It seems that swampsniper’s photos would start popping up around this time of the year. Spring came much earlier in his neck of the woods than it does in Seattle where it is still cool and grey.
But his posts were always a sign of things to come - and the beauty that Spring brings. They were (as this thread is) a sign of Hope!
I’m glad that I was able to tell him the same thing years ago. Quite a gift you photographers have. Although just the other day I got a photograph of a Varied Thrush. Through a dirty windshield with a lousy camera phone at 30 feet with a crummy zoom. But it was enough to jog my memory of what it looked like when I got home to my bird watching book!
One thing that impressed me about his photography was his ability to get great photos with 'obsolete' gear. His cameras were old, but he knew how to get the best from them. He inspired me to explore some older gear.
I think of him frequently.