On the Move

August 8, 2026 / Rebecca / 2 Comments

While reviewing my photography from a recent trip to the lake, I noticed a consistent theme that captured my interest. It was the various movements of animals portrayed in the images. I decided to share my observations and then provide my own personal takeaway regarding their behaviors.

When threatened, the Black and Yellow Garden Spider has an interesting way of protecting itself through intentional and vigorous bouncing of its web. This rapid motion makes it appear larger and startles and confuses its predators, including curious humans. The shaking also serves to entangle any prey caught in the web.

My take-away: “Yes, there really is a special kind of crazy in this world.”

From a distance, when I first saw this delicate web suspended on a swaying reed, my initial impression was that numerous gnats had become trapped in the silk. However, I soon realized that they were freely moving about, prompting me to take a closer look. Instead of gnats, I discovered a group of spiderlings navigating their mother’s web. Being too immature to hunt for their own food, spiderlings sustain themselves by feeding on pollen that sticks to the threads of the web. The web serves as both a nursery and a source of nourishment for the young.

My take-away: “Provide for them while they are young, and then gently nudge them out into the great big world.”

It was delightful to see these Southern Painted Turtles basking on a log with their back legs extended behind them and wiggling back and forth. This stretched position, referred to as “splooting”, allows them to flatten their bodies and enhance sun exposure while they enjoy the warmth. The rhythmic movement of their legs promotes blood circulation and is believed to help remove parasites and bits of aquatic plants that cling to their skin and shell.

My take-away: “The back legs, apparently, can also be used to nudge others out of their personal space.”

As I scanned the lovely landscape, a wren unexpectedly came darting in and perched on a nearby branch. It belted out a loud, raspy tune. Then, just as quickly as it had arrived, it was off to explore new places.

My take-away is summarized by the following quote: “Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.” ~J. K. Rowlings

Finally, the Osprey pair, mentioned in a previous post, also appear to be on the move. They have selected a new tree located a short distance from their former nest, which recently collapsed, and are presently engaged in the gradual construction of a new home. The old nest can be seen on the right side in the first photo below. The new nest is on the far left.

My take-away: “And so, begins a new chapter in this book of life.”

It was interesting to witness the lively activity of these creatures as they went about their busy lives. It was a reminder that nature is always in motion. It is a continuously evolving tapestry in which work, vitality and change are integral parts.

“It’s only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage that we move on to better things.” ~Theodore Roosevelt

“Doing nothing accomplishes nothing, gains nothing, changes nothing, and wins nothing. You have to make a move.” ~Richelle E. Goodrich

“God is constantly on the move. I cannot stay where I am and follow God at the same time; responding requires movement.” ~Margaret Feinberg

Resilience

July 22, 2026 / Rebecca / 23 Comments

Back in March, I shared that the Ospreys’ nest had temporarily become the domain of a pair of eagles, taking advantage of the Ospreys’ migration absence.

The Eagles Have Landed in the Osprey’s Nest

But no worries. By April, the Ospreys had returned, and were once again sitting on their royal throne high above the lake. They immediately began making repairs and adding insulating materials, working to get the nest comfortably in order.

Throughout May and June, the Osprey pair devoted themselves faithfully to their nesting duties. The female tended the nest, while the male took on the vital roles of hunting and keeping watch from nearby branches, ever vigilant against threats.

Regrettably, nature’s unpredictability demonstrated its strength this month, as a thunderstorm accompanied by strong winds and heavy rainfall inflicted considerable damage to the nest. As a result, the nest partially collapsed, forcing the Ospreys to abandon it.

Despite this setback, the sight of Ospreys flying in the vicinity signals hope. Only time will reveal if these resilient birds will reconstruct their prized nest at the same location or opt for a different nearby place for their next chapter.

“It is strange how new and unexpected conditions bring out unguessed ability to meet them.” ~Edgar Rice Burroughs

A World of Small Things

July 16, 2026 / Rebecca / 18 Comments

During nature walks, I naturally focus on spotting larger, more conspicuous animals such as deer, raccoons, otters, or herons. Yet, nature rarely conforms to our expectations and often surprises us by offering wonders that would otherwise go unnoticed at first glance. If we learn to observe carefully and patiently, we can discover small, unexpected treasures that lie beyond the obvious. Slowing down our pace is key to experiencing nature more fully.

Rainbows and butterflies …
are … representative of
all the small miracles of our life –
the little things that are so easy to overlook,
yet so awe inspiring when we take a moment
to notice and to pay attention.
– Jonathan Lockwood Huie

However, even the most serene stroll can be disrupted by small but persistent annoyances. These minor irritants—mosquitoes, poison ivy, horse flies, and thorns—can quickly turn a peaceful experience into a frustrating one.

(No mosquito photo. I was too busy swatting and dodging them.)

These truths apply to our daily lives also. Little things can add a touch of beauty and make life more enjoyable — a smile, supportive words, a thoughtful gesture, a small gift.

On the other hand, minor irritations can swiftly alter our emotions and lead to feelings of frustration or disappointment — a frown, a hurtful remark, an unexpected interruption, a spilled drink, a misplaced item.

Small things are not small at all. They are the most important things of all. And they add up. ~Mel Robbins

“The calm or disturbance of our mind does not depend so much on what we regard as the more important things of life, as in a judicious or injudicious arrangement of the little things of daily occurrence.” ~Francois de la Rochefoucauld

We can choose to embrace positive moments and to manage minor setbacks with grace. Ultimately, recognizing the power of little things—both uplifting and unsettling—helps us appreciate the delicate balance of daily living and inspires us to cultivate kindness and patience in every interaction.

The grandeur of God reveals itself through simple things. ~Paulo Coelho

*Credit to my oldest daughter for the snail photo.

A Splash of Color

March 24, 2026 / Rebecca / 17 Comments

A group of Sandhill Cranes spent the winter at a nearby refuge, giving us the chance to see them during their stay.

Notice the rusty tint on some of these cranes’ feathers. Sometimes they stain their gray feathers with iron-rich mud during preening, resulting in this rusty coloration. Though it is not known exactly why this is done, various theories suggest that it may help with camouflage, enhance their appearance during mating season, serve as an alternative to dust bathing, or assist in controlling feather parasites. Regardless of the reason, this splash of color adds an interesting touch to their ash-gray feathers.

Below are a couple of photos of Sandhill Cranes we spotted flying over the fields near our house.