I went out to the Eastern Egg Rock nesting site for Atlantic Puffins yesterday. I did see them although at this point in the summer they are no longer nesting so the sightings were only on the water or in the air. I learned something about my reason for bird photography from this experience. Much of the joy I experience is actually watching the birds, up close and personal, through the lens.
In this case, with the boat cruising slowly around the little island, and with the birds bobbing in the waves, I was only going for any image that looked like it might be sharp before touching the shutter button. Now, looking at the pictures, it feel like they might have been taken by anyone. I have no memories of seeing these things.
On the other hand, it is interesting because I realize that anyone looking at my nature shots needs to be drawn into the experience of being there with me, which may only come when my own experience was really that of being there.
That said, they are cute little birds and a couple of them are actually in focus. I hope you enjoy the slide show.
