These bright orange mushrooms, which were growing in clusters on a dead tree, immediately caught my attention as we drove down a winding, wooded road. Known as ‘Chicken of the Woods’, these edible, wild mushrooms fit in perfectly with all the other beautiful colors of autumn that we are seeing.
“As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see.” ~Vincent Van Gogh
Walking along the boardwalk at the Reelfoot Wildlife Refuge, we spotted a Bald eagle sitting near the top of a cypress tree a short distance away. It was keeping a close eye on a number of coots which were swimming among the vegetation out in the lake.
“Food may be essential as fuel for the body, but good food is fuel for the soul.” ~Malcolm Forbes
This pine warbler made a quick stop at my feeder one day this week. Though not one that I had seen around before, his bright color and cheery trill were most welcome.
“Always remember to set a place at the table of life for the unexpected guest.” ~Linda Ellerbee
I’m always on the lookout for a beautiful butterfly! Here are some of my summer sightings.
“Divine creation can be seen painted on the canvas of a butterfly’s wing.’ ~K. D. Angelo
According the weather man, our area is stuck in summer this week, with temperatures remaining in the 90’s. But that can’t keep a girl from dreaming about cooler autumn days to come.
“Summer and fall waltzed to the wind in a stolen sweet romance.” ~Angie Weiland-Crosby
A walk along the boardwalk at the Grassy Island portion of the Reelfoot Lake Wildlife Refuge revealed a serene scene as a great blue heron stood statuesque in the shallow water, awaiting his next meal.
“There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.” ~Henry David Thoreau
I saw fewer insects in my flower garden this summer than I have in the past. The sweet autumn clematis and climbing milkweed vine, which usually teem with a variety of insects, seemed still and quiet. However, around the lake, the insects were more visible. Maybe because of the high heat and humidity that we’ve had, they, like me, have sought a cooler spot to pass the day away.
“How could this earth of ours, which is only a speck in the heavens, have so much variety of life, so many curious and exciting creatures?” ~Walt Disney
Hummingbirds are attracted to the bright red color of the cardinal flower. From these delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers, the hummingbird receives sweet nectar. In return, the cardinal flower depends on the hummingbird for pollination.
Across the downs a hummingbird
Came dipping through the bowers,
He pivoted on emptiness
To scrutinize the flowers.
~Nathalia Crane
Because of the hot and humid weather, one of our favorite walking times is around dusk, when the temperature is cooling down. One of the benefits of walking at this time is that it is an active time for deer, which prefer to feed during low-light hours. Occasionally, we spot one that has come out of the woods to forage on corn, soybeans, and in this case, sunflowers.
“The real world, in my opinion, exists in the countryside, where Nature goes about her quiet business and brings us greatest pleasure.” ~Fennel Hudson
walking on a country road 