I haven’t spent enough time at Lake Kegonsa to know the story behind these four ducks.
I can guess they are a mother with three surviving ducklings.
Two of the ducklings dove into the surf – presumably to feed; while the large female to the left stayed onshore and fed. The fourth, rather stalwart looking duckling, just stood onshore.
Occasionally, she put her head up to check on me as I inched in closer.
When I felt I had gotten close enough, I took a few final shots and then walked away.
In this wonderful age of electronic anything and everything, from laptop computers to cell phones we carry in our pockets, one thing remains true for outdoor photography. You cannot manufacture light. I’ve learned that when the object of my photographic intent is lit from the side the photos turnout better. Afternoon light tends to be harsh and causes the photos to look flat, while taking pictures on overcast days tends to make the photos look dull or even colorless. So I wait for the light. Either early morning light when the sun first rises, or late afternoon light when the sun sets. I have also got places that I visit when I know the light will work the way I want it to work. While the routine I follow is not carved in stone, with the state parks I frequent I try to be in certain places at certain times, which allows me to work on the craft side of taking photos.
When the light is right, then all you need is something to shoot, which is why I look for places to shoot when the light is right.
With the weather being off-the-charts beautiful, 78 degrees today, I found it very difficult to hang around the house; not even my alma mater whipping San Diego State in the NCAA tournament could keep me in front of the TV. All the critters have emerged from their hiding places, or have returned from their journeys to warmer places.
I noticed this cantankerous snapping turtle plowing through the Beaver Habitat’s muddy shoreline.
It eventually noticed me taking pictures and burrowed into the mud.
The geese have returned.
The Mallards have also returned.
Even this Muskrat seemed content to roam around, while the human took pictures.
My hike ended with this mother and her yearling buck walking up to within twenty-feet-or-so, while I took pictures. Lots of pictures.
The Trail 
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