It’s always interesting to see what birds we can spot as we drive around the lake and the Mississippi levee. Here are some of our most recent finds.
You’ll get mixed up,
of course, as you already know.
You’ll get mixed up with
many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great
tact and remember that
Life’s A Great Balancing Act.
~Dr. Seuss
Several photos that were taken around the lake during December. I was surprised to see two turtles sunning on a log so late in the year. I’m sure they will find a warmer place underwater as the big cold front creeps in this weekend.
Below is a peaceful scene of cormorants and gulls gathered at a distance from the boardwalk.
“I like to think that to one in sympathy with nature, each season, in turn, seems the loveliest.” ~Mark Twain
Note: Credit goes to my husband for the colorful slug photo.
Anyone who has ever taken a walk with me knows that I am not a fast walker. I prefer to move at a leisurely pace, allowing myself time to pause, absorb, and appreciate my surroundings. How much we miss in life by rushing past all of its little treasures.
It wasn’t until I slowed the car and rolled down the windows that I realized I spend most of my days driving ‘through’ life without driving ‘in’ life. So, I’ve decided to walk because the pace is slower and the windows are always down. ~Craig D. Lounsbrough
A spider lives inside my head
Who weaves a strange and wondrous web
Of silken threads and silver strings
To catch all sorts of flying things,
Like crumbs of thoughts and bits of smiles
And specks of dried-up tears,
And dust of dreams that catch and cling
For years and years and years …
~Shel Silverstein
The barred owl, with intent focus, glided over the flooded forest floor, stretching out its talons to swiftly snatch up its prey. Then it landed on a nearby tree branch to examine its prize. Carefully, it extricated its catch from collected debris. Aware of my presence, the owl took flight deeper into the woods to savor its snack in solitude.
“One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.”
– Luciano Pavarotti
Spatterdock can be found growing around parts of the lake, providing a habitat for a variety of creatures and serving as nourishment for others.
Below is a dragonfly laying eggs on one of the leaves.
“The most beautiful gift of nature is that it gives one pleasure to look around and try to comprehend what we see.” ~Albert Einstein
During these hot and humid days of summer, while other critters are hidden away in shady, cooler places, dragonflies seem to be out in good number, enjoying the sun.
“When the heat of the summer
Made drowsy the land,
A dragon-fly came
And sat on my hand.”
~Eleanor Farjeon
It was a chilly, windy day out on the lake. This young Prothonotary Warbler found shelter among the water lilies, flittering from leaf to leaf and occasionally sitting peacefully and soaking up the warmth of the sun.
“We should all find a quiet place, a peaceful space, to bury the chaos and rest for a while.” ~Christy Ann Martine
While driving down the road at the refuge, we spotted this frog resting on a branch and soaking up the late afternoon sun.
“Get off the track of doubt and gloom, get on the sunshine track, there’s room.” ~ Unknown
Birds seen recently around the levee and lake.
“If you’re not a bird watcher you won’t be very excited, though gulls are graceful in flight and striking in appearance. If you’re a bird watcher this makes you weak in the knees.” ~Bryan Pfeiffer
walking on a country road 