Ring-billed Gulls like to rest on a long log in the water. You can tell by its color that it is a preferred place. The gull’s social behavior is fun to watch and if you wait long enough, they let you get really close.
I always looked for driftwood, often big trees, that stranded somewhere in the mud during our recent paddle trips with the kayak on the Mississippi River. These logs are a potential place where birds can perch or other animals, like muskrats or turtles enjoy a bath in the sun or just eat.
Background is everything for telling the story of a critter in its habitat. Getting a good background is not always easy while moving in a kayak but it can be very rewarding if the approach is thought through and timing, direction of light, and the acceptance of our presence by the animal come all together.
A young Hooded Merganser enjoyed the last sun before it disappeared behind the bluffs of the river valley. I tried to get close enough to separate the bird from a bunch of gulls sitting on the same log. Water lilies in the background give a sense of place without much explanation.
An old mossy tree root that has been a long time in the river already is the perfect place for a sun bath for this Painted Turtle. The water of the Mississippi main channel is far enough away for a nice blurred background.
With no water in the background the attention goes directly to the birds. The perspective from below eye level of the gulls and great light make this photo a keeper for me.
The same American White Pelican I showed you already a few days ago. Not the most exciting gesture but driftwood and bird are kissed by “killer light” of the setting sun.
All images: Nikon Z6II, Nikon FTZ adapter, Sigma 150-600mm / f5-6.3 DG OS HSM S