Photographer:
Yoshiki Nakamura, Seattle

Photo taken:
March 3, Fir Island, Skagit County

Photographer's description: “I went to Fir Island and found a large flock of snow geese. I set up a tripod and telephoto around 2:30 p.m. and waited for their dynamic, massive takeoff. The sun was almost set and a band of cloud darkened the sky and I almost gave up, (but) a small window of sun showed up again around 5:30 p.m., (just as) a couple of eagles came by and threatened the flock. The sun shed very warm light from a low angle, turning (the birds’) bodies and lower wings gold. It happened miraculously and was spectacular and beautiful.”

Expert says: “The light in this photograph is stunning! Patience by the photographer definitely paid off. The blues, pinks and yellows make this a colorful sight in what could be a chaotic takeoff, turned elegant.”

— Katie Greene,
Seattle Times photo staff

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