“ … be yourself – not your idea of what you think somebody else’s idea of yourself should be.” ~Henry David Thoreau
Cardinals
birds
Eastern phoebe
A little bird, within a tangled wood,
Sang sweetly to the forest solitude;
From matin hour to vesper time it sang —
Until the leafy woodland spaces rang
With such a chorus of ecstatic glee
That all the world seemed pulsing harmony …
~Robert Frost
Great Blue Heron
These heron were doing some serious fishing out on flooded farm land near the Mississippi River. They crept along slowly … watching … listening … and then striking with lightening speed. Each strike was generally rewarded with a tiny silver fish.
Great blue heron
Great blue heron
Great blue heron
Great blue heron
Great blue heron
Great blue heron
Great blue heron
Great blue heorn
“The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.” ~John Buchan
Empty nests
“I will protect you until you are grown, and then I will let you fly free. But loving you, that is for always.” ~Charlotte Gray
Rufous-sided Towhee
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” ~John Hughes
Tufted Titmouse
Tufted titmice are frequent visitors to my feeders. It is not always easy to get a photo of them because they flit in and out so quickly. I usually hear their clear echoing voice before I actually see them, which is my cue to get my camera ready.
“Those who wish to sing … always find a song.” ~Swedish Proverb
Feeding flock
Earlier today, a flock of American robins mixed with cedar waxwings descended upon the holly trees in our front yard. They systematically harvested the berries and then quickly moved on to their next destination. What a treat to watch these beautiful birds in action!
Expressions
The cardinals keep my backyard interesting with their beautiful colors and energetic activity. Their constant sense of alertness can make for some rather expressive photos.
“Of all the things you wear, your expression is most noticeable.” ~Unknown
Sitting along the river
“Eagles come in all shapes and sizes but you will recognize them chiefly by their attitudes.” ~E. F. Schumacher
American Coot
Go out, go out I beg of you and taste the beauty of the wild. Behold the miracle of the earth with all the wonder of a child.” ~Edna Jaques
walking on a country road 