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Lost water hole w/repost
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Lost water hole w/repost

by David Schoen

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted September 8, 20152,231 views8 comments

Over the last few years, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge at the south end of Puget Sound in Washington State has been significantly "remodeled".  Many area that were once accessible by foot trail are no longer viewable.  This is one of my favorite places and while it may still be there, one can no longer go there.  The manmade dikes that protected the wetland from salt water were removed and the environment has changed from fresh water to both salt water and brackish water in about 50% or more of the Refuge.  The 5 mile loop trail was removed in favor of shorter trails and boardwalks.  The balance of wildlife visiting the refuge is changing.  I am not making a political statement here.  It is just different.  I do hope those who manage the Refuge will find a way to increase the access to more of it as initially promised in their master development plan.

 

Comments

8 comments
Comment posted by Neil Rossmiller on September 8, 2015 at 8:37 PM

This is a marvelous naturescape, David.

The only improvement I would wish for is a little more canvas at the top, giving the geese a little more head room.

Cool shot!

Registered on October 30, 2009, 156 Posts, 749 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Seaver on September 8, 2015 at 9:04 PM

A terrific scene, David.  The warm light really sets the grass aglow, the geese are well placed and the touch of color in the sky a fine addition.  The clear reflections in the pond are a neat addition.  Yes, a bit more space up top would be a subtle improvement, but this is fine as presented.
 

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments
Comment posted by John Tobias on September 8, 2015 at 9:29 PM

A classic waterfowl image!  Well taken.  I also feel a little more on top would be nice.  The reflections add to the image.  Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments
Comment posted by David Schoen on September 9, 2015 at 1:01 PM

Here is a little sky add on....

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments
Comment posted by Howard Cheek on September 9, 2015 at 8:28 PM

I agree with everyone, it's a lovely tranquil scene David. Beautiful sky and the geese with reflections make your image flycool

Very nice as posted, well done!devil

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments
Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on September 10, 2015 at 10:40 AM

David, I think the slice of added sky was a good idea. But at the same time a bit of the tension was removed from the scene. I guess one could see the first as a duck hunters view, and the second a more tranquil nature photographers view of the scene. Looks like it could be used on a postage stamp too.......I like it both ways.....laugh

Registered on February 25, 2006, 525 Posts, 8448 Comments
Comment posted by Mike Ramy on September 25, 2015 at 10:26 AM

Hey David,
What a fine image, my vote is for the repost.
Congratulations on the WP . . .  devil

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments
Comment posted by Ed Williams on October 2, 2015 at 10:55 PM

Wow! Nice reflections. Very nice scene overall, composition is great, colors are great, focus is great. Nice job and congrats on weekly pick David.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments