And for all this, nature is never spent;
There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;
And though the last lights off the black West went
Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs —
Because the Holy Ghost over the bent
World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.
– God’s Grandeur, Gerard Manley Hopkins
This week’s trip to Gilbert Water Ranch saw a blue-sky day and several cooperative subjects.
The male avocet flaring his wings.
The green heron flying in the sunlight right in front of me.
The great egret and the great blue heron going from zero to fish-in-mouth in about two seconds.
And the great egret showing why it’s called “fishing” not “catching.”
No, nature is never spent. Ah! bright wings.
All nicely done Isabel. The fun of nature photography!
Jim R – Thanks, Jim. It *is* fun.
What striking photos, Isabel.
Thanks!
Tom – Many thanks.
Oh, thank you for taking me into the colours and movement of sky, land, water, and wildlife that is not frozen in drab winter where all the senses shrink from blowing snow. Thank you for hauling G.M. Hopkins onto your platform to remind me that the Holy Ghost broods over this wasteland with warm breast while you provide the proof of Ah! bright wings. While I throw another couple of logs on the fire!
Laurna – 🙂 I hope the fire’s warmth and colours bring you some of your own bright wings today.
You have a very precise eye to bring forward the best of the birds. They are always there, and you see them in these wonderful poses and scenes, on our behalf. A treat every Sunday!
Judith – Many thanks. I’m often surprised at the detail the camera captures that my eyes didn’t see . . .
Beautiful photos; well done!
Mary – Many thanks.
You had me hooked as soon as you quoted Gerard Manley Hopkins. Add W. B. Yeats, and I’m yours forever.
Jim T
Jim – LOL – OK, I’ll keep that in mind. I do find it interesting how some phrases stick (in the mind and in the culture) when the entire poem does not.