Mortal Merganser
As a bird photographer, it is so easy to get caught up in celebrating the beauty, flight, and grace of the avian kingdom, while ignoring the realities of death, the daily struggle to find food, and territorial clashes over mates, food sources, and becoming prey to other hungry animals.
The cycle of life involves all these things taken together and I believe it is good to balance their beauty with the harsh realities they face in daily existence.
I came upon this bird as I was walking the beach last week. I believe it is a female merganser, though I could be wrong. We have many mergansers courting at the lakeshore these spring days; sadly this one will no longer be swimming and courting and flying with its peers.
Obviously, I don't expect many view, faves, or comments. But to those who do comment, thank you in advance...
Mortal Merganser
As a bird photographer, it is so easy to get caught up in celebrating the beauty, flight, and grace of the avian kingdom, while ignoring the realities of death, the daily struggle to find food, and territorial clashes over mates, food sources, and becoming prey to other hungry animals.
The cycle of life involves all these things taken together and I believe it is good to balance their beauty with the harsh realities they face in daily existence.
I came upon this bird as I was walking the beach last week. I believe it is a female merganser, though I could be wrong. We have many mergansers courting at the lakeshore these spring days; sadly this one will no longer be swimming and courting and flying with its peers.
Obviously, I don't expect many view, faves, or comments. But to those who do comment, thank you in advance...