A devoted brown thrasher standing guard over a nest of babies which was tucked between the rails and posts of a split-rail fence.
“The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.” ~Patrick Henry
While out hiking, it is fun to find trees and root systems that have twisted and bent in interesting ways or that are oddly shaped, often for the sake of survival. The unusualness tends to add character to the landscape.
“In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful.” ~Alice Walker
Dozing and soaking up the afternoon sun, this little Tufted Titmouse, which is usually a flurry of energy and activity, had found a restful place.
“Give me a blanket, a warm drink, a good book, and a weekend full of nothing-to-do, and you have found my happy place.” ~Unknown
It was a surprise to discover this mostly nocturnal mammal wandering along beside our country road in the late afternoon. It seemed, at first, to be oblivious to our presence as it foraged in the vegetation, using its pointy snout to root around for insects and other small creatures. Eventually, it became curious and wandered out to take a closer look at us before continuing on its way.
“Don’t just exist, wander and explore.” ~Unknown
This Yellow-crowned Night-Heron is usually timid when we see him in the refuge. However, on this day, he had found the perfect fishing hole and wasn’t willing to give up his spot with its abundance of food. Paying no attention to our presence, he stood intently, watching and waiting, before methodically pulling out one crawfish after another.
“If you spot an opportunity and are really excited by it, throw yourself into it with everything you’ve got.” ~Richard Branson
As you drive along the levee in the late spring, you can hear them calling to one another from among the dense, tall vegetation that grows along the embankment. Finally, you spot one perched on top of a plant stalk that’s swaying in the wind. He throws out his chest, tilts his head back and bellows a loud, sharp song. The dickcissels have once again arrived to nest and raise their young.
“In spring birds return from their tropical vacation. Six months later they regret their decision and go back.” ~Unknown
We stopped at the Big Sandy Unit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge to see if we could see any hummingbirds at the feeders. We weren’t disappointed by the hummingbirds …
or by the beautiful butterfly garden and grounds which overlooked the lake.
I couldn’t decide which I enjoyed more, the flowers …
the birds …
or the butterflies and other insects.
“I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden.” ~Ruth Stout
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
I spotted these three juvenile house sparrows sitting on some branches of a bush in my yard. They were sunning and preening and eagerly awaiting their mothers return.
Her arrival caused quite a flurry of activity as each juvenile vied to get the next morsel of food that she brought.
After feeding time, her departure left the juveniles looking a little lost and forlorn.
Here is a short video of the mother sparrow feeding the juveniles.
“(24/7) once you sign on to be a mother, that’s the only shift they offer.” ~Jodi Picoult
It is common for the Rose-breasted Grosbeak to migrate through our area in the spring. I heard reports of them being here in late April, but only spotted them in my yard this past week. The male, with his bright red patch, was the first to make an appearance, followed shortly by the brown and white female. Seeing these birds is one of the highlights of my spring.
“Last week, when I went early into my garden, a rose-breasted grosbeak was sitting on the fence. Oh, he was beautiful as a flower. I hardly dared to breathe, I did not stir, and we gazed at each other fully five minutes before he concluded to move.” ~Celia Thaxter
walking on a country road 