Why I Love Boardwalks

If you've looked through my photos, you've probably noticed that a lot of them were taken from boardwalks.

There are plenty of beautiful trails out there, but if I have a choice, I'm usually heading for the boardwalk.

I like being close to the water.

I like looking out over the marsh.

And I like watching wildlife without disturbing it.

When I'm standing on a boardwalk, I don't have to push through bushes or walk out into places the animals are already using.

I can just stand there and wait.

After a little while, everything settles down.

The herons go back to fishing.

The turtles climb back onto their logs.

An anhinga dries its wings.

Sometimes a limpkin walks by like I was never there.

Those are my favorite moments.

One of the reasons I love my Tamron 100–400mm lens is that I can photograph birds, turtles, and even alligators from across the pond or marsh. I don't have to get close to enjoy watching them.

To me, that's a better way to experience wildlife.

I'd rather come home with a photo of an animal acting naturally than a closer photo of one I scared away.

I also try to leave every park exactly the way I found it.

I don't feed the wildlife.

I don't leave food behind.

I don't leave trash.

When I leave, I hope the birds, turtles, and alligators just keep going about their day like I was never there.

That's one of the things I love most about boardwalks.

They let me enjoy nature without feeling like I'm interrupting it.

Maybe that's why I keep coming back.

Every visit is different.

There's always something new to see if you're willing to slow down and pay attention.

—Sandra