Walking the trails and road in the wildlife refuge during the summer can be challenging due to heat, high humidity and a large number of mosquitoes which live there. It’s always nice when the weather cools down and the mosquitoes hibernate or die. Then, it is possible to walk at a slower pace and take the time to enjoy the sights.
“So you see, imagination needs moodling – long, inefficient, happy idling, dawdling and puttering.” ~Brenda Ueland
While hiking a trail in the Reelfoot Wildlife Refuge, this Hermit Thrush caught my attention when it landed on the branch of a nearby tree. A winter visitor to our state, it spends a lot of its time foraging for insects under fallen leaves or searching for wild berries among the forest’s undergrowth.
“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” ~Leo Tolstoy
There’s a spot on our country road where we often see bluebirds fluttering about. On this day, they were enticed by the deep red clusters of sumac berries growing wild along the road. These berries are an important source of food for them during the winter months.
“God gives every bird its food, but does not throw it into the nest.” ~Danish Proverb
We first knew that the pelicans had returned to our area in September when we saw a large flock of them flying high over the Mississippi River.
In early November, we were able to see them more closely and enjoy their beauty at Reelfoot Lake.
“Nature’s beauty is a gift that cultivates appreciation and gratitude.” ~Louis Schwartzberg
It is common to see the great egret feeding along the edge of Reelfoot Lake, or in nearby seasonally flooded land, between March and October. Their beauty and stately manner continue to fascinate me. These photos were taken at various times over the past year.
“If you are always racing to the next moment, what happens to the one you’re in? ~Zig Ziglar
These photos of an immature Dickcissel were taken back in May along the Mississippi levee road. Though hard to see, the bird has a small, green insect in its beak.
“Youth ages, immaturity is outgrown, ignorance can be educated … but stupid lasts forever.” ~Aristophanes
A couple of ospreys in a nest built on top of a platform in a national wildlife area close to the Tennessee River
“Great things take time to build. Great accomplishments come over time, through hard work, diligence, and effort. Nothing is instantaneous, at least nothing of value. ” ~Matt Loper
In April, we were delighted to see these delicate-looking shorebirds hunting for food in the shallow waters of flooded farm fields close to the Mississippi levee. They only visit our area for a short time, and then migrate on.
“Happiness is a gift and the trick is not to expect it, but to delight in it when it comes.” ~Charles Dickens
This young bird was sitting in the shade on our driveway one afternoon. Later, when I checked on it, it had moved on to parts unknown.
“The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” ~Thomas Edison
walking on a country road 