Early Morning Visitor

Posted on by Rebecca C.

My morning routine is simple; I sit at my dining room table which is in front of my large sliding glass doors and sip my large cup of tea. As I watched out the window, I noticed a lump in the yard. Of course, I didn’t have my glasses on but my binoculars are always close by. The lump turned out to be a very large Common Snapping Turtle. She had come up from the Maple River to lay eggs.

I didn’t get a chance to photograph her laying the eggs. She must have been out there awhile before I even noticed her. By the time I was able to get out to her, she was already on a trek back down to the river beds. The site of seeing this creature wander across my yard toward the back where the river branches off into the creek line is amazing.

She is headed across my yard back down to the water. What a beautiful creature!
She is headed across my yard back down to the water. What a beautiful creature!

I wish I had enough knowledge to tell how old she was. She was covered in moss and algae. I found her to be absolutely beautiful. Of course, I did not get to close to her. Snapping Turtles are known for their rather fierce disposition other wards they bite. And, I am rather fond of all my fingers.

Until next time…peace

The Babies Are Getting Bigger

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I love seeing the little babies all snuggled down by their parents. I cannot believe how big some of the little Canadian Geese are getting since the last time I spent photographing them.

Of course, the parents are still very protective of them. I always use my longer lens. I do not want to disturb them too much.

The little ones are getting bigger. I love watching them follow their parents around. It's so cute.
The little ones are getting bigger. I love watching them follow their parents around. It’s so cute.

Nature Brings Me Peace

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” -
John Burroughs

Last week was stressful. I allowed outside forces get the best of me. To get back my sense of being, I “unplugged” for the weekend. I mean don’t get me wrong, I still checked my email and social sites. But I just spent as much time as possible outdoors. The weather was perfect. Even though, there were some spots of rain on Sunday. I just needed a distraction from my thoughts which can be hard to do for a writer. I will admit my thoughts can lead to the most disastrous case scenarios imaginable. The thought process is great for creating new story lines but not for the reality of everyday life.

One of the greatest finds this weekend were these little baby bunnies. The bunnies were out in the field behind my house. At first, I thought there were only three in the hole which was covered with rabbit’s fur. But upon further inspection, I realized there were actually four. I did not want to disturb them, so I had to wait for them to shift around before I could get an accurate count. I have not come across little baby bunnies in the wild in forever. So, I found the sight to be a treat. Often the smallest beings can bring the most peace.

The Maple River seemed to blow gently in the wind all weekend. I can honestly say, spending time by the river gives me a sense of peace and relaxation. I think, I have to spend time outside to recharge myself. Taking photos and notes on the my surroundings tunes me into the natural world while given me a sense of internal peace.

I love all the variations of green that highlight the breezy wind.
I love all the variations of green that highlight the breezy wind.

Until next time…peace

 

 

 

World Environment Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, June 5, 2015 is World Environment Day (WED). The theme for this year’s WED is Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care. WED is about bringing a worldwide awareness to the environment.

The smallest actions can have a lasting effect on the environment. I believe in “reduce, reuse and recycle”. Of course, I say this as I stare at a large pile of magazines that need to go to the recyclers. And, I always seem to forget my grocery bags when I go to the store. But I do try. How do you try to help the environment? Any suggestions?

For me, the biggest thing I hate is when I see trash along the side of the road. I was down by the Maple River earlier today to take photographs of the local wildlife. The baby geese have really grown in the past couple of weeks. You can tell that someone threw fast food wrappings out as they drove by. Tell me how much more effort does it actually take to take the empty wrappers to your house or throw them away at the next gas station?  Littering up the road side takes away the natural beauty of the environment.

I think Dr. Jane Goodall says it best: “I dream of a world in which people learn to live in peace & harmony with each other & with the natural world”. I cannot express how much I agree with her.

Until next time…peace.

Nature is my Teacher

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher” William Wordsworth

I cannot think of any words that ring truer for me. I have learned a lot about wildlife and nature through my viewfinder. I am not just talking about the research. I think the research of a subject of my photo is important. I want to get the facts as accurate as possible. I referring to the overall lessons I learn just by trying to get the best photo possible.

I have learned patience in trying to get the best photograph at a moment’s notice. Wildlife does not get the concept of retakes. I either get the photo in the instance or not at all.

I have learned to always be prepared. When walking around outdoors, you must be prepared. I have gotten chances to get one photo before the subject is gone. If you do not have a camera at the ready, you will not get the photo.

I have learned animals are characters. I am convinced that many wild animals deliberately turn their backside at me when I am trying to get the perfect photo. I also think certain birds get annoyed with the clicking of my camera.

