Due to heavy rains, the Mississippi River recently overflowed its banks and went beyond the tree line. These photos were taken on the levee near Tiptonville, TN.
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Rain water also encroached on the land surrounding Reelfoot Lake. This brought some animals in closer than they might usually come.
“Many waters cannot quench love, Nor will rivers overflow it …” ~Song of Solomon 8:7
We saw this duck family in a nearby pond. Though the drake was present, the mother duck was definitely the one in charge. It was fun watching her lead and guide the ducklings around, both in the water and out.
“Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mother.” ~Unknown
As we rounded a curve in the road, there sat two rabbits — an older one and a younger one. The older rabbit quickly hopped away, but the younger rabbit lingered there a little longer and continued to enjoy the delicious grass.
“Life is so extraordinary. Wonderful surprises are just around the most unexpected corners.” ~Rosamunde Pilcher
The adult male broadhead skink is brown or olive brown with an orange head and wide jaws. I encountered this one on a boardwalk at the lake. He was moving along in a hurry, but then realized that I stood between him and the place he wanted to go. He stopped, uncertain about whether or not to proceed. Finally, he mustered up his courage and moved forward, and I politely stepped out of his way.
“You don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward.” ~Unknown
The Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are once again migrating through on their journey to their breeding grounds up north. Like clockwork, they stop over each spring to rest and dine on seeds from the feeders before continuing on their way.
“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” ~Ecclesiastes 3:1
“No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself.” ~Virginia Woolf
I spotted this little warbler while walking along the boardwalk at Reelfoot Lake. It was flittering among the branches of the cypress trees in search of insects to eat.
“Every moment is a new opportunity to be amazed.” ~Jonathan Colman
We spotted a small flock of Bobolink on the levy near the Mississippi River. The males were dressed in their attractive spring plumage. After breeding season, they will molt and take on the buff-brown colors of the female.
… Upon a tuft of meadow grass,
While thy loved-one tends the nest,
Thou swayest as the breezes pass,
Unburthening thine o’erfull breast
Of the crowded songs that fill it,
Just as joy may choose to will it …
~James Russell Lowell
walking on a country road 