Behind The Lens is the name of the blog. The Words Behind the Lens are written over a photo of red canyon walls of Lake Powell Utah with camera with strap tilted on its side.

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Harmony and Drama: A Lakeside Encounter

Tanya Owens
Apr 3
2 min read

On an ordinary day at the tranquil lake in Cypress, TX, a captivating scene unfolded. Four distinct waterfowl species—each with its unique charm—graced the water’s edge.

The image portrays a tranquil lakeside environment, where the water meets the land. The backdrop features clear skies, creating a serene atmosphere. There are seven waterfowl in the image: Snowy Egret, positioned on the right side of the image. Three Egyptian Geese, visible near the water’s edge. Two Mallards, a male and a female, being chased by an Egyptian Goose, and a Double-Crested Cormorant, with its dark feathers, is spreading its wings. — Nature's harmony. Different species enjoying the lake - maybe.

Here’s a closer look:

Snowy Egret:
1. Standing elegantly on the right, the snowy egret showcased its pristine white plumage against the azure sky.
2. Perhaps it was hunting for fish or simply enjoying the serenity of the moment.
Egyptian Geese (Three of Them):
1. These geese, with their brownish-grey bodies and striking eye patches, formed a harmonious trio.
2. Their presence added a touch of grace to the lakeside tableau.
Mallards (Two Ducks):
1. The vibrant mallards, their colorful patterns catching the sunlight, shared the same space.
2. They bobbed gently on the water, their reflections mirroring their contentment.
Double-Crested Cormorant:
1. The cormorant, with its dark feathers and distinctive yellow throat, stood out.
2. Its wings spread wide, as if embracing the tranquility of the surroundings.

A Twist of Drama at the Lake

Amid this peaceful gathering, an unexpected turn occurred. One of the Egyptian geese—the embodiment of assertiveness—suddenly decided to chase away the mallard couple. Was it a territorial dispute or a fleeting moment of rivalry? We can only speculate.

Conclusion

In this snapshot of nature’s symphony, harmony and drama danced together—a reminder that even amidst serene landscapes, life’s intricacies play out in fascinating ways.

I am truly fortunate to live in a community surrounded by a 300-acre manmade lake and, to the south, an expansive 876-acre park that serves as a detention pond for Langham Creek. Why is this significant? Texas is a migratory bird state, and every fall and spring, we have the privilege of witnessing migratory birds join our native species. Birding becomes effortless when nature’s beauty is just a step away.

I look forward to sharing the serene and communal scenes I've captured at these manmade lakes. It’s fascinating—despite the vastness of Texas, natural lakes are rare. However, Houston, the bayou city, boasts a network of bayous and creeks, while its master-planned communities create detention lakes to manage flood run-off, which naturally evolve into valuable amenities for humans and havens for wildlife.

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