I have learned that not all animals are afraid of you. The old saying, they are more afraid of you than you are of them is not true. I find this true with raccoons. I love these pesky little creatures. The other night I walked out on to my front porch; my cat kept looking upwards. I really did not think much of it. The sky was brightly lit with moon light. I just figured she was watching bats flying around or bugs. But that was not the case; she was actually watching the raccoon hang upside down from my porch roof. If I had been a couple more steps in his direction, he could have touched my hair. And trust me, the phrase “screaming like a girl” would have taking on a whole new meaning.

Oh well, I enjoy my country life. Listening to the frogs and crickets at night aid me in falling asleep; I would not have it any other way.

Until next time…peace.

 

 

Happy Memorial Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Happy Memorial Day! I hope your extended weekend was enjoyable. I did what I loved to do this weekend. I took nature photos and spent time with family and friends. I am truly blessed to have such amazing people in my life. Of course, I worked a little too. My mother and I went to the cemetery earlier in the week to put flowers on the grave sites. Remember those who are no longer with us, reminds me how short and precious life can be at times.

I joined a volunteer organization years ago, called Soldiers’ Angels. I have met some amazing people through this group. I took to social media to thank all the men and women who have served over the years. As well as a moment to remember those who are no longer with us. My father served in the Army. I have the utmost respect for all who have served or currently serving.

The weekend has been filled with little moments. I was standing at my kitchen sink when I viewed a Bald Eagle flying low over the field. Of course, he was too quick for me to grab a camera. But the view was spectacular.

I was out photographing a Barn Swallow. The bird sat on my weathervane; he was at the top right in the middle. When I went out to photograph him (or her), I realized the Barn Swallow was coaching the babies to fly out of the nearby bird houses. I know only a true nature nut would like the idea of standing in the yard while little birds fly around her head. I just loved how the adult Barn Swallow was so vocal to the little ones.

c2

Today, I was able to spend time photographing baby geese. There’s just something fun and heartwarming watching the little goslings swim around the river. The mother kept gathering them together. She would nudge them to the safety of the lily pads if she thought they were in danger. There are a lot of vehicles that travel on the road; louder ones would cause her to scurry them to safety.

And of course, I have no words to describe the the sunset this evening.

Memorial Day Sunset
Memorial Day Sunset

Until next time…peace.

 

 

 

Happy World Turtle Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, May 23, 2015 is World Turtle Day. I love the fact that an entire day is dedicated to turtles and tortoises. Turtle Day was established in 2000 in association with American Tortoise Rescue. The purpose of Turtle Day is to bring awareness to turtles and tortoises.

Turtle Facts

I thought I would share some turtle and tortoises facts:

  • Turtles have actually roamed the Earth for the last 200 million years.
  • Believe it or not, some of the first turtles had teeth.
  • Turtles can be found on every continent around the globe except the Antarctica.
  • Turtles can be as small as 4 inches to as large as 1500 pounds.

My Turtle Story

Since today is about celebrating turtles, I thought I would share the story of Herman (well, the little Painted Turtle could be a Jane). I honestly do not know how to tell. Anyways, Herman fell down into a ditch that was being tiled for farm use. I figured Herman was coming out of the field or wooded area to find a water source. Of course, we could not allow the little one to be buried.

I took the little Painted Turtle down to the pond. I could swear when I let little Herman go, he turned around stared at me. I know he was just swimming away. But I still like the idea that I was able to let the little one go.

The little turtle swimming away from me.
The little turtle swimming away from me.

How to Help Turtles

I think one of the most important things to help turtles is to decrease their demand. Turtles belong in the wild. If people continue to buy turtles or tortoises from a pet store, there will always be a demand. Learning to admire turtles in their natural habitat should be a priority.

Learn to advocate for turtles natural habitat. Get involved in environmental issues that may have a negative impact on turtles or tortoises. When habitats are threatened or reduced, a decline in turtle population would occur. I think the loss of turtles and tortoises would be a disgrace.

Until next time…peace

Dryad’s Saddle Part 2

Posted on by Rebecca C.

On May 5th, I wrote a blog about Dryad’s Saddle. The spores had just started to sprout. Well, I went and searched from them today. I was really surprised to see how much they have grown.

I am extremely fascinated with these fungus. I cannot believe how many are currently grown in the woods right now. I also cannot believe how many mosquitoes are out in the woods. I was hoping the frost would slow them down. But trust me, they are alive and well.

Until next time…peace

Flowers…

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Even though today is my mother’s birthday, she brought me flowers. The Irises in her flower bed became too heavy with the last night’s heavy dew and light frost; the flowers were on their sides. So, she picked some for me to photograph.

The timing was perfect. I had just purchased a new lens. The flowers gave me a chance to try it out. I am not sure if I like the lens yet or not. I guess, after some practice I might feel differently.

Oh, don’t worry my mother got her birthday present. I got her the necklace; she has been admiring for the last month. I also baked a small chocolate cake for her. Since she knows how much I dislike baking, she really appreciated the cake.

Until next time…peace.