Last summer the water was edged with vast borders of cracked earth, plant life had grown and the geese enjoyed the extra area to forage. But today the water was high. Underneath there was once a
beautiful 19 bedroom mansion that was demolished to make way for the reservoir. It was a magnificent house with wood panelling and a moat. It is reputed that in 1605 Guy Fawkes met here and plotted to blow up the houses of Parliament. If walls could talk we would have to go under water, for the 700 year old stone walls were used to build foundations for the dams. 11 cottages and 2 farms were also demolished. How sad.
Today I stood on the edge and scanned the water. I saw a seagull and zoomed in.... just as I clicked I heard noise.
A l-o-t of noise.
I looked up and saw a huge flock of coots flying towards me brushing the surface of the water with their wings. I quickly repositioned the camera and shot fast. The resulting image is slightly blurred, but I am happy with it. I have stopped needing to be picture perfect. Photos should tell a story and this captures the instant my attention was drawn to the noise and the number of birds landing.
And then, all was quiet again.
This post is part of Helena's weekly neme: ZOOM IN ZOOM OUT. I love trying out different photography challenges and this is fun. Thank you Helena!
What a gorgeous photo that second one is. Of course you have got my historical imagination going with stories of mansions to be found under the water!
ReplyDeletewell done on catching that moment.... I hate missing something like that so you did really well xxx
ReplyDeleteOh, how lovely! Your photo captures the movement so well. Fascinating story about the reservoir too .... A great zizo.
ReplyDeleteI love the photo when there is a story behind it and you have reminded me to embrace the not so perfect ones. I went to a reservoir this weekend it was lovely. xxx
ReplyDeletefabulous movement and energy with the flock of coots and lovely contrast with the quiet lake. I always try to capture the birds when they are flying or landing
ReplyDeleteI love the action in the close up - and the peace in the zoom out - wonderful contrast.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandie, what a great pair or ZIZO! Love that first shot!
ReplyDeleteMansions under water? Fabulous!! Lovely zoom out shot, and so peaceful when compared to the zoom in!
ReplyDeleteYou captured the moment so beautifully - great pair!
ReplyDeleteI love how the first captures such action and the second one such tranquility.
ReplyDeleteRinda
Great snaps - love the contrast.
ReplyDeleteI missed this ... love the photos and the words too!
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