DAY 274

NATURE & LANDSCAPES

Man and the Natural World

DUCK, DUCK, GEESE!

Before the Europeans showed up, North America’s indigenous residents subsisted on what nature provided, along with modest fields of maize and other grains. This left wildlife free to roam at will, hampered little by man’s inroads.

As Europeans cleared the land to grow crops, the creatures calling those woods home were forced to change their habitats. Gradually, wildlife adapted to its new surroundings. Wild geese, for example, enjoy a continuing source of food as they migrate, thanks to grain left out after harvest.

Slowly driving by a field filled with these birds is a good way to approach as they’re busy gleaning the leftover grain. Geese are used to vehicles passing by, which turns them into a good “blind.” Taking photographs from a stopped vehicle is an easy way to get memorable shots of these magnificent birds—all you need is a good telephoto lens and some patience. —WTD