National Bird Day 2017

Posted on by Rebecca C.

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.

Chickadee

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.

The little Sparrows watching me.
The little Sparrows watching me.

After the feeders are full, the Mourning Doves cautiously gather seeds on the ground.

Another Dove waiting patiently for the seeds.
Another Dove waiting patiently for the seeds.

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

 

My Barred Owl Story

Posted on by Rebecca C.

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

 

 

Goodbye Summer…..Hello Fall

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“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.

 

Sunset in Michigan
Michigan Sunset

 

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.

Chipmunks love to chatter.
Chipmunks love to chatter.

I try to enjoy these last moments of fall before winter brings nature to a quiet standstill.

Until next time….peace

Black Swimming Swarm

Posted on by Rebecca C.

So what does a person do when a swarming black mass appears in the water? Go investigate. Watching the mass move and divide was fascinating. They would move apart and slowly come back together. The mass would swim in formation for a short time. Then, dividing to start the entire process over again.

Dividing Swarm

 

So of course, I had to get closer to figure out what was forming the swimming, swarming mass.

When viewing wildlife, I tend to move forward without thinking. During this specific time, I learned two valuable lessons.

  1. Never wear shorts and walk through nettles.

After all the years of wandering around in the woods, you would think I would have this engrained in my brain. But…sadly no, the nettles seem extra itchy this time of year. The nettles were waist high. Well, I am short, so maybe they were not as high as I thought.

  1. Remember the creek banks are slippery after rain.

Once again, you would think I would remember this fact too. The grass and mud on the side of the bank were an issue for about a second. I believe I recovered nicely; I did not fall all the way down, get wet or lose the grip on my camera. Wearing hiking boots really should be my priority.

The Black Swimming Swarm

When I finally was close enough, I realized the black swarm swimming in different directions was baby bullheads. I am certain the little black bullheads have a proper name. Sitting on the side of the creek bank, I was mesmerized by the swimming flow of the hundreds of baby bullheads.

Baby Bullheads
They were fascinating to watch. I was glad I was able to get close enough (after a couple mishaps) to identify the black swimming swarm.

 

 

Until next time….peace

 

 

 

Natural Beauty

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“I believe the world is incomprehensibly beautiful-

an endless prospect of magic and wonder”

Ansel Adams

I was out walking around the backfield when I came across this young doe standing in the middle of the Queen’s Anne. The little fawn still has spots. I truly hope she grows more before the Michigan winter sets in.

Until next time…..peace

Blanding’s Turtle

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Wandering around the wooded, marshy area, I came across a unique turtle. From my research, I believe the turtle is a Blanding’s Turtle. I am still researching the endangered turtle. As I find more information, I will share.

Until next time….peace

Unhappy Bird?

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I am use to people not wanting to smile for photos. In fact over the weekend, I photographed a gorgeous outdoor wedding. I think I told people to smile half the day. Well, not the bride and groom, they were grinning from ear to ear as their beautiful day unfolded. Every time, I mentioned the word smile, the person I was photographing instantly grinned which made the day easier for me.

Now, I could be imagining things. But this bird looked like he (or she) did not want me to take a picture. I can’t really tell a bird to smile. Can I?

Until next time….peace

Exploring the Underneath

Posted on by Rebecca C.

When I am out walking, my mind tends to wander. I wonder what lives in the hollow of the trees, under the lily pads, and beneath the natural debris on the woodland floor. I photograph different areas to use as inspiration for my stories.

Earlier I watched lily pads move in the opposite direction of the wind. I, of course, imagined water fairies playing or gnomes skipping along the large leaves. In reality, the lily pads were moving along due to five little baby ducks swimming around underneath.

I assume the little ducks were hiding from predators. Or perhaps, they were just trying to get some shade from the hot afternoon sun. In any case, I really enjoyed spending time watching the little ducks swim between the lily pads.

Anyways, the little ducks provided me with the inspiration I needed to continue working on my book.

Until next time….peace

 

Nature’s Wonder

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I find nature both amazing and intimidating at times. I cannot enter into a wildlife area without seeing something new. During this time of year, I tend to spot first-time blooms. The wild Iris flowers offer a beautiful site among the greenery.

Wild Iris Blooms

The hatching of a new batch of dragonflies. Every time I see dragonflies flying just above the tall weeds in the field, I imagine fairies lurking about watching me photograph the natural scenes.

Dragonflies

Two days ago, I came across a new site in the deeper part of the woods. Usually, the area is still under water this time of year. The Maple River cuts off and runs into the back creek. The warm weather caused the water to dry up faster. Certain areas are still damp and mushy. Yes, mushy is my new word of the day. In any event, the water snails had nowhere to go for water. They attempted to “climb” the trees which were still very moist from being underwater. Unfortunately, without the correct amount of water the snails died. Leaving only their shells behind on the trees. Yes, I know they are not technically called water snails. I am not certain of their correct name. I just found the site of the snails interesting and sad. They were just searching for water.

The snails still attached.
The snails still attached. I am not certain how long they will stay there. I was actually quite surprised that nothing came along and ate them. 
Snails on the trunk of the tress.
Snails on the trunk of the tree. The first time, I had every seen this type of phenomenon. 

 

I hope everyone finds nature as intriguing as I do.

Until next time, peace…..

A Raccoon Story

Posted on by Rebecca C.

With the news of a loved one passing away, family members and friends always share memories. The stories help celebrate the life of the person who has left us. After 47 years of marriage, my aunt laid the love her life, my uncle to rest. The stories of his life came from a variety of sources, family, friends, and co-workers. Laughing at the funny stories, the grief of his passing left for an instant.

My uncle was a U.S. Army veteran who received the Purple Heart. And, yes, the playing of Taps at the funeral left no one with a dry eye. I believed my uncle to be a simple man. He worked all of his life in a small factory to support his family. He enjoyed fishing, collecting golf balls (50,000) and vintage record players.

Now, what does his passing have to do with a raccoon? Well, my uncle would sit down on the river flats. While spending hours fishing, he would feed the raccoons. According to the stories, the little pesky creatures would come right up to him and take the food from his hands.

Now, I know logically the raccoon that visited me has no connection with my uncle’s passing. Where I live raccoons are a common sighting, they have been in my bird feeders and frequently play on my porch. (Generally in the middle of the night when I am trying to sleep, I convinced they are having a gathering right under my bedroom window).

The night before my uncle’s funeral, I went to let one my cats in the front door. I was not paying attention which is often my own undoing. My old Siamese cat moves at a slower pace. I got a glimpse of a second animal trailing behind him. Assuming the animal was another one of my cats I held the door open. At that moment, my little dog let out a growl. Glancing back down, the second animal about to enter my door way was a raccoon. Of course, I quickly shut the door. I can just imagine the chaos the little raccoon would create upon entering my house.

Staring up at me, the little raccoon just sat in front of the closed door. Locating some old bread, I threw out the pieces to him (or her I really don’t have the knowledge to tell). I am not brave enough to get closer to the raccoon. The pesky little raccoon may look cute, however; the animal is still a wild creature. Anyways, the entire incident made me think of my uncle.

Now, I have shared my story.

Until next time….peace….