All my life I have seen Oystercatchers dabbling around in the shallows along Benvoy or one of the other beaches of my childhood. They have a simple routine.
A flock flies in, lands, and then, all together now, dainty little steps into the water and then, suddenly, about face and quick steps out again, and again. After a while a quick foxtrot up or down the beach followed by a swooping fast flight and they are gone again.
Through the lens, I could see that they were having fun, enjoying the larking about, and perfectly present in their world. I was just an observer, a flightless blob on the rock, unable to keep up, I watched them disappear around the headland and on to their next adventure.
I am a slow one these days in comparison. When I try to speed up I remind myself that I am observing details of life very carefully and I must stand still to really see what is around me. This seems to be just as true of work as of play!
And when I take it slowly the mystery and the magic continues......."in a dark time, the eye begins to see" -Theodore Roethke
Śliczne ptaki, morze ( uwielbiam ) i wspaniałe zdjęcia. Pozdrawiam. *** Beautiful birds, sea (love), and great pictures. Yours.
ReplyDeleteWhat fantastic photos!
ReplyDeleteI was watching oyster-catchers this morning (only three - not a flock like this!) and wondering why they have such cheerful, shrieky voices. Maybe this is the clue - they like to have fun!
Another enchanting scene. How wonderful that you are able to slow down. When we, of a certain age, can learn that, we are so blessed. When you see a flower unfolding in slow motion, how wonderful if we could see that with the naked eye...Judy at GoldCountryCottage
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos - lucky you to have been by the sea and to see the oystercatchers at play!
ReplyDeleteJune
Your pictures are wonderful you have captured them so well!
ReplyDeleteSarah
wow that really is a special sight for the eyes and your camera has taken such wonderful shots in flight...my father has illustrated many bird guide books in his time, a keen bird watcher too- he would adore these images too ;0)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos!
ReplyDelete♥Crissi♥
Beautiful shots. I love those craggy rocks!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, I especially like that crisp, clear blue light you get at the coast. I really miss that, after having lived in smog filled London for 13 years. Take care :-)
ReplyDeleteThe call of the oyster catchers and your photos of them risinf of the beach reminds me of many wonderful holidays in Shetland.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourite birds. My husband bought me a card for my birthday of a painting with 3 oystercatchers on it. I loved it so much I got it framed and it hangs above the bath so when I lie there I can dream about being by the sea. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing them do their dance on Waterville Beach in county Kerry. Beautiful photos :)
ReplyDeletethat quote is so very true....and your idea of slowing down to observe is what I hope to do once I can get rid of the day job...
ReplyDeleteThe birds do seem to be having fun! Beautiful photos and thought provoking quote. How true!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the days when I was so little that it was impossible not to see all the details of the world before me! Now, as we slow down it's fun to get back to those details. I love your Oystercatchers! Lovely post!
ReplyDeleteI see oystercatchers on the Wyre Estuary when we're at our other house so must watch more carefully and see whether they dance there as well. Or maybe I'll see them in Ireland in April.
ReplyDeleteLOVE, LOVE, LOVE!Thank you for this post and your great shots, love oystercatchers, have never managed to get good pictures of them. Nice one.
ReplyDeleteStunning, beautiful photos...I just want to dive into that sea... :)
ReplyDeleteLovely, I watch them here in Greystones too, they are beautiful, all birds are beautiful. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant photos as always!
ReplyDeleteLove the rolling surf - but it looks jolly cold.
ReplyDeleteWonderful captures! And I LOVE your title!!
ReplyDeleteHow utterly captivating Benvoy looks ... I learnt something today.. I have never heard of Oystercatchers.. they look like a large seagull.. how interesting. Your photos are magnificent.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing, when we stop and take more time to see what is around us.. we do see things that we thought werent there before. I would love to take a walk on these lovely hills and see the spectacular view.
Thank you for sharing..
val
valerietilsten59.blogspot.com.. Val's Alentejo.
I can hear the music and the sound of the sea as I look at these x
ReplyDeleteBrilliant photos, I love oystercatchers, a bird from my childhood too, having been brought up by the sea. I saw one this morning on the outskirts of town on the grassy perimeter of a parking lot and sat a while watching it from the car wondering why I hadn't taken my camera! Well done you. I usually see a seasonal pair high up the hill side where I live which greatly warms my heart, especially when I hear them call.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful – and I was struck by what a knack you have for photographing birds and capturing wonderful patterns in their movements (reference your earlier post with the crows). Just lovely! Although we have many birds on our property, I have been so far hopeless at capturing them. :)
ReplyDeleteJust found you blog. Great pictures and descriptions. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your beautiful pictures and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteJust for a minute, i was on the beach, could hear the sea and see the birds and feel the breeze. Thanks
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