Tag Archives: Birds

An Ode to Vultures

An Ode to Vultures

A timid giant rides the wind,
ill-famed and often framed
as ravenous, yet kind inside,
enchants mankind,
dwells unconfined,
a gust of wind below his wings, 
a king of kings,
untamed and wild.

Do you remember the first time you heard your favorite album? The first time you fell in love with someone special? Or the last time you were fully enchanted by the inimitable beauty of nature? I, for the first time, saw one of the largest birds in Europe – the griffon vulture. And ever since, I can’t get enough.

Sujet (Part 1)

Sujet (Part 2)

A retrospect, time to reflect:
birds, poems, and photography
of calm nature, IT mixed in,
sometimes even a unique spin.
I recollect all memories
left from my past, or simply write
what’s deep within.

An introspect, time to dissect:
I‘d like to be an architect
of words with charm and wit, that bite
and split the readership in two,
to reconnect them right again.
I’d like to describe mundane life
as if it carries weight, as if it’s great,
to resonate with other minds.

Upside Down (Part 2)

Upside Down (Part 2)

Family discussions are a precious gift: You can openly express yourself without any worries. Worries of being too open, too honest, or too unreasonable — they know you anyway. You can argue aggressively without having to fear ruining a friendship. And you can be a careful listener that provides encouragement and guidance to your loved ones. After all, if you’re open to have your opinion seriously challenged, you might learn something new about yourself after all.

The Return

The Return

Orange beaks pass through the snow
in search for food they plough
the empty meadow, search for food,
slow, graceful steps, fierce attitude.

One Last Time

One Last Time

Sometimes, there is the necessity for change and, sometimes, there is the desire for change. I love my city, the very city I came to ten years ago for my studies. The very city I stayed in, because of all the people I got to know and because of all the places I became attached to. A city which offers more bicycle tracks than any other city I’ve seen, a city which hosts wonderful buildings, large churches, a rich university life, and extensive nature all around. But now is the time for change.

And, thus, I am walking my oh so familiar path around the lake, one last time. I am visiting the Old Botanical garden, one last time. I am meeting people, temporary acquaintances, friends who are not familiar enough to stay in touch with, one last time. I am riding down the pedestrian zone, unlawfully, one last time. I am eating at my favorite place, I am visiting the climbing gym, I am enjoying the sun on our balcony, I am admiring the birds, the squirrels, the gray-legged geese, one last time.

We are taking a break and set forth to seek new shores, for the first time.

Flocks a Mile Wide

Flocks a Mile Wide

Freedom to fly and live, and thrive and try new things, drop by the roaring sea, be free below the heavens of the world, be slow and grow, relentless wind between the feathers, thoughts stirred up by elements, weather dictates sentiments, torn between the now and then – when will we feel this life again?

Persistence

Persistence

Small and quick,
he hauls his loot,
cuts through the light,
speeds through my sight,
lifts off, his flight
insouciant.

Light is everything in photography. It shapes the scene and provides a sense of time and place. Depending on the direction of light in relation to the camera, the same subject can change its color, form, feeling, and essence.

Endless Clouds

Endless Clouds

There is a celebrity around our local pond – an undisputed star – which attracts photographers from near and far. The kingfisher. Admittedly, he is quite a natural talent with his bright contrasting feathers, the long beak, and his habit to sit calmly on his outlook during fishing. Still, I cannot comprehend how he seems to be the only subject that some photographers are striving towards. Because all the other birds are equally as beautiful and interesting. And because it’s starting to become a real problem if (on weekends) 3 or more people are chasing after a single individual who just wants to be left alone with his fish. But, as you can see, I am not guiltless too. I guess it is the intrinsic disparity in photographing wild animals: to invade without disturbing, to approach without chasing. And it is what brings the interest and excitement. But sometimes I wish people would be more considerate of their little feathered friends.