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
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
While driving along the Mississippi levee, in the distance I spotted a small flock of birds that were flying in a formation that looked like a light brown cloud. They were not ones that I normally see in the area, so I wondered what they were. Later, as we were driving along a road next to a flooded farm field, we spotted this little flock of birds, which explained what I had seen earlier. I believe these are Pectoral Sandpipers. They are common spring migrants in Tennessee from early March to mid-May.
“Live your life as an exclamation rather than an explanation.” ~Isaac Newton
Welcome back Ruby-throated hummingbirds. We have been waiting for you!
“Beauty is everywhere a welcome guest.” ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
This Great Egret, wading around in the shallow water, had just caught a frog as I happened upon the scene. Not bothered by my presence, he continued to enjoy his tasty treat.
“If you have to swallow a frog, don’t stare at it too long.” ~Mark Twain
I’m an odd combination of “Really Sweet” and “Don’t Mess With Me.” ~Unknown
We spotted this Great Blue Heron along the Reelfoot Lake spillway. Its mind was singly focused on one thing — catching lunch — which it promptly did, and swallowed whole.
“Stay focused, go after your dreams and keep moving toward your goals.” ~LL Cool J
We finally had a couple of days of sunshine before Easter and were able to get out on some of the back roads to view nature. The theme of our drive seemed to be “animals hightailing it out of sight”, as many of the animals were skittish and in a hurry to make a quick retreat.
“Timing has a clear and loud voice. At the right time, step out and the sound will be heard by all.” ~Daniel Evans
“The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
A couple of Red-tailed Hawks — one sitting high atop a tree along a quiet country road, and the other soaring overhead in a secluded area near Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge.
“Each life needs its own quiet place.” ~Melody Beattle
walking on a country road 