A large part of what I photograph is designed around wildlife. They are typically the focal point of my images.
That was how this group started out also. However in short order I realized the Osprey was there to support the incredible architecture of this massive shuttered building.
Recently someone from ‘away’, not New England (Australia, so not even close to here), made a comment about how surprised they were with an image we posted of an Egret capturing a fish. It went on to say how difficult it was to get close for photos. This again confirmed an ongoing conversation we have here.
We have many readers not local so here is a brief view of the shore bird world according to me, with absolutely no hard evidence included.
The Connecticut shore is part of the north / south migratory highway. There has been an effort made for some time now to protect the marshes, rivers, and connected woodlands. Not everyone will agree on the effectiveness, but that’s not a topic for here.
Connecticut has many rivers, preserves, and land trusts but none provide access to wildlife like the shore. Important to this is how the animals have grown comfortable with people if there is just a little space allowed between them. This is a small state, with a dense population. However, the design of the shore access, with some areas even closed to people, seems to have struck some type of balance.
As an example the following series of images was taken in a fairly short time frame from a wooden walkway along a salt marsh.
The gallery below displays a number of other visitors taken at the same time.
The picture is the story.
Those of us who live here, in Connecticut, visit Mystic and the Seaport often. The town main street has all the usual shops selling upscale tourist trinkets. It is also the home to one of the last sailing ship repair and restoration organizations. Shipwrights trained in the traditional building techniques maintain ships owned by the Seaport Museum as well as other historical vessels from around the east coast.
Since we have many regular viewers from across the US and around the world I thought these photographs of the ships and docks in winter might be interesting. When warm weather arrives I will revisit the shipyard and museum.
Mystic was a center of ship building from the 1600s until the early 1800s. Ultimately the steam ship and the industrial revolution centered in New England changed that. Ship building ended and factories opened.
The Mystic Museum and Seaport opened in 1929. The Preservation Shipyard owns the last wooden whaler sailing ship, Charles W Morgan. Also they are responsible for 16 unique sailing ships. Currently the Mayflower II is in port for a 2 year restoration.
These shots were taken looking up the Mystic river, from near town center, towards the narrows where the ships dock and shipyard buildings are. The river itself is small and shallow. Most ships are towed up river.
One last piece of vital information, or movie trivia, there really is a ‘Mystic Pizza’ as in the famous Julia Roberts film. But no, she doesn’t work there.
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
The following is presented with my utmost respect and gratitude.
The Great Blue Heron is one of the most beautiful and imposing birds in New England. Eagles, Osprey, and Blue Herons are the shots all New England photographers want.
If I hadn’t turned my head at the exact moment this Heron stretched his wings these pictures would never have been taken. I also need to thank the drivers behind us for not running me down as I threw myself from the car. I should have become a hood ornament at that moment.
The bird had perched on a small scrub pine on the edge of a marsh. If he had remained in the reeds he would have been invisible.
Blues are the largest North American Heron and have a head-to-tail length of 36-54 inches (91–137 cm). The tallest and heaviest of the Blue Herons live in New England. He might not have been bigger than me, but that was the impression I got.
Herons don’t fly. They levitate into the air and simply glide away.
I am grateful this particular Heron sat and watched as I stumbled around photographing him. The bird was very patient with us and we left him alone in the marsh after a few minutes.
When all else fails “You can always use Gulls“.
Around Connecticut there is never a shortage of some type of Gull. They always put up a good show. Better yet, very photogenic.
During the winter here there are times you don’t find that ‘thing’ you started out to photograph. A dark sky, dull horizon, and bright (or dirty) snow can ruin any day of shooting.
Connecticut Gulls
When I have been out for awhile and running empty I know “You can always use Gulls“.
The other day I was sitting on a large log on the shore. Sunny, which is rare now, and not too cold. My subject was on hand. So here they are in black and white which worked well with the shadows and reflections.
Connecticut Gulls
Special thanks to Connecticut photographer George Savic for the reflections idea. I saw these shots and thought of his great photograph.
