ABYOBL
This week - winter hit HARD with very cold temps…and snow on the ground. By Friday I was feeling a little cooped up…so I asked my husband Don if he would want to take a ride down to Gettysburg PA (about 35 minutes from my home). A few weeks back I had noticed some beautiful old barns as I was driving down some back roads. I made a note to myself to come back to them if there was snow on the ground. There is nothing prettier than a classic red barn contrasted with crisp white snow….throw in some golden cornfields and you have magic :). Don was happy to come along and before he left he said “Aren’t you going to bring your big lens?” I said “Nah...I just want to take some landscape photos of some of the barns I had seen a month ago.” He said…”Are you sure?”…..Are you really sure?...What if we see something really cool?”. Well…I still said “No - It’s fine….I’m not going to worry about it.” Big Mistake!!!
As we got off the highway and meandered through the Gettysburg Park…we did see beautiful landscapes with red barns and worm fencing looking sharp in the snow. As we were driving along, we came past a few photographers along side of the road. I hopped out of the truck and asked what they were seeing. I was told there were 3 short eared owls hanging out. So - I got my camera (NOT MY BIG LENS)…and began to observe these mystical creatures. I have always wanted to see owls and be able to photograph them. This was a magical moment for me!! I did the best I could with the lens I had. As the sun began to set and the cold began to set in, I realized it was time to pack it up.
Don was a very good sport…and did not say “I told you so” :). But this was a valuable lesson for me. I need to remember to “ABYOBL” Always bring your own big lens :). Of course I was disappointed that I wasn’t able to get the clear shots I would’ve been able to with my big lens, but it did not take away the beauty and magic of the opportunity to witness these magnificent birds. At the beginning of each year (just a few weeks ago), my daughter and I make a list of manifestations we want to call in for the new year. My very first wish - was to be able to see and photograph an owl. It is something I have never been able to do…and I always think - How will I ever see an owl?
So - I have to say “THANK YOU UNIVERSE” for this gift!! When I heard the word owl from the other photographers….I about fell over!!
To continue on with the story, Don and I woke up the next morning at 5:00 am. Again, Don was incredibly helpful - bringing binoculars, extra camera batteries and hand warmers. We remembered how to get to the field we had been to the night before. It was just barely starting to get light. As we were driving we saw 2 owls fly overhead. I was so excited. However, after setting up my tripod - and my BL (big lens :), we only saw one owl briefly fly by. Wah wah :(. After a little while of 1 degrees temps - I decided to call it and we loaded up the gear. We did drive around the park for a bit with our eyes peeled, but to no avail.
I don’t know if I will make it back there any time soon, but no matter the outcome, it was still right up there with one of my most magical memories and one that I am very grateful for. I often compare wildlife photography to fishing…you never know what you are gonna catch. It is always hard to pack up at the end of the day…because you are always thinking…maybe just one more cast….or maybe just 5 more minutes behind the lens:). But my heart is warmed knowing that there is always tomorrow and more unexpected gifts that happen - often when we least expect it.
