A common grackle taking flight.
“Sometimes you just have to take the leap and build your wings on the way down.” ~Kobi Yamada
bird
A good day for a hike
The sky was a little overcast, but the temperature was perfect for a hike in the Reelfoot Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, signs of spring were intermingled with the leaves of the past autumn. The sound of birds chirping and an owl hooting could be heard in the distance. As we passed a stranger on the path, his greeting summed up my feelings perfectly — “It doesn’t get much better than this!” No, it certainly doesn’t. 🙂
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” ~Unknown
Tufted Titmouse
A small energetic bird, the Tufted Titmouse tends to evade my camera more often than not. With a clear echoing voice, it flits through the bushes in our backyard. Then, unexpectedly, it drops to the feeder to snatch a sunflower seed before hastily retreating to a secluded branch to crack open its prize.
“Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.” ~Bill Bradley
Look up!
As I was standing and looking out over the lake, I felt a little disappointed at the apparent lack of wildlife in the immediate area. Then I heard a passing kayaker tell one of his companions to “look up”. As I lifted my eyes, I was amazed to see a large flock of white pelicans quietly soaring right above my head. Such a beautiful and graceful sight that I would have otherwise missed if I hadn’t overheard the suggestion to look up.
“… How often we miss God’s treasures
Just because we don’t raise our eyes.
By keeping our narrow focus
We blunder and miss the prize …”
~Joyce Johnson
Mourning Doves
Mourning doves are commonly seen sitting in our pine trees or searching on the ground for sunflower seeds that have fallen from the feeders. They often have favorite perches where they sit, and from which their distinctive coos can be heard. However, they are easily startled, and take off like a shot. Their initial flight produces a sharp whistling sound, followed by the gentle flutter of their soft wings.
Time, as he passes us, has a dove’s wing,
Unsoil’d, and swift, and of a silken sound.
~William Cowper
Carolina wren
The Carolina wren is small in size, but mighty in energy and attitude. It has a way of making its presence known. With lively chatter, it darts to and away from the feeders, seldom lingering in one place for more than a few seconds at a time. I always enjoy catching a glimpse of this spirited little bird when it is hanging about.
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” ~Winston Churchill
The Promise of Spring
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
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
walking on a country road 