Scattered throughout the forest of the refuge, a number of beautiful and graceful Great Egrets stealthily meander about the swampy waters in search of their next unsuspecting meal.
“The trick to not being discovered until it is too late is to become part of the expected surroundings. Stealth is more the art of blending in with the background than sneaking through dark shadows.” ~Raymond E. Feist
In search of crawfish, insects and a variety of aquatic invertebrates, this heron quietly hunted in a swampy, forested area of the refuge.
“I have always found thick woods a little intimidating, for they are so secret and enclosed. You may seem alone but you are not, for there are always eyes watching you. All the wildlife of the woods … are well aware of your presence no matter how softly you may tread, and they follow your every move although you cannot see them.” ~Thalassa Cruso
We chose a chilly, windy day for a hike at Fort Donaldson. The wildflowers are slowly beginning to make an appearance, and the redbud trees are in full bloom.
“Spring is sooner recognized by plants than by men.” ~Chinese Proverb
I almost missed it. This nonvenomous water snake was well-hidden, wrapped around the top of a broken tree trunk which was standing out in swampy water. It was lounging in the afternoon sun, but was undoubtedly well-positioned and patiently waiting for prey.
“Position yourself well enough, and circumstances will do the rest.” ~Mason Cooley
“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
Each day, I see more and more signs that Spring is just around the corner.
“While it is February, one can taste the full joys of anticipation. Spring stands at the gate with her finger on the latch.” ~Patience Strong
After looking out the door at the same maple tree for many years, I have come to appreciate the various seasonal changes, lighting, and moods associated with the scene.
I enjoy watching the squirrels as they chase each other among the branches and the birds as they flit about. I’ve grown to appreciate the way, especially in autumn, that the afternoon sun lights up the leaves from different angles as it slowly sinks in the western sky.
What a joy to watch a swarm of midges gather in a sunny spot under the branches. Looking like little fairies, with their dainty wings and little legs, they seem to dance magically in the afternoon sunlight.
We can receive joy from taking note of and appreciating simple, familiar things that are a part of our daily lives.
“Joy comes to us in ordinary moments. We risk missing out when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary.” ~Brene Brown
What is a turtle who has taken up photography called? Snapping turtle. 🙂
This past summer, on two different occasions, we came upon snapping turtles as they cautiously emerged from the cover of green grass and made the trek from one side of the country road to the other.
The first turtle stopped to bask in the sun for a while before continuing its journey across. Then it strolled through the grass, took a dive into a water-filled ditch, and disappeared.
The second turtle strolled down the road for a short time and then headed for a ditch and into a wooded area.
Later in the summer, while out walking, we found a baby snapping turtle that was sitting in the middle of the road. Afraid that it might not make it to its destination safely, we carefully helped it across the road in the direction that it was headed.
Snapping turtles are fascinating and always fun to watch from a distance.
Once you’ve committed yourself to something, pace yourself to the finish line. ~Meb Keflezighi
The final moments of golden light before the shore faded into the shadows of night.
“You know that great pause that comes upon things before the dusk, even the breeze stops in the trees. To me there is always an air of expectation about that evening stillness.” ― H. G. Wells
What a joy to watch the eagles as they busily go about life along the Mississippi River.
“I have not yet lost a feeling of wonder, and of delight, that the delicate motion should reside in all the things around us, revealing itself only to him who looks for it.” ~Edmund Burke
walking on a country road 