Along the walking trail

One afternoon this week we enjoyed a pleasant stroll along a greenway near our home.  Part of this trail goes through land upon which a railroad right-of-way once ran, including an old railroad bridge.  Here are a few shots of the rural scenery that were taken along the way.

“Somewhere between the start of the trail and the end is the mystery why we choose to walk.”  ~Unknown

The duck family

We saw this duck family in a nearby pond.  Though the drake was present, the mother duck was definitely the one in charge.  It was fun watching her lead and guide the ducklings around, both in the water and out.

“Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mother.”  ~Unknown

Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak

The Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are once again migrating through on their journey to their breeding grounds up north.  Like clockwork, they stop over each spring to rest and dine on seeds from the feeders before continuing on their way.

“There is an appointed time for everything.  And there is a time for every event under heaven.”  ~Ecclesiastes 3:1

A good day for a hike

 

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The sky was a little overcast, but the temperature was perfect for a hike in the Reelfoot Wildlife Refuge.  Along the way, signs of spring were intermingled with the leaves of the past autumn.  The sound of birds chirping and an owl hooting could be heard in the distance.  As we passed a stranger on the path, his greeting summed up my feelings perfectly — “It doesn’t get much better than this!”  No, it certainly doesn’t.  🙂

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.”  ~Unknown

The Promise of Spring

Every day in Northwest Tennessee we are seeing gradual signs that Spring is on its way.

“There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” ~Rachel Carson

Great Crested Flycatcher

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A Great Crested Flycatcher sitting on a branch in the top of a bush.

“A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.”  ~William Arthur Ward

Summer Tanager

I saw this bird sitting in one of our bushes yesterday.  It flew in, took a quick look around and flew away.  It is a new one to me, but I believe it is a female Summer Tanager.
When April steps aside for May,
Like diamonds all the raindrops glisten,
Fresh violets open every day,
To some new bird each hour we listen.
-Lucy Larcom