Rose-breasted Grosbeak

/ Rebecca / 14 Comments

It is common for the Rose-breasted Grosbeak to migrate through our area in the spring. I heard reports of them being here in late April, but only spotted them in my yard this past week. The male, with his bright red patch, was the first to make an appearance, followed shortly by the brown and white female. Seeing these birds is one of the highlights of my spring.

“Last week, when I went early into my garden, a rose-breasted grosbeak was sitting on the fence. Oh, he was beautiful as a flower. I hardly dared to breathe, I did not stir, and we gazed at each other fully five minutes before he concluded to move.” ~Celia Thaxter

Bird and Plant Silhouettes

/ Rebecca / 8 Comments

There’s a certain beauty about nature in silhouette. A silhouette leaves room for the imagination and seems to create a mood and story of its own.

“My imagination has always been inspired by nature’s vision.” ~Gregory Colbert

“When you are describing,
A shape, or sound, or tint;
Don’t state the matter plainly,
But put it in a hint;
And learn to look at all things,
With a sort of mental squint.”
~Lewis Carroll

Lesser Yellowlegs

/ Rebecca / 9 Comments

Each spring these slender shorebirds return to flooded farm fields around the lake and levee to forage. It is interesting to watch as they dart about plucking invertebrates from the shallow water.

“I never for a day gave up listening to the songs of our birds, or watching their peculiar habits, or delineating them in the best way I could.” ~John James Audubon

Great Egrets

/ Rebecca / 11 Comments

Scattered throughout the forest of the refuge, a number of beautiful and graceful Great Egrets stealthily meander about the swampy waters in search of their next unsuspecting meal.

“The trick to not being discovered until it is too late is to become part of the expected surroundings. Stealth is more the art of blending in with the background than sneaking through dark shadows.” ~Raymond E. Feist

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

/ Rebecca / 9 Comments

In search of crawfish, insects and a variety of aquatic invertebrates, this heron quietly hunted in a swampy, forested area of the refuge.

“I have always found thick woods a little intimidating, for they are so secret and enclosed. You may seem alone but you are not, for there are always eyes watching you. All the wildlife of the woods … are well aware of your presence no matter how softly you may tread, and they follow your every move although you cannot see them.” ~Thalassa Cruso

Subtle Signs of Spring

/ Rebecca / 14 Comments

We chose a chilly, windy day for a hike at Fort Donaldson. The wildflowers are slowly beginning to make an appearance, and the redbud trees are in full bloom.

“Spring is sooner recognized by plants than by men.” ~Chinese Proverb

In Just the Right Place

/ Rebecca / 16 Comments

I almost missed it.  This nonvenomous water snake was well-hidden, wrapped around the top of a broken tree trunk which was standing out in swampy water.  It was lounging in the afternoon sun, but was undoubtedly well-positioned and patiently waiting for prey.

“Position yourself well enough, and circumstances will do the rest.” ~Mason Cooley

Outside the Door

/ Rebecca / 13 Comments

After looking out the door at the same maple tree for many years, I have come to appreciate the various seasonal changes, lighting, and moods associated with the scene.

I enjoy watching the squirrels as they chase each other among the branches and the birds as they flit about. I’ve grown to appreciate the way, especially in autumn, that the afternoon sun lights up the leaves from different angles as it slowly sinks in the western sky.

What a joy to watch a swarm of midges gather in a sunny spot under the branches.  Looking like little fairies, with their dainty wings and little legs, they seem to dance magically in the afternoon sunlight.

We can receive joy from taking note of and appreciating simple, familiar things that are a part of our daily lives.

“Joy comes to us in ordinary moments. We risk missing out when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary.” ~Brene Brown