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What a morning! I decided to take my walk in Carmel this morning. I headed toward Carmel River State Beach and what transpired was more than amazing. As I have been making my way through my challenge of 365 days, I have seen some incredible sights in nature, coyotes, deer in the ocean and blooms of jellies. Today was like living in a wildlife documentary. I spotted an egret and a heron both fishing in the lagoon. I crept up and just sat down on the sand and the birds seemed not to notice me.
Most of my experiences with both birds is that they tend to be shy and as soon as you approach them, they move away. The fishing was so good they just kept up with business. I tried to stay as still as I good, taking photos for about an hour as the show proceeded.
First the egret looked, you could see it, trying to spot a fish.
Then it flew in the direction it saw the fish.
It dipped in and pulled out a small fish.
and then back to fishing.
As this is going on, I know the blue heron is fishing too! I can't decide which way to look.
The blue heron has a different technique, it watches, turns it's head and then dips into the lagoon and comes up with a fish.
It shakes the fish around for a minute and gulp.
Together for a second.... they would pass each other but gave space.
Time to look for another fish.
Back and forth chasing fish. I always feel lucky on any given day, if I can catch one image with wings extended. The egret continued to do all of this right in front of me within feet. There was a peace within me and appreciation of nature as this all went down. A spiritual moment for sure.
Reflections in the water too, I was in heaven. I feel very blessed to have the beauty around me to help me heal. Nature has been like medicine for grief. 365 days of images has had many benefits for me, it has healed the soul.
The bird throws it's head under water and brings up another fish. This one takes some throwing around, dropping and juggling to get it down the gullet.
Over and over again, fish after fish, I sit mesmerized.
Flying just feet in front of me, I had front row seats. Bird
watching nirvana.
People started to show up to the beach and both birds flew further into the reeds. Thank goodness they did or I don't know how many images I would have ended up taking. I am on my fourth narrowing down process of pictures as I write this. I know, I know I got carried away. The moments I live for....
The Pelicans hung out for a little longer and I finally get to the walking part of the walk.
I weaved my way through the neighborhoods to catch my exercise. I think Carmel is magical.
For Phil
You would have loved my day.
I could see you sitting on the beach watching me.
Miss you to the tips of my toes.
Noelle helped me put my video together
