the meadows

Staying hidden under a camo net for hours at a time can be uncomfortable, but very rewarding. You get to see character in animals normally never seen. All the action happens when there's no threat around. These two females bumped heads while looking for some sushi; I imagined they were very apologetic afterwards.

Once I pick a spot, I cover myself, gear, everything in camo. I also use surrounding brush to further conceal myself. Once I'm done settling in its important to remain still and completely silent. It took a while for these hooded mergansers to come back to this patch of water once I had spooked them. Above: My camera on a sturdy tripod behind layers of camouflage, good waterproof hunting clothes. Also hand and foot warmers are a necessity.

 The important thing is not disturbing the wildlife, any of it. This not only keeps preserving nature but allows you to get closer, critical in taking great pictures, and capturing the moment. 

Great Blue Herons often cram themselves together and then fight over small territories. 

Always time for a bath when you're a duck.

 Just landed, uh oh, I think she has a clue.

Male Hooded Mergansers, always photogenic. 

 The Great Blue Heron has impeccable eyesight and hearing. You always run the risk of being spotted by the sound of the shutter or very subtle body movements, then they alert everyone else with a loud bark and you know you're cover is blown and you need a new spot. Their bark is much like a short eared owls bark.

Short Eared Owl, Manahawkin-Forsythe Wildlife Refuge, Feb2 2014.

Ducks need to be wary there are always predators about, day and night. Short Eared fluttering over the meadows. Their beautiful flight patterns are compared by many to that of a moth.

But no predators today, it's a balmy 36 degrees, clear mostly sunny, light and variable winds, like a beautiful spring day. 

The moon is always a viable subject. 

 Once it gets a little too dark for the super telephoto its time to break out of my hiding spot and seek out some good, low-light sunset shots. 

Clear-blue, many times thawed, and refrozen ice. Probably safe to walk on but I wont take that chance.