot!
David Friederich replied
Yes, the bird certainly makes the shot, Marcia.
Marvin Collins
Beautiful capture David!!
David Friederich replied
Thank you, Marvin.
yolanda
Great capture and timing. Well done :-)
David Friederich replied
Thank you, Yolanda.
Jonicool
wow, this is so beautiful David!
David Friederich replied
Thank you, Joni. Do you think this one would look good in your wonderful backgrounds?
Beve Brown-Clark
Amazing capture….posed right there on the lily pad waiting for your click…balance is everything! What a winner this one is!
David Friederich replied
I took many images of this bird as it foraged on the lily pads, but this one is so much better than the others, and as you say, because of the balance.
Dayonda
This is an awesome photo, and your model is cuter than a bug’s ear!
David Friederich replied
Good to hear from you again, Dayonda. Love your comment.
Trudi's Images
So light to be able to float on a lily pad ! this is so sweet David wonderful light and capture
David Friederich replied
Yes, wouldn’t that be nice, to be able to walk on the water using lily pads for steps. Thank you very much, Trudi.
jesika
A lovely capture, David, not many have been fortunate to witness such a sight AND get a photo! LOL
j
David Friederich replied
Jesika, I know how fortunate I am to witness and photograph this. Thank you very much, Jesika.
suefel48
Absolutely superb capture, David!!!....:-))
David Friederich replied
Thank you so much, Sue.
solareclips~Ju...
David Friederich replied
Thank you, Julie.
arvyart
Fantastic capture, David! Beautiful and unique! Soft far bckg makes this capture more beautiful: it makes a good contrast for the bird and makes to focus on the main object. Masterly done! :)
David Friederich replied
I love your detailed comments, Arvy, because it helps me to improve my skills just by knowing what parts of my photos are effective. Thank you very much.
arvyart
Yes, I forgot to compliment your beautiful description. :)
David Friederich replied
I love this image so much, and the place where I captured it, that I was inspired to write. Thanks again, Arvy.
Sharon Brady
Lovely Shot!! :D
David Friederich replied
Thank you, Sharon.
Svetlana Sewell
Excellent work!!! :)))
David Friederich replied
Thank you, Svetlana.
Antanas
perfect capture
David Friederich replied
Thank you very much, Antanas. I am glad you like it.
mltrue
Beautifully captured, and eloquently described! I love hearing the birds sing!
David Friederich replied
I love that too, Michelle. Thank you for commenting. I am glad you liked the description, too.
Paul Morley
Very well caught. Cool shot.
David Friederich replied
Thanks Paul.
AuntieBarbie
Wonderful capture of the surfing bird!!!!
David Friederich replied
Well put AuntieBarbie! Thank you for commenting.
Nira Dabush
Not too early morning now and here, David..
but MORNING..
And i enjoy viewing your photo..
WONDERFUL!
David Friederich replied
What a joy your comments are Nira! Thank you very much.
Glenda Remaklus
How beautiful David….... this was well worth getting up early for. Fantastic!!!!!
David Friederich replied
Yes, Glenda, it is. Thank you for commenting.
Lucindawind
a wondrful shot ! hes a cute one
David Friederich replied
I love this shot because it really captures the scene that late spring morning. Thank you again for all the wonderful comments.
Teresa Dominici
Your work is so soft and very lovely, excellent job.
David Friederich replied
Thank you, Teresa, for this lovely comment.
Sharon Mau
Your marvelous literary prose is as beautiful as your image David! Your wonderful words breathe life into this beautiful shot. I love the perspective. I love the fact that it is not overprocessed revealing the soft natural early morning light and colours… I can almost hear the birdsong. And the stillness and wonder is reflected in this fantastic perspective. I wish you great success and many many sales!
Congratulations on your feature in All Countries ~ Wetlands, Ponds, Lakes and Rivers
David Friederich replied
Sharon, your comment and feedback are very special to me. I was inspired by this experience, which made the writing easy and flowing. I always feel fortunate for my experiences in nature, and I was overjoyed to have been able to make this image. Thank you so very much.
AnnDixon
Beautiful capture, wonderful description,
David Friederich replied
Thank you very much, Ann.
Karen Moore
This is beautiful as well as the story line to go with it. You have a talent to write, and your images are fantastic. Maybe you should have them together in a book form, bet they would sell.
David Friederich replied
What great encouragement, Karen. I would love to be able to sell a book. There are so many fine photographers on RB, and on other sites, I don’t think my work is special at all. I am glad you do, though. Thank you for this endearing comment.
lorilee
A wonderful capture!!!!!
David Friederich replied
Thank you, Lorilee. I love this image, too.
Joanne Bradley
This is excellent! So lovely to see this bird in its natural surroundings! I so admire your patience and perserverance! I am hoping to try this at a local heron sanctuary this summer…Any recommendations?
David Friederich replied
Thank you, Joanne. I am glad you commented. My recommendation is to arrive very early. Most of the activity will take place at day break, so it is good to be there a bit before to set up. Love receiving your comments, Joanne.
Larry Trupp
Wonderful detailed capture David, she is gorgeous indeed…I had to read on then, realized it was a female Red Winged balckbird…Commendable work my friend...inst fave also
David Friederich replied
I love this little marsh, Larry, and this shot. I have been blessed with some great photo ops at this secret spot. Thank you for a great comment, and for the fave.