Looking Forward to 2022 – Meandering

“Looking Forward to 2022” – “Meandering”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Backstory to photo:

My family was on St. Simons Island for Thanksgiving. We spent a long weekend there. I looked forward to photographing the shorebirds.

St. Simons has a plethora of shorebirds. Since I was raised there and have shot a lot on the island, I know which part of the beach will typically yield the most birds.

 I got out early one morning, and the following morning, I was out at dawn. I am not a morning girl. Never have, never will, so it is hard for me to get out by sunrise to shoot.

This particular morning, I saw a great egret and a snowy egret looking for breakfast in the distance. I took my shoes off, crossed the water, and sat on a rock, watching them as they meandered. 

I like the landscape view with the egret walking around.

“Looking Forward to 2022”

As well as reflecting on a year, I also like to look forward to the new year. Although, I know it says in the scriptures, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring” (Proverbs 27:1, NIV).

My husband and I are on the clasp of building a new house. It will be our forever home which will sit on the top of a hill overlooking a lake. We will get to see the sunset from our front porch. Talk about something to look forward to!

I’ve also been writing a book for almost two decades. Sometimes, I will diligently work on it, and other times I will lay it down for long periods. 

It is a book the Lord laid on my heart to write about my Mom’s death from ALS. The book continues to cover other deaths I have gone through. I took a massive leap of faith and hired an editor.

I look forward to what the Lord has for my book. 

I continue to see the Lord using me where He has me planted. It is exciting to see Him work and use this weak vessel to grow His kingdom.  

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

If you missed my "Looking Back" post, click here.

Location: St. Simons Island, Georgia

Henry

“Henry”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Henry is the resident great egret at the Sham Creek Park Pier in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The fishermen there feed him from their catch and sometimes their bait.

He is a very picky eater!  Paul, a fisherman, gave me a shrimp and when I tried to entice Henry with it, he turned up his nose. Another fisherman gave him a large minnow—he devoured it quickly! He then turned his nose up again at the shrimp.

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Windblown

“Windblown”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

During the Thanksgiving holiday, I enjoyed photographing a lot of birds. I knew I would not find any turkeys being that I was on the coast but enjoyed seeing tons of birds.

This great egret came very close to me as he hunted for fish in the tall marsh. I love when the Lord answers my prayers to show me or bring to me what He wants me to photograph.

 These majestic birds have to be motionless for a long time as they sneak up on their prey—kind of reminds me of myself as I am sneaking up on them! 

Location: St. Simons Island, Georgia

Beautifully Designed

"Beautifully Designed"
Judy Royal Glenn Photography

While at the swamp at the Magnolia Plantation, I loved to photograph the egrets. It was mating season, so they were very active building their nests. 

The patch of neon green on the egret which occurs during mating season is beautiful. God's creatures are so amazing!

Location: Magnolia Plantation, Charleston, South Carolina

In Search Of

"In Search Of"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Birds have to search daily for their next meal, which means birds like the egret can be found near water. When I am on St. Simons Island, Georgia, I love looking for large water birds. I found this guy in the marsh near East Beach. 

Location: St. Simons Island, Georgia

Lurking

"Lurking"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

A great egret looking for a bite to eat on the beach at St. Simons Island, Georgia.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! 

Location: St. Simons Island, Georgia 

Who's Chasing Who?

"Who's Chasing Who?" 

Judy Royal Glenn Photography 

Location: St. Simons Island, Georgia

Exposed

"Exposed"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography 

I found this egret on St. Simons Island, Georgia. It was around 3 o'clock, so the sun was harsh. 

I knew the feathers of the egret would be blown out if I was not careful. I had to change my exposure compensation greatly. The background is really dark, but the egret is exposed properly.

How's This Pose?

"How's This Pose?"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography  

Location:  Altamaha Wildlife Management Area  -  near Darien, Georgia

Flushed

"Flushed"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography 

 

I was stalking a bird as usual, and this Great Egret was flushed out of a creek by two college girls while they were running.  He flew to the top of this bush which was a better shot.  Sometimes people can help your photos.  

 

Location:  St. Simons Island, Georgia

Smooth Landing

"Smooth Landing"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography 

 

Location:  St. Simons Island, Georgia

Wait For The Lord

"Wait For The Lord"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:14

Location: St. Simons Island, Georgia

Free Breakfast!

"Free Breakfast!" Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Click on the photo for a closer view!

This is another photo I captured with the series of photos I posted on July 11th.  Gavin was casting his net, and this Great Egret followed him around giving the egret a free breakfast.  It was a big fish too:)

Location: St. Simons Island beach, Georgia

I Get It

"I Get It"  Photo by Judy Royal Glenn

Click on the photo for a closer view!

As I was photographing an egret on the beach, I noticed the egret was very close to a few people and not flying away.  After observing awhile longer, I said, "I get it."

A father and son had a cast net, and the son was trying to catch fish.  The egret was waiting patiently in hopes of getting an easy meal.  I introduced myself to Anthony, Gavin's father, and I told Gavin to toss the egret a fish.

 

  The egret would cautiously creep up and get the fish because Gavin was standing very close.

I had a delightful time watching this story unfold before my eyes.  The egret was happy because he enjoyed an effortless breakfast, and you can see the smile on Gavin's face:)