More of this, hopefully

Looking forward to seeing more of this for years to come! These are my thoughts and the Sora's "thoughts", no doubt. Not the discarded lighter and other junk, obviously. In fact, this marsh is off the beaten track and there is very little junk.

This is about habitat. The concern is the continued existence of this marsh teeming with wildlife and a breeding ground for many bird species. According to local residents, the current landowner intends to drain the marsh. A big trench has been excavated, though it is not clear if this is for the purpose of draining. Governmental authorization would be required.

I have taken quite a few photos of various birds at this marsh and decided to try to observe the Soras after hearing them in the reeds. I slid down the embankment, betwen the reeds, to the edge of the floating vegetation mat. Feet first. I would not have been able to extricate myself had I gone head first. So, this is the lowest POV I could get. Eventually Sora Rails (Porzana carolina) and Wilson's Phalaropes (Phalaropus tricolor) came out in the open. This is the closest I have been to either species. Not called, not baited, etc. And the lighter is not mine. I did not attempt to remove it though, as this would have required me to trample through the fragile floating vegetation mat.

Canon 7D, Sigma 150-500 at 500 mm, ISO 500, f/11, 1/250 sec, small crop top and left for composition. Desaturated the greens and softened FG/BG to try to make the bird stand out more.

C & Cs are always welcome. Your feedback is helping a lot. Thank you. Roger.