November 2021 - Finding Focus: Local Safaris and a Feathered Assistant

When you don’t feel happy and have nothing nice to say; snap some photos!!  📸 

Finding Focus: Local Safaris and a Feathered Assistant

When words aren't enough and the days feel a bit heavy, picking up a camera has a funny way of acting as a reset button. It forces you to step outside, slow your breathing, and actively look for beauty, motion, and life. Lately, turning the lens toward San Diego’s incredible local wildlife has been the perfect way to find some quiet pockets of peace.

The Thrill of the Local Safari

You don't need to travel halfway across the world for a safari when you have a camera in hand right here at home. There is a distinct, simple joy in documenting the daily rhythms of our local environment:

The High-Speed Chases: Freezing a hummingbird mid-flight, wings spread wide, or tracking ducks as they cut through an overcast sky.

The Quiet Contemplation: Catching a snowy egret skimming the water, or finding a shorebird perfectly still, mirrored in the glassy reflection of a calm tide.

The Neighborhood Hidden Gems: Watching bright yellow-rumped warblers darting through architectural agave fronds, or waiting patiently by a bird of paradise flower for that perfect, split-second shot.

These walks are a reminder of how much life is constantly moving around us, waiting to be noticed if we just take a second to look.

Co-Authoring with Ms. Lucky

Of course, the photography safari doesn't stop when I get back to the house. Every amateur photographer needs a strict editor and studio manager, and Ms. Lucky, an African Gray parrot, fills that role perfectly.

Keeping busy with her is a masterclass in staying present. Whether she is offering her vocal "critiques" while I look through the day's frames, keeping me company on her perch, or just being the ultimate, photogenic subject herself, she ensures there's never a dull or lonely moment in the house.

A Note to myself: If you ever find yourself struggling to find happy things to say, try picking up a camera. Go look for a bird on a wire, a reflection in a pond, or the way the afternoon light hits a leaf. It doesn't fix the hard things, but it gives you a beautiful place to rest your mind for a while.

November 2021 Sequence Captions

Image 1: image_c9d07b.png (From top to bottom)

Ducks in Flight: "Synchronized wings cutting through a quiet, overcast sky."

Crescent Moon: "A thin sliver of light in a wide open, dark sky. A moment to just breathe."

Runners Cresting the Hill: "The hard push up the incline—finding inspiration in the pure determination of the local race."

Snowy Egret Skimming Water: "Catching a beautiful snowy egret in mid-glide, effortlessly skimming the surface."

Youth Soccer Action: "Total focus on the field. Love watching the pure energy of the game."

Crowded Marathon Street: "A sea of movement on the city streets. The beautiful, chaotic energy of the community out in full force."

Great Egret Soaring: "Wings wide open against the blue, finding a sense of freedom looking up."

Hummingbird on a Wire (Fluffed Up): "A tiny, fluffed-up neighbor keeping a close eye on the neighborhood from its favorite wire."

Image 2: image_c9cd5b.png (From top to bottom)

Halloween Skeleton & Toy Parrot: "A little leftover spooky season humor on the walking route—looks like Ms. Lucky has a stunt double."

Girl by the White Car: "Taking a quick break by the hatchback before heading out to the next spot."

Wading Shorebird with Dark Reflection: "A solitary willet wading through the shallows, perfectly mirrored in the glassy water."

Hummingbird Close-Up on Wire: "Up close and personal with a dazzling little garden resident. Look at that gorgeous texture."

Hummingbird Frozen Mid-Flight: "A magical split-second frozen in time—wings spread wide in a perfect, head-on flight."

Balboa Park Lily Pond: "Reflecting on a beautiful afternoon at the Balboa Park Lily Pond. San Diego at its finest."

Shorebird in Bright Blue Water: "Simple, quiet moments by the water's edge are the best medicine for a heavy heart."

Hummingbird on Diagonal Wire (Bright Blue Sky): "Vibrant blues and a tiny sentinel soaking up the afternoon sun."

Hummingbird Profile Close-Up: "Studying the incredible details of a backyard regular. The camera forces you to appreciate the little things."

Image 3: image_c9cc9e.png (From top to bottom)

Soccer Breakaway: "Chasing down the ball with pure focus—keeping active, keeping moving."

Yellow-Rumped Warbler on Agave: "A bright yellow-rumped warbler finding a perfect perch among the sharp agave fronds."

Hummingbird in Bird of Paradise: "Nature’s perfect design—a tiny hummingbird enjoying the vibrant bird of paradise blooms."

Warbler on Frond (Bright Sky): "Looking up through the leaves to catch a splash of yellow against a brilliant blue sky."

Warbler Low Ground Close-Up: "A curious little traveler hopping down low, looking for a quick snack."

Hummingbird Silhouette on Leaf: "A striking profile silhouetted against a deep, vibrant backdrop."

Fairy Garden Decor: "Stumbling upon a whimsical little fairy house tucked away in the neighborhood greenery."

Ms. Lucky Portrait: "Saving the best for last—my brilliant African Gray assistant, Ms. Lucky, holding down the fort at home."