Passing through

A small flock of birds that I did not immediately recognize visited my feeders earlier this week.  They made themselves at home for part of a day, feasting upon black sunflower seeds.  It turns out that they were Brown-headed Cowbirds in the process of molting into their winter plumage, and included some juveniles.  I have kept an eye out for them, hoping to get another glimpse, but they have not shown up again.

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.”  ~Unknown

Lots of hungry caterpillars!

If you take a walk down our country road at this time of year, you are certain to see numerous hungry caterpillars wandering among the plant life in search of food to satisfy their voracious appetites.

“Stay hungry.  Stay foolish.  Never let go of your appetite to go after new ideas, new experiences, and new adventures.”  ~Steve Jobs

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

… God has blessed all beauties of Nature;
He’s set His approval and seal
On all of His small, winged messengers
That fly through the air with such zeal.
~Gertrude Tooley Buckingham

Testing the nest

A young sparrow discovered a wire nest in one of my metal yard ornaments and was trying to decide whether to test it out or not .  She timidly stood on one side of the nest, gave it some rather deep contemplation, then hopped right in.  However, it didn’t take long to decide that it was an awkward fit for her, and off she flew.  One of the children’s books that my granddaughter and I enjoy reading together is “The Best Nest” by P. D. Eastman.  I guess that this was NOT the best nest for this little bird.

“You can only grow if you’re willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”  ~Brian Tracy

Moth and Partridge Peas

I spotted several of these moths fluttering among the partridge peas on our country road.  They were such small, light colored moths that I wasn’t sure they would photograph well, but was pleasantly surprised at the detail the camera was able to pick up.

“The beauty of life is in small details, not in big events.”  ~Jim Jarmusch

Butterflies

A few of the different butterflies that I’ve seen in our area recently.

“It’s the things in common that make relationships enjoyable, but it’s the little differences that make them interesting.”  ~Todd Ruthman