To call these unusual times minimizes how unusual they really are. Over the past seven weeks, the majority of my photography has been conducted within a few feet of my front door. And given that the stay-at-home order in my state has just been extended, my yard will continue to be my photography subject for at least another four more.
It’s easy to fixate on the limits. My spring and summer travel plans have been scrapped. And I can’t help but think of the photo opportunities in the parks close to home, which are off-limits to my camera and tripod. But these nearly two months at home have also been eye-opening.
While I have one of the smallest homes in my neighborhood, I have one of the largest lots — one-third of an acre. And in my nearly 13 years here, I’ve been trying to give as much as I can of it back to nature. I have replaced much of my lawn with native plants. With so much development going on around me, it’s important to me to offer a mini oasis to the birds, rabbits and other creatures that are being displaced every day.
The thing is, while creating a wildlife habitat is so important to me, I haven’t really taken the time to appreciate it. I have done some photography here before, but I haven’t spent day after day taking notice of how many animals use this small suburban patch of land. I always thought someplace else would be more interesting.
With museums and galleries closed, many of my artist colleagues have been forced into creating online shows of their work. In that spirit, I’d like to share with you some of the image from my quarantine sessions in my yard.
A very good friend suggested the title, Walled-In Pond, which I initially laughed off. I don’t generally believe puns cast the correct artistic mood. However, in this case, I think it works. One of the key lessons that Henry David Thoreau learned in his 2 years, 2 months and 2 days at Walden Pond is that our day-to-day affairs often get in our way of appreciating life and growing personally. And these 2 months at home have given me a new appreciation of the importance of the land I call home.
By the way, the pond in my case is a broken hot tub. I really do want to replace it someday, but for now, the birds enjoy using it as a birdbath. It also provided a lovely reflection surface for the apple blooms in the image at the top of this post.
You can get a larger view of any of the images or order prints by clicking or tapping on a picture.
First Blossoms, Flowering Currant
Anna’s Hummingbird and Flowering Currant
Anna’s Hummingbird Landing on Cherry Tree
Anna’s Hummingbird Feeding
Super Moon Through Pine Tree
Converging Leaves, Poison Hemlock
American Crow on Weathered Branch
New Leaves, Alder Tree
Decay Stripes, Alder Tree
Cherry Blossoms, Solitary Branch
Black-Capped Chickadee Among Cherry Blossoms
Dark-Eyed Junco and Cherry Tree
Wilson’s Warbler, New Oak Leaves
Magnolia Blossoms
(Follow Kevin Ebi's photography on Facebook or Instagram. Prints of his images are available through LivingWilderness.com.)
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