“Little things do make a difference. Can you imagine a world without butterflies?” ~Katrina Mayer
Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge
Look up!
As I was standing and looking out over the lake, I felt a little disappointed at the apparent lack of wildlife in the immediate area. Then I heard a passing kayaker tell one of his companions to “look up”. As I lifted my eyes, I was amazed to see a large flock of white pelicans quietly soaring right above my head. Such a beautiful and graceful sight that I would have otherwise missed if I hadn’t overheard the suggestion to look up.
“… How often we miss God’s treasures
Just because we don’t raise our eyes.
By keeping our narrow focus
We blunder and miss the prize …”
~Joyce Johnson
Out on a limb
The American Black Vulture is a little more dapper than his fellow scavenger, the Turkey Vulture, sporting glossy black feathers and a gray neck and head. The Black Vulture is also said to be more social and prone to maintaining family ties. We spotted these as they were taking in the view from the top of a tree at the Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge.
“When you are out on a limb, the whole world is at your feet.” ~Unknown
Stirring up the Snow Geese
The Snow Geese are back at Reelfoot Lake, and the Bald eagles are keeping an eye on them in hopes of acquiring an easy meal. Whenever a lookout detects a threat from an eagle, a call goes out to the rest of the flock, and the Snow Geese take flight.
“If you feel the urge, don’t be afraid to go on a wild goose chase. What do you think wild geese are for anyway?” ~Will Rogers
Watching the pelicans
Despite the overcast skies, we recently headed to Reelfoot Lake in hopes of seeing the white pelicans. After looking for them in all the usual places, we finally found them at our last stop of the day. It quickly became obvious that we weren’t the only ones watching them. We spotted five eagles sitting high atop the trees — perhaps hoping to pick off a wounded pelican as easy prey. Unfortunately, the grey day changed to a light drizzle, and then to rain, and our time of watching the pelicans came to an end.
“We could all take a lesson from the weather, it pays no attention to criticism.” ~Unknown
Fishing
“Fishing is not an escape from life, but often a deeper immersion into it.” ~Henry Middleton
Scenes from around the lake
The weather was perfect this past weekend for a drive to Reelfoot Lake. Every time we go, there is always something beautiful to see.
“This is a wonderful day. And I have never seen this one ever before.” ~Maya Angelou
Dragonflies
Blue dasher (male)
Common (Eastern) Pondhawk
Eastern Amberwing
Double-ringed Pennant
Blue dasher (female)
Common Whitetail
Dragonflies spotted around the area of Reelfoot Lake, Lake County, Tennessee.
The dragon-fly is dancing,—
Is on the water glancing,
She flits about with nimble wing,
The flickering, fluttering, restless thing.
Besotted chafers all admire
Her light-blue, gauze-like, neat attire;
They laud her blue complexion,
And think her shape perfection…
~Heinrich Heine, “Die Libelle” (The Dragonfly)
Head up!
“Always hold your head up, but be careful to keep your nose at a friendly level.” ~Max L. Forman
Great Egret
“Calmness is the graceful form of confidence.” ~Marie Von Ebner-Eschenbach
