This Buck is waiting; chewing on one more leaf, as he decides whether to stay or run.
#Animals
Photo Challenge: A Great Friend
#Animals, #Pets
Her name was Calypso, and she was a great friend to both me and my hubby. So many things we remember about her which still brings laughter. While I was the one who wanted her, she came into our home and immediately bonded with my husband…..the one who didn’t want her.
Over time, they became best friends, and I was the one left fighting for her attention. Calypso brought much joy to our home for 18 years, but a few years ago, just shortly after my husband finished his last chemo treatment, she would succumb to a growth that she apparently had.
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The Notorious Squirrel
#Animals, #Birding, #Nature, #PhotographyAt this particular time I abide peacefully with my neighbors, and that is how I would like it to remain. If this disreputable squirrel has its way, our peaceful state of harmony could be broken.
So, this ball of twine originates in my neighbor’s yard, Mr squirrel brought it over the fence, to our yard, anchored it beneath our patio table and then twisted it around one of our lounge chairs.
He then ran back and forth, filling his mouth with the twine, breaking some off and taking it off to his nest.
Hopefully my neighbor has enough sense to know that I would not try to claim his twine by wrapping it around our patio furnisher.
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Not Fowl But Farce: Unusual Behavior
#Animals, #Birding, #Nature, #Photography, #Woods
On this day, I would see a Ruffed Grouse for the first time. I happened to be there with another photographer, and it kept following him everywhere he went. A lady walking her dog along the path, told us it had followed her friend for quite a distance. As if on cue, a man walked by and the Grouse started running after him. I did my best to try to stay out of it’s way. It was on the ground a lot, and at this point, I wondered if it could even fly.
We stayed for a bit, took some photos and headed back down the path, when we heard loud screams coming from behind us. We turned around to see a young man on a bicycle screaming loudly, cursing, and hollering….” LEAVE ME ALONE.” He had just rounded a corner, and I was scared, as I assumed that he was being chased, and was thankful I was not on the trail alone. He rode into a fence, almost falling off his bike. Then he was back on it in a split second and screaming once again, as he rode toward us, but we didn’t see anyone behind him.
So, we were quite puzzled as we stood and watch. Then the other photographer said to me, “O look, look.” as he pointed in the direction of the cyclist. At first, I didn’t see anything, but on looking closer, there was the Ruffed Grouse, his pretty tail feathers all fanned out, flying low and chasing this young lad down the trail and pecking him in the back.
When he finally reached us, he cursed the bird some more. Well we all got a good laugh, and the bike rider went his way, probably never to become a Birder, or Wildlife Photographer.
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Hostile Take Over Of The Flicker Family
#Animals, #Birding, #Nature, #PhotographyIt was just another day as usual, with The Flickers taking turns removing the unwanted trash from their home. You can see the debris around his head, and the brown, just at the bottom right of the picture.
After a while, Mrs Flicker came by to see if her mate was keeping on top things, in the making of their home.
As soon as Mr Flicker saw his mate, he flew the coop, in search of rest and relaxation.
Off he went.
Then the unthinkable happened. It happened so quickly, that I missed the actual take over.
The Starling must have been observing the Flickers upgrade their home, and he waited till one flew away, then he took his chance at the take over. He flew right into the nest, flushing The Flicker out, and he simply took over their home. The poor Flicker is left on the outside, patiently trying to oust the bully.
So this is how I left the Flicker Family….fighting to keep what is rightfully theirs. Perhaps the battle is still ongoing.
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Panicked
#Animals, #Nature, #PhotographyToday they are calling for more rain. After a long winter, I feel the need to spend as much time as possible in nature, so while out in the woods today, looking for Flickers, we saw a Raccoon quietly sitting in a tree.
I remember the first few times we came upon Raccoons, we were quite panicked. The more time we send in nature, the more relaxed we have become around the Raccoons. Of course, we keep a safe distance, but we are no longer fearful of these creatures.
Raccoon
Raccoon
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Outlier In Thoughts
#Christianity, #Disease, #Health, #Medication, #Meditation, #Mental Illness, #Mental Issues
I’ll make this very brief, so that I don’t go into rambling, but after looking up the meaning of the word “Outlier,” I think that I can certainly be considered Outlier in my thinking. At least I’m sure those close to me think so.
If you’ve read any of my earlier blogs I speak on depression and mental Illness. I know that it is a complex issue, one that I may never fully understand, I make sure to tell everyone to seek medical help, take their medications, but in doing all this, do not discount getting under the protection of God. I may be out there in my thinking because as we do everything else to help ourselves, sometimes we exclude the very One that could help us.
I have suffered depression, I have had anxious moments, maybe not as severe as some, but in doing all to help myself, I have also learned to wrestle with God and wait for Him to strengthen me.
Another place where I may be considered “Outlier,” is when I’m out in nature. Not too many of those who know me, like to accompany me on the trails. I must find like-minded people for that.
When we get on the trails, I like to speak in hushed tones, I like to be still, I like to be quiet, this is for the wildlife that may be around, but I find it also does something for my whole well-being. It’s exciting, it’s invigorating, and of course I’m always hoping to get a good shot.
These are the two main things that could make me appear outlier to others.
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Water Returns To The Marsh
#Birding, #Christianity, #Mating, #Nature, #Photography
Daily Prompt: From Marsh to Meadow
New season is emerging
Winter snows melt
Habitat restored
Swans rejoice
A Cardinal lift up his voice.
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Proverbs Speaks Of The Prudent
#Christianity, #Photography, #Wisdom, Encouragement
A prudent and far-sighted person sees the evil [of sin] and hides himself [from it], But the naive continue on and are punished [by suffering the consequences of sin]. Proverbs 22 : 3
The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes, But a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel. Proverbs 12 : 15
The [arrogant] fool’s anger is quickly known [because he lacks self-control and common sense], But a prudent man ignores an insult. Proverbs 12 : 16
Every prudent and self-disciplined man acts with knowledge, But a [closed-minded] fool [who refuses to learn] displays his foolishness [for all to see]. Proverbs 13 : 16
The naive or inexperienced person [is easily misled and] believes every word he hears, But the prudent man [is discreet and astute and] considers well where he is going. Proverbs 14 : 15
The mind of the prudent [always] acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise [always] seeks knowledge. Proverbs 18 : 15
Juvenile Eagle avoids the Crow
A prudent man sees evil and hides himself and avoids it, But the naive [who are easily misled] continue on and are punished [by suffering the consequences of sin]. Proverbs 27 : 12
Crow flying in the face of danger
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Photo Challenge: Dense
#Animals, #Birding, #Nature, #Photography, #Spring, #Woods
Swans feeling secure as they fly low over the marsh. They have the denseness of the marsh shrubs to one side of them, and the compactness from the water lilies below them.
While it’s the end of March, still no signs of spring here. This photo is very heavy on the color brown, not only from the deer, but also from the closeness of the meadow.
This photo is filled with denseness all around from the color of the deer, to the thickness of the meadow, to the heavy piece of tree stump in the bottom right corner.
