Portrait of a Canada goose

An on-going project of mine is to create a portfolio of animal portraits, and one of the easiest places for me to start is at my local nature reserve. The birds there vary in number, and species, but many, like this goose, are quite relaxed around people.

Now, I have a confession. I am well aware that, when standing on a path, surrounded by other people, there is absolutely no need for camouflage, but I am one of those people that just can’t help it! I am bedecked! Covered! Positively incognito! Except for the massive camera, and the fact that I’m not standing anywhere near a jungle…

You can imagine then, how strange I looked laying down flat on the edge of a fishing platform, hanging half over the water to get the angle I wanted on this goose. I’m glad I did, and I’m glad I chose black and white, because the photo really captures the texture of his(hers?) feathers, the smooth beak and the dampness of the bird. It reminds me almost of portraits I have seen of athletes when they have just had their post-game shower, and are being photographed still in their towel. One day I hope to compile a book of my animal portraits, and I feel this image is the goose ticked!