Life without a Schedule

When I worked as a college professor I had large blocks of time when I did not have a set schedule. True freedom is an open agenda. So I have had a lot of preparation for a pandemic! Boredom is my inspiration. When you let the tank empty you can fill it with whatever you want. These days I fill my days with music, art and literature.

Prince Edward Point Lighthouse, ON

My world is in many ways smaller lately but I’m able to watch the seasons change in one place. I’m able to know my backyard better than I ever have. There are so many worlds within worlds.

Surface Hoar Frost

When all this is over and we get back to life as it once was before masks and constant hand washing, what will you have learned about yourself and the world around you?

Snowy Owl

Mariners Park Museum Lighthouse

I have learned that I have just enough self motivation to keep me moving forward. I have just enough curiosity to keep me interested in the world around me without a timetable to get in the way.

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Sometimes the Answer is Right in Front of You

I’m always driving somewhere. It really is a mind numbing activity. Driving costs a lot and it takes so much of my time. It also adds to my carbon footprint. However, I don’t always need to drive for hours to take great images. Often I don’t need to look much further than my own yard.

This week Lori pointed out the colour of the leaves in our backyard. At this time of year the angle and direction of light is south of our house. It lights up a Norway Maple and much of the backyard is bathed with bright side light. Birds are eating and roosting at the bird feeder. I set up another stand with seed and a branch overhanging the seed. The birds land on the branch first and then drop down to the seed. This set-up lets me have control over the background and direction of light on my subject. I just sit in a chair and wait for something to drop by. The Northern Cardinals were too shy to pose. They flew in and land but would not stay long enough for a photo.

I did manage to get a shot of a Red-breasted Nuthatch with a brilliant yellow background.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Also managed to get a female House Sparrow that dropped by.

House Sparrow

Of course I have shot many things in my backyard over the years including insects, birds and the occasional mammal.

Cicada

Cecropia Moth Caterpillar

Bumblebee on Goldenrod

Raccoon in Tree Cavity

Eastern Cottontail

Northern Cardinals at Nest

You never need to travel very far to get great images. Sometimes the best place is in your own backyard.