Reelfoot Lake

Birds Around the Lake

/ Rebecca / 10 Comments

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

Autumn Day on the Lake

/ Rebecca / 21 Comments

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

Dragonfly Perches

/ Rebecca / 9 Comments

Dragonflies use a variety of perches on which to land, and then utilize their large eyes to keep a lookout for both prey and predators.  By choosing a good perch, they have the advantage of resting while being on the hunt. They are also able to use several techniques to regulate their body temperature from this resting position.

“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest.  Use both and overlook neither.”  ~Alan Cohen

Changed

/ Rebecca / 23 Comments

It’s hard to think about Reelfoot Lake without thinking about the beautiful Cypress trees which line the banks and stand proudly out in the water. 

So, seeing many of the trees torn to shreds by a tornado which passed through the area on December 10 is sobering.

It makes me think even more about the beauty that the trees add to the landscape of the lake, and sad that it has been so badly marred.

Continued prayers for those who lost loved ones and homes in this terrible storm.

“Life changes so quickly that in a second so many things can happen. It is in these flickering moments that we suffer, we endure, we rejoice, and we mourn. It is these moments that will make memories that last a lifetime.” ~Unknown

Snakes about the Lake

/ Rebecca / 33 Comments

During the summer, it is common to see snakes at various places around the lake. Some are poisonous and some are not. Though these creatures have a certain charm and intrigue about them, my favorite way to observe them is definitely from a distance.

“Distance lends enchantment to the view.” ~Mark Twain

A Common Goal

/ Rebecca / 14 Comments

While hiking a wooded trail that runs beside the lake, we found a view through the tree tops of a group of White Pelicans flying high overhead. 

Continuing on, we suddenly heard a loud noise, and were surprised to see a flock of White Pelicans mixed with Double-crested Cormorants plummeting onto the lake near where we were hiking. Two birds that you wouldn’t expect to see together, but united in a common purpose.

After the commotion of the landing, the fishing party proceeded quietly along the shore for a short distance and then headed out across the lake toward the opposite shore.

“Teamwork is a powerful advantage when you share a common goal.”  ~Phil Geldart