It was a Blue Jay in the grass that got me out back with my camera on Saturday afternoon. I’ve seen Blue Jays all along since I’ve lived here, but not often. And they usually fly through my field of vision, but never stop for a photo op. So why they were out there was a mystery, but they stuck around while I got my camera and tripod and got myself (sans dogs) outside.
While concentrating on the Blue Jays I couldn’t help but notice the cute little Palm Warblers, there were many, and they flitted merrily all over the yard.
If that wasn’t enough a Red-bellied Woodpecker decided to join the fun.
Overseeing all were the ever present Little Blue Herons. Two live on the lake, they are here all day every day, in the grasses at the edge of the lake, and commonly on the post that measures the water levels. Without the Sandhill Cranes to compete with they are the noisiest birds out there. One calling to the other across the lake, like a loud conversation. Today the Little Blue Heron and the Great Egret took turns on the post, but one of them was on it at all times.
And, of course, the ducks. Merlin, the app that has helped me identify all these birds, says they are Mottled Ducks. I love that app. Without it I’d have to ask for the ID of most of the birds out there no matter how common they may be. I read that you should learn to ID the birds on your own and not rely on Merlin. I should do a lot of things…
I loved this old golden girl. I tried to catch her walking but I wasn’t quick enough and she didn’t get up. She was very overweight, and with her white muzzle and her very bow-legged front legs I have to assume she is old. Like me. I was inert for the last couple of years, but this old girl has learned some new tricks. Well, not really, just getting more exercise, not drinking my calories, and lots of salad. That was advice from someone I spoke with recently. Seems to be working. Maybe our golden girl here ought to try it…
We are having some blissfully cool weather here on the Nature Coast the last couple of days. Enough so that I decided to walk the dogs yesterday after work, which made them happy, but I was glad I did also. Glad because I had totally forgotten about the huge fallen leaves I always see this time of year when we pass this corner. And even though I didn’t anticipate it there it was, just waiting for me. The most perfect leaf on the ground, pretty color, just enough curl to it to crunch it underfoot in one stomp. And I did. Stomp it I mean. And as soon as I did it I realized that I should have taken a picture, because I knew I couldn’t resist talking about it. There is something soul satisfying to hear that crunch as you step on a leaf. It’s not something I’ve had much opportunity to do in my adult years, but when I do I turn back into a 7 year old walking up South Street in Brockton, MA, heading to Huntington Elementary. I used to take great pleasure in crunching every leaf in my path, and there was no shortage of them on South St. I’ve actually condensed the memory into thinking that I was crunching through the leaves on the first day of school, but that doesn’t seem likely as I think about it. Doesn’t matter. That sound does my heart good. I’m off today so the dogs will get another walk, or two, and I can’t wait to crunch a few more leaves.
A Snowbird's Life Through the Lens 