Morons!
Something rather strange went down this week while I was out collecting photographs over by Dow's Chemicals Plant in Midland at Whiting Overlook Park. Overlook Park was created for the citizens of this fair city to be able to view the birds that flock there in large numbers to partake of Dow's retention ponds that are used to cool processes and therefore remain largely unfrozen for much of the winter. I go there to practice photography, my camera pressed up against the chain link and barbed wire fence that separate the park from the company ponds. This day I was standing by the fence trying desperately to catch a picture of the swallows that fly madly over the ponds catching bugs. On the other side of the fence a red pickup truck pulled up, window rolled down, and a guard shouted out at me, "Hey, you can't take pictures here!" "Well okay", I said, "This doesn't seem right. I'll check with the Police and get back to you on that one." I'm not inclined to take on face value the word of corporate security as to what I can or can not do in a public park but I like to know the cards in my hand before I bet. I wandered back up the hill, got in my car and prepared to leave. Just then a big white SUV adorned in a array of fog lights came barreling up as I was pulling out. The SUV did not park but followed me out of the drive and down Poseyville road. I decided to do the old OJ Simpson slow chase and drove 20mph in the right lane. The SUV stuck right on my tail. I gave him the slip pulling a quick left turn in traffic and went over to another pond to continue my days shooting. When I got back to my car this time a Midland County Sheriff was there to greet me. He was a nice kid and assured me that Dow Chemical could not prevent me from taking pictures in a public park but that Dow was concerned I might be doing some industrial spying or worse and so called the cops on me. Do you think maybe the guards could have spoken with me at some point over the last six months I've been going there? Great, I've got corporate security people following me around town immersed in the delusion that their reach extends beyond Dow's gilded gates! Morons.
Introducing our new young Bald Eagle showing off his stuff at Whiting Overlook Park. |
Now it's time for World Bird Wednesday!
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Wow- what a story! And incredible photos- mine is of a juvenile bald eagle today too (actually taken by a friend of mine over the weekend).
ReplyDeleteHiya,
ReplyDeleteKnow what it feels like, having had their UK headquarters breathing ( and spraying) down my neck for several years. The lights they use for security could have fueled a city. Scary business.
What a story! I am so impressed by your photos. They are just perfect. I am very new and trying to improve, so any hint of camera settings would bee of great interest. (Got a Nikon D 7000). Really do understand if this is a secret.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week.
Great story. Next time just show them your pictures in the camera and they'll be convinced you're just a "bird nerd" and no threat to their top secrets.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your excellent shots of the eagle. Unfortunately, your story is becoming all too typical. Some folks with a little bit of authority think it's open season on photographers.
ReplyDeleteSounds familiar. I get the cops called on me often while birding. That is why I won't go birding, even on public lands, without my police scanners (I am a ham). I also try to befriend all of the local rich people I can, including the local mayors. As the US continues on its road to collapse, this will only get worse, I fear.
ReplyDelete"The paranoid is never entirely mistaken."
ReplyDeleteSigmund Freud
Scarey! I wouldn't want that to happen to me. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteMorons, yes I agree to that.
ReplyDeleteThat is some great shots of the eagle. I would even call it perfect.
I was taking a photo of a nuclear reactor that is located 15 miles from my HOME--about 3 weeks ago..this guard came whizzing up in a golf cart..giving me the evil eye...I turned around got in my car and drove away--WHATS the big secret? Maybe they dont have all the "stuff" the public is NOT supposed to see hidden well enough so they worry---paranoia is rampart--They are trying to keep us in the dark is the answer..
ReplyDeleteOK>>BIRDS WOWZA great photography--
Beautiful Bald Eagles, particularly the first one in full size! Security guards the world over seem to have the same mindset: act first, ask questions later. They live in their own world which is rather small and has walls all around! Pity them!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are impressive, and what a story!
ReplyDeleteStunning images of a beautiful bird. The morons are over here in the UK also. Great post.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos Springman. As Andrew says the UK is also suffering from the moron invasion. If you think photographing birds is bad dont even think about photographing a train!
ReplyDeleteSuperb flight images Springman.
ReplyDeleteAll it takes is polite conversation but that rarely happens so careful where we point the bins as well as the camera!!
Stunning photos,stunning Bird! It's too bad those rat-racers who think money is everything can't understand it when someone takes time to enjoy he true wonders of the world.
ReplyDeleteI love the eagle... gorgeous. The nesting eagle pair at Norfolk Botanical Gardens here in VA have three eaglets this year and at their website have access to the eagle cam.
ReplyDeleteMost people will never see the same thing you see when you look at that pond. That's okay though. That would make you normal and normal isn't any fun. Keep taking your pics and don't let any of the cuckoos keep you from doing what you love. Those eagle shots are awesome by the way.
ReplyDeleteExcellent pictures, but you had to work hard to get them. Sounds like something from an old Bond movie. The world is becoming a very paranoid place unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteWhat an experience! Your Eagle photos are awesome!
ReplyDeleteAwesome shots of the juvie Baldy Dave! The perched shot is amazing and the in flight fishing, out of this world.
ReplyDeleteAs for the guard, what a moron. Power corrupts.
Dang...you need to stop spying on.... our birds.LOL!
ReplyDeleteSuper captures of the Eagles!
I thought the Eagle represented "Freedom"!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely fantastic shots! I captured an eagle fishing at a Rift lake but the photos are so crappy! I think I'll post them one of these days anyway just to share the moment. :-)
ReplyDelete