One of my aim when I go into a forest is to walk without disturbing wild animals. I’m aware that the pressure we, humans, put on them with the noise we make, prevents animals to live quietly and eat peacefully. We don’t like when people disturb us, so we ‘d better show more discretion and stop being so selfish. We have to take into account the fact that other animals share the planet with us.
So, I’m angry because, last Friday evening, after work, I went to one of my favorite place, where I know there are roe deers. I came early to check my hiding place was correctly installed and after about half an hour, a male showed up at the edge of the wood. As the weather was very windy and favorable for me, I started making photos. The animal was nervous. But, as I stopped and remained still, he stayed instead of eescaping and started to graze. Every 5 to 10 seconds, he would watch if the place was still out of danger and I managed to make the shots I wanted. I was very happy to see such a scene.
After a while, as I didn’d need anymore photos, I started to watch him very cautiously with my binoculars. He never noticed me. Hiding behing my hidden tripod and camera, I caught an eye around me and noticed a car on the nearby road. I don’t know if the guy was watching me or the roe deer but he eventually whistled. You must imagine the abimal’s reaction. I was furious after the driver !
So, if one day, during a walk, you see a photographer hidden and waiting, please, leave him alone. It’s not the right moment to chat. And please again, lower your voice or stop talking. Turn back or settle down very slowly. And you will get a chance to witness a wonderful moment of wild life.
I haven’t found any efficient repulsive stuff against mosquitoes yet. But one of my friends told to try lavander essential oil against the itching. It really works! It heals the itching very quickly as well as the scars. The best is to use an organic essential oil with a defined chemical type. I personally use Lavandula angustifolia. You can use it pure but you can also pour it in a vegetal oil or a cream. One drop is enough for several bites. It’s very powerful.
We’ve had a horrible spring here in France: a lot of rain, cold temperatures and a lack of nice light. So, I rushed outside last Friday to make new photos.
I went near the river Loire, the longest in France, which happens to be the last wild river in Europe with a large varietey of birds and mammals.
I witnessed see gulls chasing sterns to protect their colony and they made great noise. I made photos of a Great Crested Grebe bringing new material to its nest and a Grey Heron standing like a statue on a rock (photos here). Farther, a Little Egret was fishing, and a Coypu swam near me. At first, I thought it was a beaver, so I was a little disappointed.
There were plenty of wild flowers, which was very plesant. More painful were the armies of nasty mosquitoes who didn’t hesitate to bite me through my long sleeves! Once home, I counted 36 bites!
Walking in the heat with a heavy bakpack on a long distance makes you sweat very quickly. So, it’s problematic to wear long sleeves, gloves… I tried repelling sprays but I’m afraid it reveals human presence and anyway, it doesn’t really work. I think the best is to wear large clothes, long trousers, a hat, leather gloves and a hiding net over your head. I will try it next time. I just hope the weather won’t be too hot…
After some holidays, Idecided to put some order in my photos. I found some that could be worth transforming in a more artistic way. So, here is a grasshoper and a horse mane. Click on the thumnails to enlarge the photos.
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