Recently, we had the pleasure of watching the stunning beauty and graceful flight of white pelicans during their annual fall migration at Reelfoot Lake.
“To the sane and free it will hardly seem necessary to cross the continent in search of wild beauty, however easy the way, for they find it in abundance wherever they chance to be.” ~John Muir
At this time of year, the flooded fields along the Mississippi Flyway are teeming with a variety of ducks.
Mallards are seen most often,
but other types which winter in the area include Ruddy Ducks,
Northern Shovelers,
Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Gadwall and many others. What a joy to be able to see these ducks during the time that they spend here.
“Wild ducks and tomorrow both come without calling.” ~Russian Proverb
We spotted a Mississippi map turtle basking near the base of a cypress tree in the lake. These turtles inhabit waters along the Mississippi River and are identifiable by their shell patterns, which resemble the contoured lines of a map. They feature vivid yellow markings, yellow eyes, and a serrated ridge down the center of their shells. Their diet consists of aquatic plants, fish, and invertebrates.
“Picture me then idle, basking, plump, and happy, stretched on a cushioned deck, warmed with constant sunshine, rocked by breezes indolently soft.” ~Charlotte Bronte
Some of the flora and fauna that add to the charm and allure of this beautiful lake.
“You can’t really say what is beautiful about a place, but the image of the place will remain vividly with you.” ~Tadao Ando
The area around Reelfoot Lake was once again busy with a variety of birds, some of which were passing through during spring migration.
One of my favorites to look for each year is the Prothonotary Warbler with its bright yellow plumage. I spotted this one in a wooded area, busily preening its feathers.
Flitting about in the top of the Cypress trees were the Yellow-rumped warblers flashing their beautiful yellow patches …
and the larger gray and white Eastern Kingbird on the lookout for flying insects.
Down closer to the water we spotted a shy thrush sitting on a cypress knee …
and a male and female Red-winged blackbird, catching insects and guarding nests among the swampy vegetation.
“In a world where thrushes sing and willow trees are golden in the spring, boredom should have been included among the seven deadly sins.” ~Elizabeth Goudge
“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
A beautiful, cloudless autumn day out on the lake. The needles of the Cypress trees are turning a rich orange-brown color, adding to the beauty of the landscape.
The water level was the lowest that I’ve ever seen it. You can tell by looking at the lines on the base of some of the Cypress trees where the water level normally is.
“Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize.” ~George Eliot
This Green Tree Frog found a cozy leaf on which to snuggle up and blend in among surrounding lake vegetation.
“When I’m home, I like a cozy, comfortable, calming space.” ~Stacy Keibler
A calm and slightly overcast day make for some pretty reflections on the water.
“Only in still waters do things reflect undistorted.” – Anne Brown
“Take a walk with a turtle. And behold the world in pause.” ~Bruce Feiler
walking on a country road 