I wanted to get some photos of birds this morning, but I had a dilemma: I could either take them of the birds at my backyard feeder, which were a sure thing, but a little boring, or I could take a walk down to the pond in the woods, which might prove more interesting, but might also be birdless. I decided to take my chances with the pond.

Cutting across a farmer’s field on my way to the woods, I ran into a couple of cranes standing around on impossible legs. The farmer’s don’t like to see cranes in their fields as they’re harmful to the crops.

When I got to the trees, I was surprised to find a turkey vulture sunning himself. Vultures must be the ugliest birds ever with their featherless heads and turtle-neck sweaters.

Once I was under the trees, I felt like I was being watched–and I was. Overhead, a marsh hawk stared at me with his keen vision until I passed. With so many birds along the way, I assumed I’d strike out at the pond.

I was not disappointed.

–Photos by me