The Thrill Of The Hunt

I heard the sound of the bird high above in the tall tree. After I identified its precise location, I slowly and stealthily moved into position to do what I had to do. I lifted my arms to bring my camera up to my face so I could look through the viewfinder to line up my shot. Then just as I was about to press the button the bird flew away!

I quickly moved the camera away from my face so I could scan the tree for any evidence of the little bird that I was hunting. After a quick search I found the little bird a few feet away from where it had been before. I would now go through the process all over again. This time as I readied myself to press the button, I hoped things would turn out better.

And in that instance that my finger pressed down on that shutter button a sense of great triumph washed over me because my little target stayed in position. I had gotten him!

I've said many times before that taking pictures of wildlife is very similar to hunting. They both have that thrill of the chase that gets your adrenaline pumping. It's a very good feeling. The only difference is that with taking pictures your prey is left safe and sound afterwards.

Taking these pictures actually helps me understand hunting. That thrill is a good thing. I could be a hunter, but I don't like the killing. Thankfully, we now have modern supermarkets where we can get our food. This way most of us normal people are sheltered from the gruesome act of having to kill for our food.

Hunting in this modern age can still be a good thing though... as long as you don't become obsessed with the joy of killing. When that happens, you know it's time to stop. Killing should only ever be thought of as a necessity. Feeding yourself is a necessity. If I had to hunt and kill an animal, I would thank it for its life and mourn its death.

It's all just something I think about.

...And there went the little bird! I caught him in flight with my very last shot as he flew away to freedom. That's what I call a happy ending. We both got what we wanted. I got the thrill of the hunt, and I got my pictures. And the little bird got to keep its life.

I also got to write another post within only a couple of days of my last one. You all know that I've had terrible difficulty writing for the past several months. But why is it flowing so well all of a sudden. I'll reveal the embarrassing truth about that in an upcoming post. Until then, I hope you enjoy my pictures of this wonderful little bird who's life I happily celebrate in this post.