It is common to see the great egret feeding along the edge of Reelfoot Lake, or in nearby seasonally flooded land, between March and October. Their beauty and stately manner continue to fascinate me. These photos were taken at various times over the past year.
“If you are always racing to the next moment, what happens to the one you’re in? ~Zig Ziglar
Taking advantage of the cooler fall temperatures and the delightful sunshine, we spent a peaceful afternoon on the lake at Reelfoot Wildlife Refuge. It was fun to hear the sounds of the crows and herons arguing, the screech of the eagles soaring overhead and the gentle sound of the wind blowing across the water.
“Be mindful of the peace and quiet. It is only when you keep silent that you allow the sounds of the forest to enter.” ~Unknown
The dragonflies seemed to know that the warm, sunny days are numbered and will soon be coming to an end. They were out enjoying the sunshine, patrolling their territory and, undoubtedly, taking advantage of the abundance of mosquitoes in the area. Occasionally they would rest on floating leaves or vegetation near the lake’s edge.
“Why are our days numbered and not, say, lettered?” ~Woody Allen
As a small child, one of my favorite parts of going to Reelfoot Lake was seeing the turtles lined up on the logs along the roadside and out in the lake. Nothing has changed. This is still one of the highlights of my visits.
“There is absolutely no reason for being rushed along with the rush. Everybody should be free to go slow.” ~Robert Frost
A Green Frog sits on the stem of an aquatic plant, waiting patiently for his next meal to come along.
“Time’s fun when you’re havin’ flies.” ~Kermit the Frog
We spotted these dragonflies on a walking trail at Reelfoot Wildlife Refuge. There were a number of them congregating in the sunny spots along the trail.
“Luck consists largely of hanging on by your fingernails until things start to go your way.” ~Aaron Allston
Shortly before dusk, a muskrat came swimming across the lake toward the boardwalk at the refuge. As it swam about in the shallow water, foraging on aquatic plants, it joined in a chorus of high-pitched squeals with a couple of other muskrats that were swimming nearby.
“Talking to your best friend is sometimes all the therapy that you need.” ~Unknown
This is one of my favorite places to watch the sun set at Reelfoot Lake. On this day, as I watched the lake reflect the golden color of the sky, two eagles which had previously gone undetected suddenly took flight. It was all quite a lovely sight and a free gift for the taking.
One midnight, deep in starlight still,
I dreamed that I received this bill:
… Five thousand breathless dawns all new;
Five thousand flowers fresh in dew;
Five thousand sunsets wrapped in gold;
One-million snow-flakes served ice-cold;
Five quiet friends; one baby’s love;
One white-mad sea with clouds above;
One hundred music-haunted dreams
Of moon-drenched roads and hurrying streams;
Of prophesying winds, and trees;
Of silent stars and browsing bees;
One June night in a fragrant wood;
One heart that loved and understood.
I wondered when I waked at day,
How—how in God’s name—I could pay!”
~
A lake is a landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature. ~Henry David Thoreau
Bur marigold attracts many insects which enjoy the nectar and pollen from their flowers. The beautiful yellow flower heads can be seen in September and October growing in sunny or partially shady wet areas.
“For observing nature, the best pace is a snail’s pace.” ~Edwin Way Teale
