Two very different photos from today that rather summed up the quality of light at this time of year.  On one side of the large pond the light was reflecting off the open water and backlighting the subjects and on the other, everything was in strong shade with just a few beams of sunlight making it through the, now largely defoliated, woods that fringe the water.  Such is the effect of the low angled light at this time of the year.  

I hope you enjoy the contrast between this pair. 

Winter plumage, not so Black Headed Gulls

The patience of a Heron

Gear. Nikon Z6 plus 300mm f/4 PF lens.  Both ISO 400 and f/4 but 1/8000 and 1/640 respectively.