A lake is a landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature. ~Henry David Thoreau
Tennessee
Golden hour
There’s something magical about the lake as the sun sits low in the sky and the landscape lights up in beautiful golden hues.
“If a year was tucked inside a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour.” ~Victoria Erickson
White pelicans
White pelicans, migrating from their breeding grounds in the north, sometimes take a southern route along the Mississippi River. A number of these birds arrived at Reelfoot Lake in October in search of food and a place to rest.
On our first encounter with them, we spotted a large number flying silently overhead.
Later, we saw several sitting on logs out in the lake, preening their beautiful white feathers.
Below, the second pelican from the right eventually grew tired of sitting and preening, and opted instead to go for a swim.
Whether in the air or on the lake, it is always a welcome surprise to come across these magnificent birds.
“Nature’s prime favourites were the Pelicans; High-fed, long-lived, and sociable and free.” ~James Montgomery
Backyard squirrels
What a quiet place our yard would be without the activity of the squirrels as they scurry among the pine trees. At this time of the year, they are particularly busy collecting or munching on seeds and nuts.
“People look at me like I’m a little strange, when I go around talking to squirrels and rabbits and stuff. That’s ok. That’s just ok.” ~Bob Ross
Monarchs
Monarch butterflies enjoying the flowers on a warm October afternoon.
“Gardening is cheaper than therapy … and you get flowers and butterflies!” ~Unknown
Chicken of the woods
These bright orange mushrooms, which were growing in clusters on a dead tree, immediately caught my attention as we drove down a winding, wooded road. Known as ‘Chicken of the Woods’, these edible, wild mushrooms fit in perfectly with all the other beautiful colors of autumn that we are seeing.
“As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see.” ~Vincent Van Gogh
Bald eagle
Walking along the boardwalk at the Reelfoot Wildlife Refuge, we spotted a Bald eagle sitting near the top of a cypress tree a short distance away. It was keeping a close eye on a number of coots which were swimming among the vegetation out in the lake.
“Food may be essential as fuel for the body, but good food is fuel for the soul.” ~Malcolm Forbes
An unexpected guest
This pine warbler made a quick stop at my feeder one day this week. Though not one that I had seen around before, his bright color and cheery trill were most welcome.
“Always remember to set a place at the table of life for the unexpected guest.” ~Linda Ellerbee
Summer sightings
I’m always on the lookout for a beautiful butterfly! Here are some of my summer sightings.
“Divine creation can be seen painted on the canvas of a butterfly’s wing.’ ~K. D. Angelo
A Serene Scene
A walk along the boardwalk at the Grassy Island portion of the Reelfoot Lake Wildlife Refuge revealed a serene scene as a great blue heron stood statuesque in the shallow water, awaiting his next meal.
“There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.” ~Henry David Thoreau
walking on a country road 