Uncategorized

Predator or prey?

/ Rebecca / 17 Comments

On one of our recent drives along the Mississippi levee, we came upon what appeared at first to be a tranquil scene.  A colony of great egrets, intermixed with a few graceful geese and a great blue heron, was foraging in the shallow water of a flooded farm field.  We sat and watched the peaceful scene for some time.  Then we spotted it.  Sitting on the far shore of the water was a bald eagle, obviously hoping to intimidate and pick off a weaker bird.  After further observation, we spotted a younger eagle sitting high atop a nearby tree.  It was intently keeping a watchful eye over the adult’s progress and encouraging it on.  What had appeared to be a predator in search of small fish or frogs, also turned out to be the potential prey — a hopeful meal for some hungry eagles.  Such is the drama of nature.

“The art of simplicity is a puzzle of complexity.”  ~Douglas Horton

Red-bellied Woodpecker

/ Rebecca / 5 Comments

This red-bellied woodpecker unexpectedly came racing across the back yard and landed with a plop upon our bird feeder.   I watched as it casually enjoyed a snack of sunflower seeds and then retreated to the top of a pine tree for a little exploration.

“The cream of enjoyment in this life is always impromptu.  The chance walk; the unexpected visit; the unpremeditated journey; the unsought conversation of acquaintance.”  ~Fanny Fern

Tending the babies

/ Rebecca / 11 Comments

There are three baby cardinals in a nest in our crepe myrtle bush.  Both the male and female cardinal are in and out constantly, meeting the demands of their little ones.

“Children are not a distraction from more important work.  They are the most important work.”  ~C. S. Lewis

A drive along the levee

/ Rebecca / 14 Comments

A leisurely drive along the Mississippi levee at this time of the year never disappoints.  One of my favorite sightings this month was several Ruby-throated hummingbirds darting in and out among the red clover.  We sat and watched their playful activity for some time.  No photos, but clear, beautiful images in my mind.

“Memory … is the diary that we all carry around with us.”  ~Oscar Wilde

Exercising caution

/ Rebecca / 11 Comments

I was able to get some photos of a pair of Dickcissels in the tall grass along the Mississippi levee. The female was quite the poser, but the male was more cautious and tended to stay hidden among the grass.  These “sparrow-like birds” can be found in our area from early May to August.

“Thus hand in hand through life we’ll go;
Its checker’d paths of joy and woe
With cautious steps we ‘ll tread.”
―Nathaniel Cotton

Blending in

/ Rebecca / 5 Comments

This green frog blends in well with the color of the surrounding duckweed, and can easily go unnoticed.  What commonly gives its presence away is its high, reverberating chirp or an occasional hop.

“So you’re a little weird? Work it! A little different? OWN it! Better to be a nerd than one of the herd!”  ~Mandy Hale

Tattered Gulf fritillary

/ Rebecca / 10 Comments

Life has taken a toll on this butterfly as revealed by its tattered and torn up wings.  But regardless of the predators and various environmental challenges it has faced, it is still a beautiful butterfly that has survived to fly another day.

“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph”.  ~Thomas Paine