nature

Sandpipers

/ Rebecca / 3 Comments

While driving along the Mississippi levee, in the distance I spotted a small flock of birds that were flying in a formation that looked like a light brown cloud.  They were not ones that I normally see in the area, so I wondered what they were.  Later, as we were driving along a road next to a flooded farm field, we spotted this little flock of birds, which explained what I had seen earlier.  I believe these are Pectoral Sandpipers.  They are common spring migrants in Tennessee from early March to mid-May.

“Live your life as an exclamation rather than an explanation.”  ~Isaac Newton

Along the walking trail

/ Rebecca / 4 Comments

One afternoon this week we enjoyed a pleasant stroll along a greenway near our home.  Part of this trail goes through land upon which a railroad right-of-way once ran, including an old railroad bridge.  Here are a few shots of the rural scenery that were taken along the way.

“Somewhere between the start of the trail and the end is the mystery why we choose to walk.”  ~Unknown

The Great Egret and the frog

/ Rebecca / 8 Comments

 

This Great Egret, wading around in the shallow water, had just caught a frog as I happened upon the scene. Not bothered by my presence, he continued to enjoy his tasty treat.

“If you have to swallow a frog, don’t stare at it too long.”  ~Mark Twain

The armadillo

/ Rebecca / 11 Comments

Probably due to poor eyesight, this armadillo seemed oblivious to our presence as we sat and watched him forage along the ground for food.  He used his sharp sense of smell to sniff out prey and his strong claws, pointy snout and long tongue to dig and pull them up.  On this particular day, juicy worms seemed to be the preferred choice of grub.

“Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” ~Napoleon Hill

Going fishin’

/ Rebecca / 14 Comments

We spotted this Great Blue Heron along the Reelfoot Lake spillway.  Its mind was singly focused on one thing — catching lunch — which it promptly did, and swallowed whole.

“Stay focused, go after your dreams and keep moving toward your goals.”  ~LL Cool J