Morning Open Thread is a daily, copyrighted post from a host of editors and guest writers. We support our community, invite and share ideas, and encourage thoughtful, respectful dialogue in an open forum.
I’ve been given the honor of hosting the Sunday edition of the MOT time. The diarist gets to sleep in if he or she so desires and can show up long after the post is published. So you know, it's a feature, not a bug.
Join us, please.
I am not sure that I agree with Mr. Emerson’s quote (in the title image), and I offer this alternative. I took yesterday off and went to Sardis Lake to capture birds on film. I slipped into a cove joined by the cool morning air. The dark and quiet held me until the Sun warmed the water and birds that hunted beyond. Shortly, I found companions to fill my solitude.
The Cormorants flew from their nooks to rush out for early fishing. As some floated and dove for their meals, others sat on perches warming and drying for another catch.
The Cormorants found buoys convenient places to dry their wings. A Pelican drifted by as I shot this sun bather.
I scanned to my right and saw a small group of White Pelicans enjoying the shore.
I felt it might be a good time to change to video mode and took this short 17 second film.
I was happy watching the white and dark birds enjoying the dawn. Then a new movement grabbed my attention. I clicked and then had to check that I got a Bald Eagle grabbing a fish from the lake.
I was able to get a photo of another adult and a juvenile flying over.
I got to watch several other birds as the morning crept on. Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Osprey and Blue Jays moved from shore to trees with meals.
A growl of my own stomach urged me to the truck. I took a slow ride back to the house and patted myself on the back for my catches.
Then I thought of you folks. Here’s an obligatory photo of cotton.
It was a good day and I hope you all enjoyed the moment. What good news are you sharing?