Resilience

July 22, 2026 / Rebecca / 23 Comments

Back in March, I shared that the Ospreys’ nest had temporarily become the domain of a pair of eagles, taking advantage of the Ospreys’ migration absence.

The Eagles Have Landed in the Osprey’s Nest

But no worries. By April, the Ospreys had returned, and were once again sitting on their royal throne high above the lake. They immediately began making repairs and adding insulating materials, working to get the nest comfortably in order.

Throughout May and June, the Osprey pair devoted themselves faithfully to their nesting duties. The female tended the nest, while the male took on the vital roles of hunting and keeping watch from nearby branches, ever vigilant against threats.

Regrettably, nature’s unpredictability demonstrated its strength this month, as a thunderstorm accompanied by strong winds and heavy rainfall inflicted considerable damage to the nest. As a result, the nest partially collapsed, forcing the Ospreys to abandon it.

Despite this setback, the sight of Ospreys flying in the vicinity signals hope. Only time will reveal if these resilient birds will reconstruct their prized nest at the same location or opt for a different nearby place for their next chapter.

“It is strange how new and unexpected conditions bring out unguessed ability to meet them.” ~Edgar Rice Burroughs

March Awakenings

April 3, 2026April 3, 2026 / Rebecca / 16 Comments

Here are a few photos taken around the lake and wildlife refuge in March. It’s always exciting to witness the flowers blooming, the leaves turning green, and the little creatures stirring after their winter rest.

One of my favorite sightings was a mink that ran across the road in front of us and quickly vanished into the swampy woods, showing no inclination to stop for a photograph.

Just as the earth awakens and renews itself in spring, so too Christians celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, during this Easter season.

“Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.” ~Martin Luther

Mealtime

October 23, 2024 / Rebecca / 28 Comments

The barred owl, with intent focus, glided over the flooded forest floor, stretching out its talons to swiftly snatch up its prey. Then it landed on a nearby tree branch to examine its prize. Carefully, it extricated its catch from collected debris. Aware of my presence, the owl took flight deeper into the woods to savor its snack in solitude.

“One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.”
– Luciano Pavarotti

Dickcissel

June 19, 2024 / Rebecca / 9 Comments

A Dickcissel sitting in tall grass along the Mississippi levee.

_{His eyes, with elf-like air did peer,
Then cheekily, he flew down near;
I watched in awe as he posed with pride,
His tittering chest expanded wide!
~Amanda Tuohy}

Drawing Attention

May 1, 2024 / Rebecca / 12 Comments

This female Red-winged Blackbird was obviously drawing attention to herself. Sitting near the top of a cypress tree, swaying in the wind, her conspicuous behavior included raising her tail feathers and rapidly fluttering her wings, which she repeated over and over. In the distance, a male could be heard calling. My first thought was that she was trying to attract or communicate with a mate, but another thought might be a response to a predator within her nesting territory.

“I’m not strange, weird, off, nor crazy, my reality is just different from yours.” ~Lewis Carroll

Finding Shelter

April 24, 2024 / Rebecca / 23 Comments

It was a chilly, windy day out on the lake. This young Prothonotary Warbler found shelter among the water lilies, flittering from leaf to leaf and occasionally sitting peacefully and soaking up the warmth of the sun.

“We should all find a quiet place, a peaceful space, to bury the chaos and rest for a while.” ~Christy Ann Martine

Bird Watching

April 3, 2024 / Rebecca / 7 Comments

Birds seen recently around the levee and lake.

“If you’re not a bird watcher you won’t be very excited, though gulls are graceful in flight and striking in appearance. If you’re a bird watcher this makes you weak in the knees.” ~Bryan Pfeiffer

Fond Memories

December 7, 2023 / Rebecca / 16 Comments

The ruby-throated hummingbirds have packed up and headed south in search of warmer temperatures and more plentiful food. Thankfully, fond memories of them linger as we count down the days until their return in the spring.

“Fond memory brings the light of other days around me.” ~Thomas More

Annoyed

September 13, 2023 / Rebecca / 16 Comments

As we drove through the refuge, I spotted a beautiful butterfly on a flower beside the road, and we stopped for photos. As I stepped out of the car, a very startled and annoyed Great Egret, which had previously gone undetected, let out a loud squawk and abruptly propelled itself from its concealed spot in the tall grass to the safety of a nearby tree. And there it sat waiting, all sullen and sulky, greatly annoyed that its peaceful afternoon had been disturbed.