
My opening photo is one taken from the deck of our condominium at the Breakers in Long Beach, Washington. From winter through spring rain floods the meadows forming ponds that attract resident and migratory birds. This shot is a quintessential capture of the sky at sundown with threatening storm clouds suffused with pastel tones, reflected in the marshes.

In mid-March 2020, we were settled at the condo in Long Beach, at the start of the Covid 19 pandemic when the state government issued a decree to stay in place. For the ensuing two and a half months the beach was closed to automobiles and virtually deserted. During this time I was able to earn the trust of a pair of Bald Eagles, who came to recognize me and were not disturbed by my being there. Accordingly, I kept myself and my beagle at a respectable distance. I captured many excellent images of various Bald Eagles and created a collection of poems and photos from this experience. The above shot is a favorite because it shows the pair side by side, in a quiet moment and unruffled by my presence.
