Today was the first time I was able to photograph a Pied-billed Grebe in the wild. I loved it. I could have spent my entire day watching this unique water bird. He (or she) kept diving under the water to catch fish or bugs.
I am sure this bird has been in my area before today. But I was so happy to capture the moment on camera.
Until next time…peace
“I believe in the process.
I believe in four seasons.
I believe that winter’s tough, but spring’s coming.
I believe that there’s a growing season.
And I think that you realize that in life, you grow.
You get better.”
Steve Southerland
The calendar may have officially ushered in the spring season. But, winter is still having the last word.
Social media is full of complaints of the day snowfall. Even though, I would love to see warm sunny days. I realize this is Michigan. This is normal. We always seem to have a “spring snow” around this time of year. I know everyone is impatient. Mother Nature seems to have her own time table.
Forgetting Mother Nature is in charge is always a mistake.
Until next time….peace
Living in Michigan, I use to the weather changing. After a couple of days of extremely cold weather, we are now in the midst of a winter snow advisory. I guess Mother Nature is not quite ready to let spring take over completely.
Needless to say, I still find the falling snow beautiful.
Until next time….peace
As a child, my grandfather always told me, “It takes all kinds to make the world go ’round.” I never fully understood the significance of the statement until later in life. I love meeting the good-natured oddballs. Offering a unique perspective, I find their stories and journey through life extremely interesting.
This particular series of vintage photos is the perfect example. Over the years, I have come across numerous individuals who care for injured animals. Or have befriended wild animals. For example, my uncle would sit on the bank of the old muddy, Maple River for hours. After a while, the raccoons would come right up to him to receive “treats”. He actually would allow the wild racoons eat right out of his hands. (Note: I do not advocate this…animals bite).
Woodchucks are not my idea of friendly creatures. They are destructive, burrowing mammals. And, they bite. Living in a wooded area, I see woodchucks often in rock piles, under my shed and in my barn. Witnessing them fight with each other over territory, I know they can be a bit nasty. If I could talk to this gentleman, I would ask, “How did you get pet woodchucks?”
I am assuming he found the woodchucks as babies. From my understanding from old farmer’s tales, a wild animal that does not open his/her eyes will be easy to handle. (Once again: I do not advocate this…I am a strong believer that all wild animals belong in their natural surroundings).
In my opinion, the old farmer appears proud of his little friends. I would love to sit next to him for an hour and just listen to his story.
Until next time…..peace
Today, January 5, 2017, is known as National Bird Day. How can you not love an entire day dedicated to our fine feathered friends? As a nature lover, I find birds fascinating. Every species seems to have a unique personalities and behavior patterns. During the colder winter months, I sit and watch the birds from the warmth of my home.
When the feeder is low or empty, the little Chickadees are very vocal.
Whereas the little Sparrows line up and stare at me from the edge of the roof or the nearby shrubbery bush, both methods get my attention. I am usually adding seeds to the feeder immediately.
After the feeders are full, the Mourning Doves cautiously gather seeds on the ground.
When the Blue Jay comes to the feeder, all the other birds fly away.The Blue Jay’s presence always seems larger in life. The site of the deep red Cardinals against the snow covered ground is always breathtaking.
The older I get, the more I love to watch the birds. Yes, I photograph them too. But there are days where I just like to observe. Of course, my observations usually end up in one of my stories. I mean, how can you not imagine little fairies or other small woodland spirits riding on the back of the birds to defend Mother Nature and the rest of the natural realm.
Until next time….peace
Over the holiday season, I was able to photograph a beautiful Barred Owl. The sighting in the natural habitat was absolutely remarkable. I was on my way to pick up some stuff at my nephew’s school. The roads were snowy from the recent accumulation. Of course, I was in rush. As I drove by the wooded area, I spotted the Barred Owl just sitting there on a lower branch. Obviously, the beautiful creature was searching for his next meal.
When I first drove by, I did not have a camera with me. Not even my pocket camera which I had just taken out of my purse. Since I was close to home, I immediately turned around to go get a camera. The whole time, I was thinking, “there was no way the owl would still be there”. As I was rushing out of my drive, I proceeded to get my car stuck. After some time, I managed to get my car back on the road. By this time, I was absolutely convinced the Barred Owl would be gone.
But, sitting on the lower branch right off the side of the road by the Maple River was the beautiful creature. If I would not have been in such a hurry, I could have watched the Barred Owl all day long. The owl was not skittish of me. I managed to snap a lot of pictures. We just seemed to stare at each other. His black eyes were mesmerizing.
After all the years of living in the countryside, I had only witnessed an owl once before in the wild. The last time, I was a child. And, no, I will not tell you how many years ago that occurred. At that time, the owl was flying down to retrieve a dead carcass out of the road. I cannot tell you the type of owl we saw the night. But I can tell you, the initial sighting all those years ago was one of the reasons why I enjoy nature and wildlife.
I find owls completely fascinating. Well, of course, the Harry Potter series confirmed my love for the stunning creatures.
Until next time….peace
“One of the best ways to make yourself happy in the present is to recall happy times from the past.
Photos are a great memory-prompt, and because we tend to take photos of happy occasions, they weight our memories to the good.”
~Gretchen Rubin~
Watching the sunset allows me to focus on the events of the day. I love to photograph the setting sun to capture the beauty. Changing clouds and colors speak to my soul. Some of the days the sunset makes me smile due to the joyous moments. Other days, the setting sun reminds me of how fleeting each moment can be. The joys turn to sorrows as new challenges arise.
The best part of the sun setting is the next day the sun will rise. Giving each of us a new day. I hope your days are more joyous are less sorrowful.
Until next time….peace
“Moonlight drowns out all but the brightest stars.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Just thought I would share my Supermoon photo. The gorgeous night allowed me to spend a lot of time photographing the moon. The only thing that worried me was the rustling in the woods behind me. Logically, I know the creature was a squirrel, raccoon, deer or an opossum. But my mind always seems to wander to Bigfoot, werewolf, or even a Dementor.
Needless to say, I kept turning around to see if anything was heading my way. Of course, nothing ventured out of the darkened woods. The moment provided me with inspiration to write the rest of the evening.
Until next time…peace
Spending my birthday working on my writing. Glancing out the window, I no longer see rain. Snow is falling. I cannot believe it! I am just thankful for my cup of hot tea and the warm fire.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!
Until next time…peace
“Fall has always been my favorite season.
The time when everything bursts with its las beauty,
as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.”
~Laura DeStefano~
Today, Thursday, September 22, 2016, is the first official day of autumn. While ushering in the fall season, the day marks the end of summer. I personally love this time of year. Even as a child, I just found the fall season fascinating.
The crisp fall air suddenly ushers in cooler nights. The sunsets occur earlier, bringing perfect weather for stargazing and bonfires.
The local football season is in full swing. Pumpkin spice is a major ingredient in various products. As the season slowly marches on, changing leaves bursts into vivid color across the Michigan landscape. Bringing one last moment of natural beauty before the blanket of winter engulfs the area.
Walking through nature, I can honestly view the signs of the wildlife preparing for the upcoming cold winter months. I love watching the squirrels and chipmunks gather acorns. The little critters scamper across the dirt paths in front of me. Of course, the chipmunks chatter loudly in my direction as if to tell me I am intruding on their personal space.
I try to enjoy these last moments of fall before winter brings nature to a quiet standstill.
Until next time….peace
Rebecca's Vintage and Wildlife Photography 