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Black bellied whistling Duck Landing
Black bellied whistling Duck Landing
©RGallucci Photography
It is hard to explain to those who have not been consumed by the obsession. I do not believe that anyone goes through childhood with this ambition, although the passion does take many at a young age. I was possibly the most unlikely to be struck. Rough around the edges and streetwise from a misspent youth, I developed a love for the outdoors late when a neighbor intervened and took me camping. That event changed my life - but it was a tepid forecast for the storm that would overwhelm me years later. And yet, it was a storm that ended a drought and provided fulfilment.
When described to an outsider the inducted are often faced with incredulous states, if not outright mockery. While others may understand a passion for the outdoors and nature, they cannot grasp the single-minded focus of our flock. In fact, they often cannot believe the expanse of our quest. How often have has it been said "you found that here?". How often did I say it myself!
Of course by now dear reader, you understand that I am speaking of my obsession with birds and its pursuit through birding. The flock I speak of is the community of birders and their common thread, in addition to their love of all things avian, and regardless of whether they act on it or not, is the hair-trigger response to the report of a rarity.
It starts simply. As a birder every hour you glance at your phone for your states ebird report. Or you are jolted to attention by one of the myriad sources of information you subscribe tO; text messages, GroupMe alerts, multiple list-serve subscriptions, social media alerts and, of course, calls from fellow birders.
As you process the information your heart quickens, you lean into your computer or cell phone in hopes of getting the details faster. Questions invade your concentration. How rare, how far, how long might it stay and how can I get away from what I am doing to go find it compete with each other. Is it confirmed fights with does it fit on my state, county (not me yet) or life list?
As you gather your thoughts, prioritizing the urgency, you find yourself asking; "If I can't get away now, can I wake up at 3 am tomorrow, go see it and then make it to work on time?". Or, "What if I take off from work early?", Let me check again the times it's been sighted. And then, of course, there is the "How can I explain to my significant other that we need to cancel our plans - again!" dilemma.
All this has become a normal part of my life. All this is the foreshadow of the story on this bird.
More to come.
Sharing permitted, please credit photographer
Showings by Appointment
Purchase inquiries appreciated
Please support RGallucci Photography
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
¹⁄₇₅₀ sec at f/8.0 Bias: 0 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 600 mm
ISO: 800
Edited in: Adobe Lightroom 2015CC
Black bellied whistling Duck Landing
Black bellied whistling Duck Landing
©RGallucci Photography
It is hard to explain to those who have not been consumed by the obsession. I do not believe that anyone goes through childhood with this ambition, although the passion does take many at a young age. I was possibly the most unlikely to be struck. Rough around the edges and streetwise from a misspent youth, I developed a love for the outdoors late when a neighbor intervened and took me camping. That event changed my life - but it was a tepid forecast for the storm that would overwhelm me years later. And yet, it was a storm that ended a drought and provided fulfilment.
When described to an outsider the inducted are often faced with incredulous states, if not outright mockery. While others may understand a passion for the outdoors and nature, they cannot grasp the single-minded focus of our flock. In fact, they often cannot believe the expanse of our quest. How often have has it been said "you found that here?". How often did I say it myself!
Of course by now dear reader, you understand that I am speaking of my obsession with birds and its pursuit through birding. The flock I speak of is the community of birders and their common thread, in addition to their love of all things avian, and regardless of whether they act on it or not, is the hair-trigger response to the report of a rarity.
It starts simply. As a birder every hour you glance at your phone for your states ebird report. Or you are jolted to attention by one of the myriad sources of information you subscribe tO; text messages, GroupMe alerts, multiple list-serve subscriptions, social media alerts and, of course, calls from fellow birders.
As you process the information your heart quickens, you lean into your computer or cell phone in hopes of getting the details faster. Questions invade your concentration. How rare, how far, how long might it stay and how can I get away from what I am doing to go find it compete with each other. Is it confirmed fights with does it fit on my state, county (not me yet) or life list?
As you gather your thoughts, prioritizing the urgency, you find yourself asking; "If I can't get away now, can I wake up at 3 am tomorrow, go see it and then make it to work on time?". Or, "What if I take off from work early?", Let me check again the times it's been sighted. And then, of course, there is the "How can I explain to my significant other that we need to cancel our plans - again!" dilemma.
All this has become a normal part of my life. All this is the foreshadow of the story on this bird.
More to come.
Sharing permitted, please credit photographer
Showings by Appointment
Purchase inquiries appreciated
Please support RGallucci Photography
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
¹⁄₇₅₀ sec at f/8.0 Bias: 0 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 600 mm
ISO: 800
Edited in: Adobe Lightroom 2015CC