A Perfect Model

I came across this adorable little Pie-billed Grebe on yet another walk with my dog, Music. We were on the pier at Inner Harbor Park and she was just there...cocking her pretty little eye in my direction as if to say: "Would you like me to pose? I can be patient."

Of course I would... Usually, the birds in that park are tempting phantoms; flashing their beauty, then diving or taking flight. Patience in a wild duck... A remarkable opportunity.

Alright... The camera is out. It is in my right hand. But Music is attached to my left by a leash and not at all interested in stillness. I will need to zoom a bit, and steadiness is not so easy with one hand and a vibrating animal attached to one's body. I look up; the duck is still there...a miracle of patience. So I lift one leg (it helps to be a dancer.), drop Music's leash and stomp on the thing as it slips away. For an old dog, Music is surprisingly quick to escape. But I have him, and with a slightly awkward contortion of the body, I lean over to place my elbows on the railing. Can you see it? Please don't laugh... Well, if you must...

Dear little duck... I watched her on the moniter: turn this way and that way, flicking her pert little tail as she looked at me over her shoulder. That was a cute one, but the eye was in shadow. What a joy! No... I was not at all comfortable, but oh, how my heart did leap at the kindness shown by this lovely creature. Or perhaps she was put on this earth to flirt sweetly with humans who have a real need to connect with nature. I don't really care why she was, for those few moments, there for me. But I do give thanks for the love that bloomed in response to her presence.