I did not plan an exciting photo excursion this morning, and only bring my Nikon ZF and a couple of small lens. The weather is cold and dreary with misting rain and a driving wind.
I end up lost (a bridge is out and no detour is marked) and drive aimlessly it seemed for hours (though only a few minutes) and finally find myself in Downsville, LA. I decide to go on to Lake D’Arbonne in Farmerville, LA, to check on the nesting osprey. As I turn off onto Ramp Road I can see that the wind is blowing unimpeded across the lake and white capping near the shore.
A great egret fishes near the shore. Breakfast is served. Thankfully I have a telephoto lens that I left in my truck.
Still fishing.
As I’m watching, waiting for the decisive moment, I notice the egret crouching and then flying away.
I don’t know why the egret is leaving, but I continue shooting, hoping to capture it all. I continue shooting as the egret flies out of the frame…
I am surprised by the osprey who immediately fills my viewfinder. I press the shutter and capture my only image of the osprey this morning. Now I know why the egret flies away. My day is made!
BONUS: After leaving Lake D’Arbonne I drive to the Saline Wetlands area in D’Arbonne NWR to check the water levels and capture this image of a killdeer. The floodwaters cover the road.