The First to Rise

Lake Kerkini, Greece 2021

The fishermen at Kerkini feed the pelicans in winter. When a boat approaches with fish, the birds gather on the water, waiting. On this morning one bird lifted early — wings high, already committed — while the others stayed below, heads turned toward the fisherman, focused on what was coming next. I have watched this moment many times. There is always one that rises before the rest.

This relationship between the fishermen and the pelicans is older than I am. It is why the birds stay so close, why they are not fearful, why a photograph like this is even possible. The Kingdom of Pelicans depends on it. The boat, the man with the fish, the lake, the birds — it is a system, not an encounter. I am photographing inside something that was already working before I arrived and will continue after I am gone.