We enjoy driving along the Mississippi levee at this time of year to watch these beautiful birds nesting and perching high up in the tree tops or soaring in the sky. From this vantage point, they can keep their eyes on the river in search of fish and other prey.
“If we never had the courage to take a leap of faith, we’d be cheating God out of a chance to mount us up with wings like eagles and watch us soar.” ~Jen Stephens
Occasionally, we like to take part of an afternoon and go sit down by the Mississippi River. We go mainly to watch the towboats pushing the barges …
… and to see the eagles which nest along the river.
It’s also interesting to observe the flora and fauna along the shoreline.
“Sometimes we’d have the whole river to ourselves for the longest time …” ~Mark Twain
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
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
One of the items on my husband’s wish list has been to see the place where a local river, the Obion,
empties out into the Mississippi River. He googled the spot, put a nearby street into the GPS, and with absolutely nothing to do on this particular afternoon, off we went on an adventure.
After a little over an hour’s drive, many fields of soybeans, corn and cotton,
and eliminating several blocked off access roads,
we finally came to the dead-end of a washed-out road which seemed to be the most hopeful place to view the two rivers.
We parked the car under a large shade tree
and off we headed down a secluded dirt path through a canopy of tall trees and undergrowth
to see if it did indeed lead to a place where the two rivers could be viewed.
Mission accomplished! A perfect overlook from which to see the mouth of the Obion and the place where its waters flow into the Mississippi.
Note: The Mississippi lies just beyond the floating dock.
Little drops of water,
Little grains of sand,
Make the mighty ocean
And the pleasant land.
Thus the little minutes,
Humble though they be,
Make the mighty ages
Of eternity.
~Julia Abigail Fletcher Carney
Turtles soaking in the sun along the Mississippi River and Reelfoot Lake.
“Spring has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day.” ~W. Earl Hall
A leisurely drive along the Mississippi levee at this time of the year never disappoints. One of my favorite sightings this month was several Ruby-throated hummingbirds darting in and out among the red clover. We sat and watched their playful activity for some time. No photos, but clear, beautiful images in my mind.
“Memory … is the diary that we all carry around with us.” ~Oscar Wilde
While driving along the Mississippi levee, we spotted these two eagles sitting contently together in the trees.
“Contentment is a state of the heart, unaffected by outward circumstances.” ~Crystal Paine
Due to heavy rains, the Mississippi River recently overflowed its banks and went beyond the tree line. These photos were taken on the levee near Tiptonville, TN.
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Rain water also encroached on the land surrounding Reelfoot Lake. This brought some animals in closer than they might usually come.
“Many waters cannot quench love, Nor will rivers overflow it …” ~Song of Solomon 8:7
On a recent trip, flying in and out of Memphis, our plane briefly took us along the path of the Mississippi River. It was fun seeing an aerial view of the area.
“Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.” ~John Lubbock
walking on a country road 