Seiko Walk: Wildlife Refuge Photography
Photography

Seiko Walk: Wildlife Refuge Photography

By cazalea · Jan 12, 2021 · 7 replies
cazalea
WPS member · Seiko forum
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Cazalea takes readers on a unique "Seiko Walk," blending nature photography with linguistic observations and personal anecdotes. This post transforms a simple daily routine into an engaging narrative, showcasing the beauty of the Sweetwater River and Wildlife Refuge. It's a testament to finding inspiration in everyday moments, even those far removed from horology.

As we started on the Seiko Walk this morning we were not expecting to find activity 10 feet from the car.  But we saw an example of an old idiomatic expression:

Just a few yards from us, a rabbit burst out of a bush and immediately showed us a clean pair of heels!

NOTE: In 1859 Charles Dickens wrote: "No, gentlemen; [he won't fight] he'll always show 'em a clean pair of heels very early in the scuffle, and sneak away..."



In contrast, every day when we get home after our Seiko walk, we have a literal expression:  This is a dirty set of heels; I have to clean them before I enter the house.



With that English & History Lesson out of the way, we continued our walk southwards from the area we visited in the Pocket Watch in Paradise Marsh episode, to the southern side of the Sweetwater River and the Wildlife Refuge. 

You can see it and few more of our recent walking locations on this map.

 

We weren't early and the sky wasn't cloudy, so not much for me to report or show about the sunrise, sorry.



We watched a cormorant for a moment,



before he ducked out of sight. Ducked. Get it? Ok, I know cormorants aren't ducks but the idiom fit the occasion.



To the east of us is the Interstate 5 and Highway 54 interchange.



The water is very high again this morning and our path was submerged in places.



At those points we had to retreat to the abandoned railway line. I think the British would say "disused railway line".



The railway trestles are sufficient for crossing the water but require a sharp eye and careful pace. The odd sleeper (cross bar) is missing, and a few are rotted, burnt or tipsy.



The big white egrets and herons are pretty much to themselves, apparently preferring conditions not attractive to smaller birds.



Many of the smaller ones were working the shoreline about a hundred yards to the west.





These well-camouflaged birds seemed to alternate between foraging and grooming. Eat, preen, eat, preen. Never staying still.



The sun arrived and things got much brighter as we reached the second trestle crossing.


There seem to be many square miles of marshland here,



at the National Wildlife Refuge.


In the distance is the Silver Strand again.



Something spooked the birds but then they settled right back down where they were before.







This group of 9 European Starlings were hopping sideways, back and forth over each other on the wire, swapping places. Except the lonely one at the end.


We'd never seen such an obvious display of pecking order.



I am wearing a 6309 that I revived from my spare parts bin; it tells me it's about time to head for the truck. Yes, the date is sitting in the middle of two numerals. That's because the date ring in the movement is intended for a watch case with the crown at 3 rather than 4 as on this case. I need to hunt down the right date ring but for now, I am happy this 40-year old watch is running nicely.



The tide is very high - high enough to baptize any unwary riders going through here.



Gordy Shields was a customer and friend of mine at our Schwinn shop, back in the Seventies. I didn't know him as activist or advocate; he was just Gordy.


My wife's great eyesight located this dog, and she put him into a better location as soon as I had taken his picture.



Her eagle eyes also spotted the "clean heels" bunny again as we neared the marina on our way homeward.



I couldn't see it with my bare eyes - but I found it in the viewfinder, and the camera spotted the difference between brush and rabbit.



Thanks for reading. 



Cazalea

About the Rolex Ref. 6309

The Rolex Reference 6309 is a notable example from the brand's early self-winding Datejust series, distinguished by its "Thunderbird" bezel. This reference is part of the lineage that established the Datejust as a versatile and robust daily wear watch, combining a date complication with an automatic movement. Its design elements reflect the aesthetic trends of the mid-20th century, offering a blend of utility and understated luxury that appealed to a broad audience. The 6309 holds a specific place for collectors interested in the evolution of the Datejust and its early design variations.

This reference typically features a stainless steel or two-tone case, often paired with a fluted or engine-turned bezel. The case diameter is commonly around 36mm, a classic size for the era that remains popular today. It houses an automatic movement, specifically the Rolex Caliber 743, known for its reliability and precision. The crystal is made of Plexiglas, characteristic of Rolex watches from this period. The watch typically offers water resistance suitable for daily wear, though not for diving.

For collectors, the Reference 6309 is significant due to its distinctive bezel and its representation of early Datejust production. Variants exist with different dial configurations, including various hour markers and finishes, which contribute to its collectibility. Its four-digit reference number places it firmly within the vintage Rolex category, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate the historical context and original design language of the brand's mid-century output. The "Thunderbird" bezel, in particular, makes this reference easily identifiable and sought after by those focusing on specific Datejust iterations.

Specifications

Caliber
743
Case
Stainless steel, Two-tone (steel and gold)
Diameter
36mm
Dial
Silver, White, Black, Gilt
Water Resist.
50m
Crystal
Plexiglas

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
RO
Ronald Held
Jan 12, 2021

Is that Seiko running?

CH
ChristianDK
Jan 12, 2021

I really enjoyed it. You are a great photographer. So many beautiful compositions to dwell on.

CA
cazalea
Jan 12, 2021

I didn't try to regulate it - the movement was in a plastic case with plastic-handle stem, so I think it was new or rebuilt. It might be a bit dry though. I'll use it for a few days and see how it's doing.

JU
Jurry
Jan 12, 2021

Very much appreciate your posts on this. It’s like peeking into your daily life which is unique and inspiring. The photos again are great. Love the ones with the railroad tracks in them. They give depth. The other one I like is the one where the birds are disturbed and all fly away. Mostly bird photos are either of they are sitting idle or it’s a single bird in flight. But when you catch a whole flock flying up, you’ll get a very vivid photo. The shoes; a well I guess it’s to show that Californi

CA
cazalea
Jan 13, 2021

I was thinking this morning that I really am not carrying much in the way of photo equipment compared to some birders I know - just my camera, a spare battery, and iPhone. No big lenses or monopod (my wife serves as a camera rest when necessary!) And we are constantly on the go as well, rather than hiding in a duck blind or viewing platform. I’m happy with the photos I’m getting — seems like every day there’s a cooperative bird. Mike

JU
Jurry
Jan 14, 2021

I do the same; we dont hide out in a shelter for hours waiting for a specific bird. I just carry the camera with 1 lens attached and the other lens in my pocket. Switch them if needed. In future this willbe a bit easier sincve ive ordered a mirrorlkess camera which my wife will use with a wide angle ill carry the old camera with telephotolens on it. Both angles covered hahah

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