A few shots of the White Pelicans that have migrated to Reelfoot Lake.
“A lot of guys like to go to the beach and bring a crowd, but not me. I like to be alone and out there with a couple of pelicans.” ~Robert Englund
White Pelicans
Reelfoot Lake State Park
The Writing Spider
There seem to be a number of Black and Yellow Garden Spiders making their home among the vegetation around the boardwalk at the lake. These large-orb spiders are also known as the “Writing Spider”, “Zig-Zag Spider” or “Zipper Spider” because of the heavy white silk decorations which are spun into the center of their elaborate webs. The decorations resemble writing, and differ from web to web.
One of the webs caught my attention because of the way the spider was vibrating it back and forth. This is called “web flexing” and is thought to be a defense from predators or a way to entangle prey. Whatever the reason, the action is enough to make one dizzy if watched for very long.
“Your life is your story. Write well. Edit often.” ~Susan Statham
Flitting In the Treetops
Walking along the boardwalk, you could hear the lively chirping of birds as they fluttered among the branches high up in the tops of the bald cypress trees.
One of the most visible was the Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler which weaved in and out of the branches, flashing its bright yellow rump and sides as it searched for insects.
An energetic female Red-winged Blackbird clung to branches and did acrobatics as she used her beak to pick treats from among the greenery.
The most flashy of the birds was the Prothonotary Warbler with its bright yellow feathers. Migrating here in early spring, it spends the breeding season nesting and hunting for its favorite diet of insects and snails.
What a delight to be able to hear and observe these busy little birds.
“Spring would not be spring without bird songs.” ~Francis M. Chapman
Recent Sightings
Reelfoot Lake and the land along the Mississippi levee are favorite places to go for bird-watching. While some birds live there year-round, others migrate in and out at various times of the year, so you never know what you’re going to see. Here are some which were spotted between January and April.
“Expect nothing. Live frugally on surprise.” ~Alice Walker
Frosty Knees & Decorated Trees
Last time we were at Reelfoot Lake, ice formations made by windblown spray decorated the cypress knees and bases of the trees. For the most part, our winter has been mild, with temperatures going from freezing at night to above freezing in the daytime, so though the ice wasn’t as thick as it has been in the past, it was still an impressive and beautiful sight.
“The winter tree is a snowflake dressed in grace and bones, a simple miracle to behold on winter’s lonely road.” ~Angie Weiland-Crosby
White Pelicans
A flock of white pelicans has arrived at Reelfoot Lake on their annual fall migration. We try not to miss a chance to see these beautiful, impressive birds.
“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” ~Helen Keller
Contented
There almost looks like a smile on this turtle’s face as he sits contently, basking in the sunshine at the base of a large cypress tree out in the lake.
“A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you’re at home.” ~Unknown
Swimming With the Mallards
This goose looked very comfortable joining a bunch of Mallards for a leisurely afternoon swim around the lake.
“The best part of life’s journey … is who you get to share it with.” ~Unknown
Turtles
Turtles seem to be plentiful this year. Here are a few seen in May and June.
“Wisely, and slow. They stumble that run fast.” ~William Shakespeare
Frosty Feet
During the recent arctic blast, Reelfoot Lake froze over and ice formed around the base or foot of the Cypress trees which stand out in the water. This usually happens once or twice each winter, and is a beautiful gift of nature that shouldn’t be missed.
“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” ~Aristotle
“[W]hat a severe yet master artist old Winter is … No longer the canvas and the pigments, but the marble and the chisel.” ~John Burroughs
… Winter is the king of showmen
Turning tree stumps into snowmen …
… And spreading sugar over lakes.
Smooth and clean and frosty white,
The world looks good enough to bite …
~Ogden Nash
“Winter giveth the fields, and the trees so old, their beards of icicles and snow.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“If you listen carefully, the silence is beautiful.” ~Unknown
walking on a country road 