This week Tina selected Spring as our photo word challenge. After thinking about this topic, I decided to approach the topic of Spring a little differently by focusing on an event that occurs each spring on Kiawah Island when Red Knots or Calidris canutus rufa begin to arrive.
These birds leave their winter home on the coast of southern Chile and Argentina and journey to the mainland and islands above the Arctic Circle; a one-way trip of more than 9,300 miles or 14,966.9 kilometers! For years now Kiawah’s beach is a stop-over in their semi annual migration.
Red Knots are amazing birds and one of my favorites. They are documented as being the longest-distance migrants in the animal kingdom and the extensive physiological changes their body goes through to endure this journey is astonishing. Much is written about their physical changes and habits such as this article in the Bay Journal Magazine and also published information by the Defenders of Wildlife Organization.
“Migratory birds connect people, ecosystems, and nations. They are symbols of peace and of an interconnected planet.” – Antonio Guterres
Kiawah is located on the Atlantic Ocean near Charleston SC and is an established stop over for Red Knots in the Spring during their journey. They spend a few days here resting and feeding before continuing their journey. Those of us who enjoy photographing wildlife look forward to spring time and seeing them on our beach!
“Birds were flying from continent to continent long before we were. They reached the coldest place on Earth, Antarctica, long before we did. They can survive in the hottest of deserts…. With skill and care and knowledge, we can ensure that there is still a place on Earth for birds in all their beauty and variety – if we want to… And surely, we should.” – Sir David Attenborough, The Life of Birds
It appears this flock of Red Knots recently arrived since many are “hungrily” drinking. Fortunately they stayed a few days and with good weather I was able to photograph them on several ocassions before their departure.
(Note: it is possible to enlarge each picture by clicking on it.)
“Intuitions are like migratory birds, they come without a map without a reason.” – Amit Roy
“If you know to put your ears up and listen, you’ll hear birds, and life is changed forever…there’re all up there in the air, migrating while we sleep, on high highways of wind.” – Jeff Wells
“Fly away like a migratory bird who can fly over many unknown places, but always knows his destination.” – Maitreya Paul
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“Lens-Artist Photography” blog is open to anyone who would like to join. Tina, one of the four founders, gives the details below:
“Each Saturday at noon EST we will publish a photo challenge similar in form to the now-defunct Word Press Challenge (WPC). If you choose to participate, please make sure to tag your post with the name of our group, LENS-ARTISTS, so that all of the responses can be found together in the WP Reader. And, please, include a link to the challenge moderator’s post. One of our moderators will host the challenge each week.”
Week 1 – Patti of https://pilotfishblog.com/
Week 2 – Ann-Christine aka Leya of https://lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/
Week 3 – Amy of http://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/
Week 4 – Tina of https://travelsandtrifles.wordpress.com/
Check them out, they have done a wonderful job bringing so many of us together to share our photos and thoughts. Also search for Lens-Artists to find post from other members.
Hope everyone is coping well as the coronavirus pandemic continues to change lives around the world.
Please – Stay Well, Stay Safe and Be Kind to Others!