Every day in Northwest Tennessee we are seeing gradual signs that Spring is on its way.
“There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” ~Rachel Carson
Heading North
On a morning walk, my attention was drawn to the bugling sound that I’ve come to associate with the Sandhill Crane. Looking up, I saw strings of them coming across the sky above the farm fields, headed northward. Spring migration has begun.
“… the grand tour is just the inspired man’s way of heading home.” ~Paul Theroux
Male Northern Cardinal
… And all things earliest loved by me, —
The bird, the brook, the flower, the tree, —
Came back again, as thus I heard
The cardinal bird.
~William Davis Gallagher
At the end of the day
A small plane landing at a local airport just as the sun was setting.
“End your day with a smile, a happy thought and a grateful heart.” ~Clint Walker
Out on a limb
The American Black Vulture is a little more dapper than his fellow scavenger, the Turkey Vulture, sporting glossy black feathers and a gray neck and head. The Black Vulture is also said to be more social and prone to maintaining family ties. We spotted these as they were taking in the view from the top of a tree at the Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge.
“When you are out on a limb, the whole world is at your feet.” ~Unknown
Patience
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Cedar Waxwing
It is always a joy to catch a glimpse of the Cedar Waxwings when they wander into our area searching for berries. Their high pitched whistle, as they call back and forth to one another, usually gives their presence away.
“I love berries. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, black berries, anything with an ‘errie’ in it!” ~Jordin Sparks
Common grackle
This adult male grackle was foraging for food amongst the needles of a cypress tree. His shiny black plumage took on a glossy-iridescence when struck by the bright sunlight.
In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary. ~Aaron Rose
In search of the Sandhill Cranes
After spotting three Sandhill Cranes on farmland near our house, I was curious to find out why the cranes were in the area. I did an online search and discovered that “Hop-in Refuge”, located not far from us in West Tennessee, is a wintering home to several thousand Sandhill Cranes each year. Used as farmland during the summer, it is then flooded to provide habitat for birdlife during the winter months. I was excited to go on a road trip in search of the Sandhill Cranes. We found that though the refuge is closed during the months of November thru February, there are plenty of cranes to see dotting the farmland in the surrounding area.
“Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventures.” ~Unknown
Sunrays
We’ve had so many cloudy days lately, that it is good to see the sun — even if it is just peeking out from behind the clouds.
“Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain’t goin’ away.” ~Elvis Presley
walking on a country road 