THE FIELD
     by Jerry Lotterhos

The "Field" is a truly mystical place. It is where I go most often to commune with nature, nourish my spiritual side, meditate, talk to God, and escape whatever madness is occurring that day in our strange and frantic world. There I find strength, humility, wonder, excitement, growth, and laughter in an immersion of pure natural beauty and isolation from the concrete jungle that we humans have created. Occasionally I take a photo in an effort to capture the absolute beauty of the place. The pictures seldom measure up to the reality, but sometimes I bring home a glimpse of it that consoles me at home on dark and rainy winter days.


The Field is a real place, but I cannot share its location. I am quite fortunate to be allowed to go there by the farmer who owns and nourishes it. Unlike many farmers today, this one loves and respects the natural environment and all its critters, and carefully protects and nourishes this place for he and his family to enjoy. It is an area of about 700 acres, mostly field, with a creek on one side running through a small patch of forest.He plants a series of crops annually in the field, but allows them to be harvested by the critters-birds, deer, fox, turkeys, and all their friends and foes. This field is dedicated to the wildlife and is "farmed" accordingly.It is bordered by at least 50 yards of woods on each side, then 25 yards of brushy natural growth along the borders. This provides cover and food for a great variety of wildlife. Most farmers today clearcut and plant every inch of the land, trying to squeeze out as many dollars as possible. This leaves no cover for the critters, and of course, none are there. This field has wild quail, which have all but disappeared from the area because of today's farming practices. it is a joy to sit there and hear their call "bob--white", on a cool spring morning.


My efforts at photography are always secondary to my love of and pursuit of wildlife. Being there and being allowed to share their space for a time is my joy. Getting a picture is great, but is not the primary agenda. The Field offers both. I am blessed to have this ongoing opportunity and many of my Blogs on this site will emanate from here. Everyone, especially photographers, should have a "Field" somewhere to visit and love. If you don't, you need to find one!!!---
SEE SLIDESHOW FROM "THE FIELD" TO THE RIGHT>>>>>>>>CLICK TO LEFT OF GROSBEAK HEAD>>>

THE FIELD