Changing Seasons

December 6, 2025 / Rebecca / 18 Comments

During the summer and autumn seasons, the swamp daisies attract a variety of bees and butterflies. However, by late November, their beauty fades, and the bees and butterflies are nowhere to be found. Recently, as I stood in my favorite spot on the board walk, gazing at the withered plants and bemoaning their decline, I noticed a swift flicker of wings — and then another. Flitting through the foliage were two birds that I seldom encounter.

Initially, I noticed the Swamp Sparrow as it darted from one hiding spot to another, attempting to remain hidden among the marshy plants. This sparrow, characterized by its rusty hue, was searching for food along the water’s edge where dried plant seeds were plentiful. It is a winter inhabitant of our area, arriving in September and departing in May.

Then I spotted a female Ruby Crowned Kinglet — a tiny, agile bird. She was equally elusive as she flitted and hopped among the plants in an effort to remain hidden. Her wings, adorned with stunning olive green-gray plumage, flickered as she searched for tiny insects, berries and seeds. Like the Swamp Sparrow, it is also a winter resident.

As I watched these two evasive birds on one side of the boardwalk, I found it hard to ignore a loud scratching sound coming from the other side of the boardwalk. Peering through the wooden slats, I was delighted to discover a female Eastern Towhee using her feet to rummage through dried leaves and underbrush looking for food. Though not always obvious, the Towhee makes its home in our state year-round.

Nature is full of surprises. I had been in search of flowers and butterflies; however, I was instead blessed with the sight of three small birds. With every season that passes, new wonders emerge to provide delight and joy. Rather than lamenting the absence of the gifts from one season, we can turn our attention to the blessings of the upcoming season and be thankful.

Gratitude helps us to see what is there rather than what isn’t. ~Unknown

November Blessings

November 25, 2025 / Rebecca / 20 Comments

Sometimes it is the simple, unexpected things that we encounter which fill our hearts with joy and make us thankful.

“True wisdom lies in gathering the precious things out of each day as it goes by.” ~E. S. Bouton

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The poem below holds significance as Thanksgiving approaches and November comes to an end.

November

November comes
And November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.

With night coming early,
And dawn coming late.
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.

The fires burn
And the kettles sing.
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring.

~Clyde Watson

Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good.
His faithful love continues forever.
~Psalm 107:1 (NIrV)

Hanging Out Together

November 22, 2025 / Rebecca / 15 Comments

Recently, I watched a group of American white pelicans swimming alongside double-crested cormorants at the lake. This wasn’t the first time I had seen them together, which led me to wonder why these two birds, which seem to be an unlikely combination, would be hanging out.

Research revealed that both are fish-eaters that hunt together, assisting each other in finding food; however, their fishing techniques differ. Pelicans herd fish into shallow water where they are easy to catch, while cormorants are underwater fishers. Their diving causes the fish to rise to the surface, enabling the pelicans to swoop in and scoop them up with their large bills. While pelicans can at times exhibit greedy behavior, this collaborative approach to fishing is mutually beneficial for both species involved.

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” ~Mother Teresa

American White Pelicans

October 29, 2025 / Rebecca / 23 Comments

Recently, we had the pleasure of watching the stunning beauty and graceful flight of white pelicans during their annual fall migration at Reelfoot Lake.

“To the sane and free it will hardly seem necessary to cross the continent in search of wild beauty, however easy the way, for they find it in abundance wherever they chance to be.” ~John Muir

Female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

October 1, 2025 / Rebecca / 21 Comments

“A beautiful sight that tickles the eyes and thrills the soul” is the phrase that came to mind while watching a group of female ruby-throated hummingbirds as they danced and weaved around the feeder and late September flowers. Between their swift dips and dives, the hummingbirds jealously guarded their favorite resting spots in the nearby bushes. For the males, the seasonal stay here is over, and they have already migrated south toward a warmer climate. These females may also be on the move, taking a brief stopover before continuing their journey.

“There are two ways of seeing: with the body and with the soul. The body’s sight can sometimes forget, but the soul remembers forever.” ~Alexandre Dumas

An Unexpected Surprise

September 3, 2025 / Rebecca / 21 Comments

I was sitting peacefully in a rocking chair on a covered porch at a wildlife refuge when, out of nowhere, this Yellow-throated Warbler darted in. Disoriented beneath the roof, it landed on the rocking chair beside me to find its bearings.

For a time, I remained still, not wanting to scare it away. Eventually, I gently snapped a few photos.

The bird’s bright yellow throat stood out vividly against its gray and white feathers, accentuated by its black mask and streaks.

After having time to inspect its surroundings, the warbler regained its composure and took off as swiftly as it had arrived.

“Life’s most beautiful moments often arrive unannounced, wrapped in the shimmering paper of unexpected surprises.” – Unknown

Two Shy Birds

August 19, 2025 / Rebecca / 17 Comments

In late July, as we drove slowly down the road at the wildlife refuge, I was excited to spot an adult Yellow-crowned Night-Heron walking around on the floor of the swampy woods. It was quite shy, staying close to the cover of trees and vines as protection from prying eyes.

In early August, when we drove this road once again, we glimpsed the shadow of a large bird as it took flight from the forest floor and settled in a distant tree. This time it was a juvenile Yellow-crowned Night-Heron. With its spotted brown feathers and streaky underparts, it did an excellent job of blending in with the background of the branches and foliage. Had I not seen where it landed, I’m sure I wouldn’t have been able to find it among the trees.

“Scientists have found the gene for shyness. They would have found it years ago, but it was hiding behind a couple of other genes.” ~Jonathan Katz

Juvenile Mockingbird

August 6, 2025 / Rebecca / 12 Comments

One afternoon, my husband came inside sounding puzzled, saying that the mockingbird in our front yard had been unusually aggressive when he went out to get the mail. That evening, I spotted a young bird sitting in the yard, and suddenly it made sense. He had encountered a mother bird whose protective instincts had kicked in.

“I may seem quiet and reserved, but if you mess with my children, the mama bear in me will roar.” – Unknown

Nature Silhouettes

June 26, 2025 / Rebecca / 20 Comments

There’s something intriguing about silhouettes. Without using words, they tell a story, leaving the details to your imagination.

“The object of art is to give life shape.” ~Willliam Shakespeare

Preening the Plumage

June 7, 2025 / Rebecca / 19 Comments

During the spring breeding season, the molted feathers of the Great Egret are replaced with bright white plumage and long ornamental feathers which are vital for attracting mates. Daily preening is crucial for maintaining feather condition, as well as providing insulation and waterproofing.