Breakfast Quandary

© Michael S. Lazarus

Breakfast Quandary

Uploaded: March 26, 2008

Description

f/5.6, 1/1250, 70-300mmVR@240mm, DSC_7896, 7:51AM, ISO200

This White Ibis I caught circling a waste basket on Miami's South Beach one Sunday morning seemed "all eyes" as he ran the calculations of risk/reward involved here. I can't help but feel a discharge of spirit as I watch the "wildlife" on the beach (and elsewhere) become so seemingly dependent on our refuse.

Exif: F Number: 5.6, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/1250 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 200, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 240.00 mm, Model: NIKON D40

Comments

M.Christine Duncan March 26, 2008

" A discharge of spirit"... I'm going to have to remember that phrase! And how contrary to place such an elegant bird beside the garbage can... tells the real story! Great pic Michael! #886458

Aimee C. Eisaman March 26, 2008

As always I love to hear the story behind your photos.....what's more strange looking than the bird is the way he is "eyeing up" that trash can! Thank you for sharing this with us! Nicely composed as well! #5703127

Eivor Kuchta March 27, 2008

Wow, Michael, this is great! The expression in the bird's eye, looking at the trash can...This has to come to use somewhere else besides BP, too. The light, clarity and colors are perfect, but I think I mostly like that story it tells us. #5705299

Kathy L. Clark March 27, 2008

Great image and title Michael. He is challenged. #5705925

Gail R. Schuett March 27, 2008

Love the look of this bird and his expression. True but sad storyline.
Very well done..i like this very much Michael. #5706006

Michael S. Lazarus March 28, 2008

Thank you Christine, Aimee, Eivor, Kathy, and Gail for your wonderful comments. I think, from what you all have said here, that the story this photo tells really comes across. The juxtaposition of these two subjects, how "contrary" (as Christine put it) they are to each other, is something I'm faced with in every trip out to South Beach (and pretty much everywhere else). On the one hand it's great to see such a diverse collection of birds (gulls, terns, black skimmers, white Ibis, pigeons, crows, pipers, pelicans, etc.) on any given day, I get a rotten feeling seeing them being feed our "trash" either by helping themselves or having it given to them (white bread etc.), realizing the tracking bracelets on the ankles of many (especially the terns and skimmers), and then watching the crowds come out and take the beach away from them as the morning peace gives way. Is all this world now just an "inventory" to allocate and manage as we see fit? Do we have a choice at this point? Maybe as wildlife photographers we can help this deteriorating state of affairs? #5710177

Candice L. Carter March 29, 2008

I love this capture Michael....very clever expression he has there scanning for food! Great shot! #5715917

M.Christine Duncan March 31, 2008

Kept an eye on this one, LOL I knew an EP was comin' your way!!! Congrats on such a profound photo Michael! #5723567

Eva Pastor April 03, 2008

Another great image! Oh how I envy your proximity to these wonderful photo opportunities. #5739955

Aimee C. Eisaman April 05, 2008

Congrats on your EP here.....as if we didn't know it was going to happen! LOL! #5747615

Summer A. Kozisek April 14, 2008

This is a fantastic capture Michael, and such a sad truth. I've recently witnessed a wooded park with a nesting pair of eagles invaded by a housing development. There is now a house being built right under the nest. I can't help feeling sick and helpless over the whole thing. #5788743

Michael S. Lazarus April 19, 2008

Thank you Candice,Christine, Eva, Aimee and Summer for the input here. #5808411

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