I arrived at Stauffer’s Marsh just after sunrise, later than my usual dawn start after underestimating the 40-minute drive. It was a brisk 38 degrees under clear skies, with fog covering the pond. Two Great Blue Herons flew past the western overlook, but at 1/800s my Auto ISO hit its 12,800 ceiling, leaving the birds too dark despite positive exposure compensation. Then a splash caught my attention: a kingfisher emerged from the water and perched nearby. In my excitement, I forgot to reduce exposure compensation and overexposed the shot. There were Canada Geese floating in the fog. I made a couple of nice shots of them. The meadow, usually unproductive for me, offered a welcome surprise—several birds perched in view, and this time I got the exposures right. Farther along, the usual Gray Catbirds were absent from the thickets; perhaps they’d moved south. At the pond’s eastern edge, a Great Blue Heron stood above a beautiful reflection, growing comfortable with my presence after an initially nervous greeting. I left pleased with the meadow, but still replaying that kingfisher opportunity.
