Hermit Thrush
While hiking a trail in the Reelfoot Wildlife Refuge, this Hermit Thrush caught my attention when it landed on the branch of a nearby tree. A winter visitor to our state, it spends a lot of its time foraging for insects under fallen leaves or searching for wild berries among the forest’s undergrowth.
“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” ~Leo Tolstoy
Feasting on sumac berries
There’s a spot on our country road where we often see bluebirds fluttering about. On this day, they were enticed by the deep red clusters of sumac berries growing wild along the road. These berries are an important source of food for them during the winter months.
“God gives every bird its food, but does not throw it into the nest.” ~Danish Proverb
White Pelicans
We first knew that the pelicans had returned to our area in September when we saw a large flock of them flying high over the Mississippi River.
In early November, we were able to see them more closely and enjoy their beauty at Reelfoot Lake.
“Nature’s beauty is a gift that cultivates appreciation and gratitude.” ~Louis Schwartzberg
Fall Foliage
Some sunny days have helped to accent the autumn leaves which are now popping in vivid yellows, oranges and reds. This past week has been a great time to get out and enjoy the beauty that nature has on display.
“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” ~Lauren Destefano
Butterflies on White Aster
The white aster is in full bloom and attracting many insects including honey bees, wasp and butterflies. These are some of the butterflies that we saw while out enjoying the autumn flowers and sunshine.
“The aster has not wasted spring and summer because it has not blossomed. It has been all the time preparing for what is to follow, and in autumn it is the glory of the field …” ~Henry Ward Beecher
Inky Cap
I saw this silver and bronze-looking mushroom standing alone, glistening in the sun in a wooded area along the Mississippi River. At first it looked like someone had placed a shiny metal lawn ornament in the middle of the woods. I had to touch it to see if it was real, which it was. My best guess is that it is a member of the inky cap family. After their spores mature, their gills begin to decompose from the bottom up, turning into a black liquid which resembles ink. Then the mushroom cap begins to curl up, placing the spores in an ideal position to catch the wind and disperse. It’s strange to think that the magical colors of this mushroom are the result of decay.
“Everywhere we look, complex magic of nature blazes before our eyes.” ~Vincent van Gogh
Great White Egrets
It is common to see the great egret feeding along the edge of Reelfoot Lake, or in nearby seasonally flooded land, between March and October. Their beauty and stately manner continue to fascinate me. These photos were taken at various times over the past year.
“If you are always racing to the next moment, what happens to the one you’re in? ~Zig Ziglar
Circumhorizontal Arc
Several times a year we see a circumhorizontal arc high up in the wispy clouds. These occur when the sun’s rays pass through flat, hexagonal-shaped ice crystals at a specific angle, causing the rays to bend, like in a prism, and light up the clouds with beautiful colors. This one only lasted for a brief time, but was a joy to see.
“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” ~W. B. Yeats
Golden Treasures
Everywhere you look, nature is aglow with autumn’s golden hues. These are some of the beautiful golden treasures that I have seen and appreciated over recent weeks.
… Life on earth is truly a gift
every moment we must treasure,
it’s the simple things we take for granted
that become our ultimate pleasures.
~Kathy J Parenteau
