Thousands of miles and many states separated them from their loved ones for over seven years. Constant road trips are not for most, but thousands would have it no other way. The once-in-a-lifetime pandemic hit the U.S. in late 2019, transforming the lives of most would-be travelers. Following the CDC’s recommendations, many hunkered down and stayed put to avoid contact with those infected with the evil disease.
Being outdoors is my passion; I am blessed Mother Nature smiled down on me today. I’ve walked these levees for years, I have captured thousands of images, therefore I know, the experience is one in a million. I’ve seen very few Pelicans lately, so I smiled as four magnificent specimens approached. These images are rare because the birds flew towards me instead of away. The birds came at me at a low altitude and turned slightly left after seeing me on the ground. I grabbed the big camera; I am at the right place at the right time; I’m standing next to the truck instead of half of mile away walking my boy. Experience taught me to be ready; I also learned if they see me, they are gone. They came back with their friends and performed magnificently; this collection took seconds to capture. I’ve seen and photographed them for years but nothing like this. When it was over, I looked down at Brody, whose look back at me said, “what are you yelling about?” When looking through a lens, intimacy is lost, but the moments preserved to be cherished and shared.