Common Tern, Merritt Island NWR

Birds in flight hold a fascination for most of us. Photographs of birds in flight…photographs that capture the dynamic of wing, feather, and air…the miracle of wing, feather, and air…are particularly fascinating. Such photographs are a wonder and a challenge. Photographically they are among the most difficult to capture…especially with anything short of a full blown DSLR and a medium to long telephoto lens…equipment costing many thousands of dollars and encompassing a daunting weight when carried into the field where the flying birds are.

All of which is why I feel so blessed to have an effective Sports Mode on my cameras of choice…the inexpensive, compact, versatile superzoom Point and Shoots that I carry. Sports Mode makes birds in flight a possibility…and a pleasure. I spent a delighted 45 minutes at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge photographing a small group of Common Terns as they fed. Such fun.

Flight is a spiritual dream for most of us…we picture angels with wings for good reason. The freedom and miracle of flight suits our spirits…represents a state of grace we can aspire to…because, of course, we feel like we should be able to fly, like we were born to fly. We dream of flying. Our spirits soar when we are in contact with the divine. We know that one day…one eternity…by grace in faith…we will indeed fly. Free. Happy Sunday!