Date: 4/20/24

Time: 3:45 am – 7:30 am

Location: Marsh Haven Nature Center Auto Tour – about ¾ of the way through

Birds: Bald Eagle, Northern Cardinal, Downy Woodpecker, Canadian Geese, Greater Scaup, and Red Winged Blackbird

Animals: rabbit, deer, and something loud, close, and creepy.

Number of Pictures taken: 127

Keepers: 27 and 1 Timelapse video

The last two visits to the marsh have been a reminder because of more animals and birds than usual. The key difference? The time of day: dusk or dawn rather than my usual hours at Horicon. In Wisconsin, where sunny days are at a premium and my Vitamin D levels perpetually need a boost, I want sunlight, give me sunlight. However, venturing out of the sunlight has been an eye-opener. It’s well-known that many animals are more active during twilight hours—had I conveniently forgotten?

To truly appreciate—or in this case, capture the essence of—anything, it’s necessary to understand all its facets, traits, and nuances. No single place can be defined by daylight alone. If I were to get philosophical, I’d say this applies to people, places, and even hobbies. But I’d rather focus on the joys of these moments.

Take, for example, the quest for a woodpecker that sounded enormous due to the morning stillness, only to discover it was a tiny Downy Woodpecker. This little banger is set to make its Instagram debut this week. Or consider the newfound trick, I was taught, with my iPhone camera that is a game changer for me. Then there’s the elegant call of the morning dove, the dreamy predawn light on the water, and the stars that the city never sees.

Pure joy—that’s what I felt. Sleep deprivation be damned! This! The kind of joy I want in every waking hour, on as many days as possible. This shoot was one where joy overpowered sleep so thoroughly that I finished all the edits and the day had ended before I knew it. It all felt like the blink of an eye.