We saw several Red-tailed Hawks on a drive along the Mississippi levee.
“The skillful hawk hides its talons.” ~Japanese proverb
Red-tailed Hawks
Tennessee
Eagles at the Levee
We enjoy driving along the Mississippi levee at this time of year to watch these beautiful birds nesting and perching high up in the tree tops or soaring in the sky. From this vantage point, they can keep their eyes on the river in search of fish and other prey.
“If we never had the courage to take a leap of faith, we’d be cheating God out of a chance to mount us up with wings like eagles and watch us soar.” ~Jen Stephens
Frosty Knees & Decorated Trees
Last time we were at Reelfoot Lake, ice formations made by windblown spray decorated the cypress knees and bases of the trees. For the most part, our winter has been mild, with temperatures going from freezing at night to above freezing in the daytime, so though the ice wasn’t as thick as it has been in the past, it was still an impressive and beautiful sight.
“The winter tree is a snowflake dressed in grace and bones, a simple miracle to behold on winter’s lonely road.” ~Angie Weiland-Crosby
Standing Still
Driving along a country road near the levee, we encountered these deer standing motionless out in the back of a farm field. Undoubtedly, they were watching closely, ready to retreat back into the woods at the least unexpected noise or movement.
“Nature’s music is never over; her silences are pauses, not conclusions.” ~Mary Webb
Then Came the Sandhill Cranes
Late on a cold, crisp afternoon, I stepped outside to get a breath of fresh air and take in some of nature’s sights and sounds before nighttime fell on our little part of the world.
A small flock of cedar waxwings, with their high-pitched whistles, flitted about in the sky before temporarily settling in the top of one of our maple trees.
A group of grackles shared an adjoining maple tree, the males puffing out their feathers and bellowing out raspy squeaks in an attempt to outdo each other.
A robin peered down at me from its perch in the top of a neighbor’s tree.
Then I heard them — the faint and familiar sound of a bird that I have been looking forward to seeing since they returned to their wintering grounds at a nearby refuge. Flying high above, they slowly came into sight — my first seasonal glimpse of the Sandhill Cranes.
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” ~Maya Angelou
Watching the Birds
One of my favorite “relaxing places” is on a bench in our backyard. From there, I can sit and watch the birds as they busily search for seeds and berries or perch on sunlit branches to soak up the sun. I enjoy hearing the different songs they sing and watching their interactions with each other. It always amazes me how quickly they scatter at the first sound of danger, and then just as quickly, reappear as if nothing happened. I find that these little breaks with nature can be calming and uplifting for the soul.
“I don’t feed the birds because they need me; I feed the birds because I need them.” ~Kathi Hutton
Taking Notice
The squirrels, whether because of curiosity or out of caution, often stop their hustle and bustle to keep an eye on my backyard activity. It’s always fun to catch them sneaking a peek at me.
“Who doesn’t want to know that we notice them and value them? And who might respond to us better when they feel that they matter? It probably cannot be overstated – it matters … that people matter.” ~ Steve Goodier
Changed
It’s hard to think about Reelfoot Lake without thinking about the beautiful Cypress trees which line the banks and stand proudly out in the water.
So, seeing many of the trees torn to shreds by a tornado which passed through the area on December 10 is sobering.
It makes me think even more about the beauty that the trees add to the landscape of the lake, and sad that it has been so badly marred.
Continued prayers for those who lost loved ones and homes in this terrible storm.
“Life changes so quickly that in a second so many things can happen. It is in these flickering moments that we suffer, we endure, we rejoice, and we mourn. It is these moments that will make memories that last a lifetime.” ~Unknown
Autumn Landscape
In autumn, the temperatures gradually begin to cool. Plants dry up and scatter their seeds, berries ripen, and leaves turn into mosaic wonders. Insects soak up the sun’s warm rays. With all the colors and textures of autumn, it continues to be one of the most magical times of the year to me.
“If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then Autumn would be the magic hour.” ~Victoria Erickson
Variety of Insects
I enjoy watching insects. I find them intriguing, both those that I commonly see and new ones that I come upon unexpectedly. Here are some of my summer and autumn finds.
Pandorus Sphinx Moth Caterpillar 
Praying Mantis 
Japanese Beetles 
Carpenter Bee
“Look closely. The beautiful may be small.” ~Immanuel Kant
walking on a country road 