Month: February 2021

The Barred Owl

/ Rebecca / 21 Comments
We often hear the call of a Barred Owl as we walk in the woods of the refuge, but never seem to be in the right place to actually see one. Recently, however, while driving through the refuge, we stopped the car because I wanted to get a photo of a stream running through the woods.  As I opened the door to get out, a startled Barred Owl in a nearby tree took flight and landed in another tree a few yards down the road.  We had unknowingly stopped in the same place where an owl was sitting.  It was a very pleasant surprise.

The Barred Owl with its Razor-sharp Talons.


Barred Owl scrambling up the branch of a tree.

Now you see me, now you don’t.

A stream running through the woods near where the owl sat.

“The best part of the journey is the surprise and wonder along the way.”  ~Ken Poirot

Small Blessings

/ Rebecca / 24 Comments

“Sameness” is a good word to describe these cold winter days of COVID-19.  Yet within the sameness of each day come small blessings which make it more tolerable.  The beauty of the sun glistening on the snow and icicles hanging from holly branches.  A variety of birds which appear at the feeder with their many colors and personalities and songs.  Robins gathering to drink water from melted snow puddles and huddling in sheltered spots with their big fluffy feathers.  A flock of cardinals descending in unison on a nearby bush at feeding time. Daffodils and magic lily leaves peeping out of the ground bringing the promise of spring.  A phone call from a loved one.  Sometimes, small things are precious things — gifts given by our Creator to add variety to our day and uplift the heart.  It’s important to remember to be thankful and not let the “sameness” put a damper on our souls.

“A good memory is one that can remember the day’s blessings and forget the day’s troubles.”  ~Irish Blessings

Relaxing

/ Rebecca / 13 Comments

I’ve found that even squirrels sometimes need to find a quiet place, away from the hurry and scurry, to rest and be alone.

“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.”  ~Mark Black

“It’s all about finding the calm in the chaos.”  ~Donna Karan

“Stop a minute, right where you are …
Tell that imperious voice in your head to be still.”
~Barbara Kingsolver

 

“Even when in the midst of disturbance, the stillness of the mind can offer sanctuary.”  ~Stephen Richards

“Your calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges.  So relax.”  ~Bryant McGill

“Like a small gray coffee pot sits the squirrel.”  ~Humbert Wolfe

A Memorable Sound

/ Rebecca / 17 Comments

At this time of the year, we have learned to keep an eye out for the Snow Geese in open fields near the Mississippi River.  On this day, we found a large group of Snow Geese, mixed with other species of geese and some ducks, out grazing for food.  The sound that they make as they move about the field reminds me of a room full of ladies all talking and laughing at the same time.  But even more memorable is the sound that a startled flock makes when it shoots off the ground simultaneously.  The wave of flapping wings and loud, high pitched squawks echo as the frenzied birds soar skyward.

“If you want to live a memorable life, you have to be the kind of person who remembers to remember.”  ~Joshua Foer