Springtime

Editor’s note: This post is adapted from PSRI member Deb Page’s article recently published in the Massachusetts Camera Naturalists newsletter dated March 2024. MassCamNats is a by-invitation-only nature photography club.

Springtime. This is the time that you can learn and appreciate how wonderful nature is. As the seasons change, temperatures outside become warmer, and the daylight hours become longer. It is a time to awaken our senses and inspire us to venture outside and appreciate the growth, renewal and transformation of what nature has to offer.

Spring is a time of renewal for birds, animals, trees, plants, flowers, and other things in nature. Birds return from their winter migration and animals emerge from hibernation.

During this renewal period birds and animals instinctively exhibit behavior that can be developed by genetic and environmental influences. They begin with mating rituals, nest or den building and then nurturing, feeding, and protecting their young. There are species that share the responsibility, while another parent may be required to manage and conquer this on their own. It is an amazing time and a joy to observe.

I guess I could be known as a wanderer, because that is exactly what I do when I venture out. Sometimes there are exact destinations planned and other times it is time to explore different areas. Ninety percent of my travels remain in the New England area. I search for water in new areas by utilizing the car’s GPS. Small ponds are best or marshes and breachways. Unbelievably, even puddles after a storm can lend itself to a new “bathtub” for some birds and wildlife. It all depends on the subject I am interested in seeing and photographing. There are many factors that come into play, as we all know. The time, tides, wind, sunshine, clouds, temperature, light, and more, such as a “sleeping subject” can really change how your day goes.

The renewal period is really something worthwhile to observe and learn about. Become one with nature, meaning sit or get low and quietly wait. Observe their behavior and the dynamics of the scene. The subjects you see have a story of their own that prompts you to do further research and educate yourself as to what, why and how of your observations. Photographing various aspects of the renewal period provides me with the ability to revisit wonderful moments and share my experiences with others. The photographs included in this article hopefully evoke an emotion and tell a story of nurturing and how remarkable nature really is.

The parents of all species ensure the growth and development of their youth. It is essential that they forage for food, teach their young nest building, hunting, and protecting themselves to survive. The parents of all species invest many hours searching for enough food to sustain them.

So, now is the time to plan new adventures and hopefully be able to observe some won­derful moments in nature. Enjoy, and be safe.