We came upon this peaceful looking scene — White Pelicans and Great Egrets foraging in the shallow water of farm land near the Mississippi River.
“God made the country, so lovely and fair!, It’s wide open spaces for all to share; Where joy and contentment each one may find If he, earnestly, seeks for peace of mind.” ~Gertrude Tooley Buckingham
I look forward each spring to visiting the Mississippi levee in hopes of a glimpse of this small bird. As you drive along, you can hear the calls of Dickcissels concealed in the dense, tall grass along the road. Occasionally, one will fly up and perch on a swaying stalk — guarding their territory, plucking seeds from the plant heads, and belting out a loud song.
Below is a short video of a Dickcissel’s song.
“Sing, then. Sing, indeed, with shoulders back, and head up so that song might go to the roof and beyond to the sky.” ~Richard Llewellyn
This young grackle chick was causing quite a commotion in one of the bushes in our yard. Not wanting to be forgotten, you could almost see the desperation on its face as it expectantly awaited its next morsel of food.
No need to worry. It was being tenderly watched over and cared for. Mom kept slipping into the back side of the bush to give it suet from a nearby bird feeder.
Both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs forage in the shallow water of flooded fields near the Mississippi River at this time of year. These shorebirds spend a few weeks in the area before moving on to their breeding grounds in the north.
“No matter how deeply you come to know a place, you can keep coming back to know it more.” ~Rebecca Solnit
It’s always fun to watch a great blue heron when its mind is singularly set on catching its lunch.
“… of all the liars among mankind, the fisherman is the most trustworthy. ~William Sherwood Fox
While hiking a wooded trail that runs beside the lake, we found a view through the tree tops of a group of White Pelicans flying high overhead.
Continuing on, we suddenly heard a loud noise, and were surprised to see a flock of White Pelicans mixed with Double-crested Cormorants plummeting onto the lake near where we were hiking. Two birds that you wouldn’t expect to see together, but united in a common purpose.
After the commotion of the landing, the fishing party proceeded quietly along the shore for a short distance and then headed out across the lake toward the opposite shore.
“Teamwork is a powerful advantage when you share a common goal.” ~Phil Geldart
Other than a gentle whir of wings, there is nothing to indicate that a flock of Double-crested Cormorants are quietly flying overhead. Shortly before sundown, they can be seen moving swiftly through the sky, perhaps heading for a nearby roosting sight.
While Double-crested Cormorants are interesting birds to watch,
their growing presence at Reelfoot Lake is having damaging and irreversible effects on the local habitat, including the Cypress trees, many of which have been around for hundreds of years.
These birds strip the bark off of the trees and, over time, their acidic droppings kill the trees and surrounding vegetation.
“A nuisance may be merely a right thing in the wrong place — like a pig in the parlor instead of the barnyard.” ~George Sutherland
It’s that time of the year when the eagles are taking turns sitting on the newly-laid eggs in their nest. This lucky pair has a perfect view overlooking life along the Mississippi River.
On flooded land near the levee we also spotted a Pied-billed Grebe, some American Coots, and a Great Blue Heron.
“I sat there and forgot and forgot, until what remained was the river that went by and I who watched …” ~Norman Mcclean
“Sameness” is a good word to describe these cold winter days of COVID-19. Yet within the sameness of each day come small blessings which make it more tolerable. The beauty of the sun glistening on the snow and icicles hanging from holly branches. A variety of birds which appear at the feeder with their many colors and personalities and songs. Robins gathering to drink water from melted snow puddles and huddling in sheltered spots with their big fluffy feathers. A flock of cardinals descending in unison on a nearby bush at feeding time. Daffodils and magic lily leaves peeping out of the ground bringing the promise of spring. A phone call from a loved one. Sometimes, small things are precious things — gifts given by our Creator to add variety to our day and uplift the heart. It’s important to remember to be thankful and not let the “sameness” put a damper on our souls.
“A good memory is one that can remember the day’s blessings and forget the day’s troubles.” ~Irish Blessings
At this time of the year, we have learned to keep an eye out for the Snow Geese in open fields near the Mississippi River. On this day, we found a large group of Snow Geese, mixed with other species of geese and some ducks, out grazing for food. The sound that they make as they move about the field reminds me of a room full of ladies all talking and laughing at the same time. But even more memorable is the sound that a startled flock makes when it shoots off the ground simultaneously. The wave of flapping wings and loud, high pitched squawks echo as the frenzied birds soar skyward.
“If you want to live a memorable life, you have to be the kind of person who remembers to remember.” ~Joshua Foer
walking on a country road 