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 on the Long Island Sound in Connecticut this morning.

A Red-winged Blackbird chased a Great Egret away when the larger bird waded in too close to the blackbird’s nest at Connecticut’s Silver Sands State Park.

A Piping Plover chick, new to this world, isn’t quite as alone as she may look. Her mother stayed close by and provided reassuring “peeps” as the youngster wandered about on the sand at Milford Point.

“The highest form of love is to be the protector of another person’s solitude.” – Rainer Maria Rilke

Northbound Birds

Three of the beautiful warblers seen heading north this spring included the Canada, Common Yellowthroat and Bay-breasted warblers. I wonder who else will be lucky enough to witness these amazing birds as they make their way to their breeding grounds.

“Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be. ” – Sonia Ricotti

Let’s Party!

A Baltimore Oriole shared an Eastern redbud tree with a bumble bee at Croton Point State Park in New York.

A male Eastern Bluebird at Rockefeller State Park in Pocantico, New York.

This vivid Indigo Bunting was photographed at Harriman State Park.

“Spring is nature’s way of saying ‘Let’s Party!'” – Robin Williams

Hiding in Plain Sight

After I learned that there was a Great Egret seen not far from our home, I stopped by the small pond that was mentioned and there it was – a beautiful and unusual bird for our area.

After photographing a cooperative chipmunk, I saw an eastern gray squirrel, in hiding and making noises that made me aware that there might be a raptor close by.

I then turned around to see this Barred Owl. Two special birds in one day!

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one sees rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” – Antoine De Saint

Brand New Day

As the morning fog lifted, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet appeared on a Japanese Maple at Halsey Pond.

The morning sunshine was most welcome.

A Hooded Warbler sits in the early morning light at Sterling Forest State Park in New York.

Earth Day

A Common Grackle, a Green Heron and a Killdeer were photographed near our home in Dobbs Ferry, New York.

“May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.” – Apache blessing

Hooded Mergansers

“An attitude of wonder requires that we look anew at the familiar, that we stop taking the world around us for granted. An attitude of wonder acknowledges how little we really know. An attitude of wonder is essential if we are truly to experience the creation and the creator.” – Howard Zehr, The Little Book of Contemplative Photography

Snowy Owl

A Snowy Owl is spending time at Nickerson Beach on Long Island this Leap Day. Although they breed way up in the Arctic Tundra, these owls, on occasion, show up in unlikely places – like New York. We were sure to stay at least one hundred feet from the well-hidden bird, to be sure not to disturb it.

“Be still, and the earth will speak to you.” – Navajo Proverb