My favorite pictures are often the ones that I did not originally plan to take.
Hovering over the edge of a small bridge near my parents' house this past weekend, I was doing my best to avoid looking like a potential jumper to anyone who drove by. I tried to keep the camera visible so that folks wouldn't run out of their cars and tackle me from the knees in their attempts to "save" me.
I had noticed some neat patterns in the ice when we drove by earlier in the morning. It seemed as if the water had frozen almost instantly, solidifying the waves in a semi-permanent image that I won't soon forget.
In the middle of composing what I thought was a relatively static image, I noticed some movement in the viewfinder. This colorful little fellow had wandered out from under the bridge. I thought how cold he/she must be from walking on the ice in the middle of a tributary on a cold, late-winter's day. I know it's just a duck, but at that moment I wished I could have thrown down a blanket so that the little bird could be warmer.
But I had no blanket. And I doubt the duck would have appreciated the gesture. So I took this picture instead.
The patterns in the ice are really amazing, Carmi,
ReplyDeleteI love that picture. It would look great hanging on the wall!
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat image. Don't you love it when you have your camera there for some cool unexpected shot?
ReplyDeleteI guess you still have a while for Spring to thaw things out...
So cute, but also a little sad and ominous.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the rare appearance of snow we have here in San Francisco. I wonder if the ducks at Golden Gate Park feel the same way as their friend in your picture.
ReplyDeletePoor guy's probably sitting there thinking, "Wait a sencond. I was gonna have lunch here and they're closed? Due to inclement weather? What a load of crap!"
ReplyDeleteF to tha YI - It is a he. Mallard drakes have the green plummage around their necks and heads while Mallard hens are brown and bespeckled.
/ornathologicalknowitallidness
That is a great shot.
That is an AWESOME shot! Great job!
ReplyDeleteMichele sent me back, carmi, to say that you really ought to blow that one up and frame it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, when the picture first appeared on my screen with the duck out of sight, I thought it was a picture of waves washing up on a beach somewhere. Maybe the little guy was enjoying the beauty of the scene just like you were.
ReplyDeleteThere is a pond where I work an on cold morning it ices over. The ducks and geese sit on top, but they are so still it looks like they are frozen in the water.This time I am here from Michele.
ReplyDeleteI felt cold just looking at the picture, it's clever how they don't get frostbite of the feet!
ReplyDeleteCarmi you take some incredibly poetic photos. Although frankly, the image of potential passing motorist attempting to save your life was nearly as amusing. Thanks for the smile.
ReplyDeleteGreat picture!!
ReplyDeleteI've had trouble getting to your blog lately. I'm glad it was apparently Blogger, or me, and your blog is still here.
How cute! I do feel sorry for the animals out in the cold.. I drive by a lot of cows, horses, sheep and others on my way to and from work, but they don't seem to mind it.
ReplyDeleteA magic moment in photography. As to jumping--I was in Canada at Niagara Falls last summer, and I was astonished to see that anyone who wanted to could jump into the river right up to the edge of the Canadian Falls!!! At the Brooklyn Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge and all other favorite spectacular jump sites in the U.S., there is serious fence work to thwart any comers. I kind of liked how Canada gave me an unobstructed view, but I've wondered since how they manage possible jump situations. This post of yours clears this up for me.~,:^)
ReplyDeleteIf it makes you feel any better, there was a mallard swimming happily around the duck pond not far from my house last week. Maybe this little guy will join him soon. :)
ReplyDeleteI took some photos of some Canadian geese at the duck pond. Definitely a sign that spring is coming. YAY!
what a great image..
ReplyDeleteYou have such a great eye....
even when you are not trying.
GORGEOUS Picture!!! Wow! How dear is that little guy in the middle of these exquisite patterns?
ReplyDeleteLove this photo. I Love ALL your photo's, actually.
Love the photo and I can almost hear the duck thinking..... now where are my ice skates.
ReplyDeleteDucks rock:)
here via myself
ReplyDeletewhat a spectacular shot. the patterns are unique and the minute splash of mallard tops it off.
He's probably thinking, "Where'd my water go?"
Michele sent me, Carmi.
ReplyDeleteThat picture of the duck is great. Intended or not, you have such a great eye for pictures, that you know when to snap the shutter.
While I don't have ice at my disposal here, I think the composition of your picture is so nice that I'm going to try and find a way to get something similar with my camera. Immitation is a form of flattery, you know?!
I'm not real fond of frozen food....but he'll do in a pinch!!!
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