One way of relaxation for me is to be out in nature photographing birds, animals and landscapes. So whenever I can squeeze some time for myself, I venture out to some of my favorite spots around Boston. Crane Beach in Ipswich on the North Shore is definitely one that's on the top of my list. It's a Trustees of Reservations property that has miles of well maintained trails and pristine beaches. It is also home to several species of birds like the endangered piping plover during the summer months, and the snowy owl during the winter. I visit there all year round and have always been rewarded with great photo opportunities, whether it's 90°F out there, or -10°F with the wind chill.
Early morning sunlight reflecting off the ocean waters along Crane Beach
A view of the beach and Ipswich Bay
A pair of early morning walkers on the beach
Early morning light and shadows on the patterns left in the sand by the receding tide
Breakfast time for a piping plover chick
A juvenile common tern makes its way across the dunes
An adult common tern as it flies towards the waves for small fish to bring back to the young
As the tide recedes, a piping plover chick looks for small insects and worms along the shoreline
A piping plover chick runs back towards the mother
A flock of sanderlings fly over the waves looking for a place to stop and feed