Indian Brook Waterfall, Cold Spring, NY.
White-throated Sparrow, Deer Pond Farm, Sherman, CT.
“There never was a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope” – Bernard Williams
Hopeful Sunrise
Belted Kingfisher
I vividly recall picking up an illustrated book about birds, in third grade, and seeing, for the first time, a picture of a Belted Kingfisher. I remember being awestruck that such a bird actually existed and hoped to see one one day.
Yesterday, I stayed in my drivable bird blind (my car) for longer than I care to admit (three hours) anticipating a return of the kingfisher to a spot where I had previously seen it. The kingfisher finally landed on the perch and my first favorite bird then displayed its majestic, royal blue crown.
“Sitting still is a way of falling in love with the world and everything in it.” – Pico Iyer
Wings of a Prayer
A Red-tailed Hawk glides effortlessly over the Hudson River at Palisades State Park, NJ.
Downy Woodpecker, Dobbs Ferry, NY.
Peregrine Falcon, Stateline Lookout, Palisades, NJ.
“And he hears every prayer and answers each one. When we pray in His name – thy will be done. The burdens that seemed to heavy to bear are lifted away on the wings of a prayer.” – from the poem “On the Wings of a Prayer” by Helen Steiner Rice
Our Fragile World
Bobolinks, like this one photographed this morning in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY are truly amazing birds. They can travel the equivalent of four times around the earth during their lifetimes. But their numbers are declining due to habitat loss.
Birds are so very far above the often-petty world of politics but there is no denying that this current administration shows no interest in protecting birds and wildlife.
“If you care at all about nature, if you thrill to hear the dawn chorus as you open your eyes on a spring morning or if you catch your breath to see a flash of brilliant red as a Scarlet Tanager flits from tree to tree above you, if you’ve ever stood in awe at dusk as a Wood Thrush unfurls his ethereal one-bird symphony, please take the time to consider which candidate is more likely to work for a future that is hospitable for birds. And then vote like their life depends on it, because I assure you, it really does.” – Melissa Groo (National Audubon Society)
Taking a Breather
“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths, or the turning inwards in prayer for five short minutes.” – Etty Hillesum
Just the Right Spot
These two little bandits were seen resting in the crook of a tree near our home yesterday. Their mom made for a soft pillow but it still seemed difficult for them to find just the right spot for sleeping.
“My hope is that when the pandemic releases its grip, when the world speeds up again and we return to work and school, when there’s less time to watch birds… that we remember what Covid-19 has taught us: that our health and our planet’s health have never been more intertwined – and to take care of the planet is to take care of ourselves.” – Daryln Brewer Hoffstot (from the New York Times 6/19/20)
Shorebirds
An American Oystercatcher came in for a landing at Milford Point, Ct. on the Long Island Sound.
A Piping Plover chick, new to this world, wandered about on the sand at Milford Point but not too far from her mother – who kept close watch.
“As many spiritual masters have taught us, heaven, earth, sea and every creature have an iconic or mystical capacity to bring us back to the Creator and to communion with creation.” – Pope Francis
Floating With the Tide
Hudson River, Dobbs Ferry, NY.
“Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy.” – Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
Let’s Party!
A Baltimore Oriole shared an Eastern redbud tree with a bumble bee at Croton Point State Park, NY.
Eastern Bluebird, Rockefeller State Park, Pocantico, New York.
“Spring is nature’s way of saying ‘Let’s Party!'” – Robin Williams
