If there is one trait I find hardest to exhibit it is patience. To be a success in any endeavor (especially photography) one must possess and exhibit patience. However, the older I get the less I seem to have. This morning I watched as a Great Egret exhibited this trait and was duly rewarded.

The Great Egret is one of the most graceful and beautiful of the Heron Species. This particular bird fishes regularly in the lagoon near the dock. I slowly approach and after one look it ignores me and goes about its daily task of looking for breakfast. Its keen eyes search the shallows. It stretches that long neck up and down trying to find just the right fish. It hops from one pool to another, pauses and looks and then moves on. Suddenly it freezes for a moment then “Splash”, it lunges for a fast fleeting fish. When it looks up, it proudly exhibits its catch for me. A little flip to get the fish’s head adjusted and then down the hatch it goes. This birds patience paid off.

Frances De Sales (a bishop of Geneva during the time of the reformation) said “Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them– every day begin the task anew.” May these thoughts be with you as it was with this beautiful bird. Blessings. Harry

Reflections on Broward is now "Mountain Musings"

Patience