Bye Bye Blackbirds

On February 13th, I posted a single photo of the Red-Winged Blackbird along with some tidbits of information on the bird species.  At that time, I didn't have but that one good photo of a male Red-Winged Blackbird.  However, since then I have acquired several images of a couple of males that frequented our bird feeders for a couple of months. They are gone now...probably migrated north for breeding season.  They will return in a few months.  

Either I didn't see any females or I didn't recognize them.  The female of this bird species has dark brown plumage with heavy pale streaks.  These photos are all of males. 

During the approaching summer breeding season, the male's plumage will begin to molt off, revealing bright red feathers, along with the yellow feathers, on his upper flight wings.  This show of bright feathers is spectacular in flight. Unfortunately, I have yet to capture a good photo of him in flight.

The only thing I found annoying about these male blackbirds is their hours on end screeching from nearby trees. They mean to be heard and they are.

Some populations of the Red-Winged Blackbird breed in the northern U.S. and lower half of Canada. They will travel up to 800 miles to breeding grounds during summer and return south to winter.  Since I haven't seen the two males since April, I'm certain they flew north into their breeding range. 

Azaleas, Bees & Butterflies

There are beautiful living things that are here for us to enjoy only a little while.  They grow into beauty and perfection, summon our attention and heighten our love for spring. then...they gently fade away.  Why is that? What lesson have we to gain from such temporary joy? It seems some of the most beautiful of His creations are destined to oblivion all too soon.

On the other hand, would we appreciate such beauty if it lived forever?

There are many wonderful memories that surround early spring with its Azaleas in full bloom.  Old photos remind me of long ago Easter Sundays, when our daughters were dressed in pinks, purples and whites with their lacy socks and hats.  They posed for photos, standing near or in front of the colorful Azaleas, usually with their Easter baskets near.  Photos of our daughters standing close to each other, or all three of our children together, or the three of them with their PawPaw before going to church, or with Me in my Sunday dress.  Sweet memories....

Not only are Azaleas beautiful while they last, but they serve an important purpose- their pollen provides nourishment to bees, butterflies and other insects.  Although Azaleas bloom only for a short while, the adult trees usually bloom profusely, depending on weather conditions.  They produce a significant amount of pollen, therefore, they provide a huge boost to growing insects.  

Butterflies are destined to short lives too.  Most butterflies live from about 2 weeks to one month.  However, there are a few species of butterflies that live from 6 months to a year, max.  It's sad, but a part of the scheme of life and nature.  We must enjoy beauty while we can...here today, gone tomorrow. 

Love the beautiful things that are free.  Appreciate the harmony of nature.  

Look. Listen. Feel.  

Mockingbird Fledglings in Our Back Yard

When I arrived home from work this morning, I heard the baby Mockingbirds chirping in the back yard.  I made a pot of coffee, prepared a cup and made my way to the wicker rocker on our back porch.  It was a nice surprise to see the cute babies out and about.  One of them had perched upon a heavy wire hanging across the back yard and the other took cover in a sweet olive tree behind the fence. 

 

I watched them as they preened (cleaned and straightened their feathers).  They preened a few minutes then chirped the next few minutes.  When a parent approached, their chirps became much louder and more frequent.  Their parents continue to watch over them and feed them.  When their flight wings are longer and stronger, they'll begin to seek out their own food as their parents "wean" them and spend less time with them. They will gradually venture further away until they're completely on their own.  

It's been a pleasure to watch these babies grow from wee little naked nestlings to fledglings.  I am amazed at how quickly they grow!  Just 2 days can make a big difference in their growth.  

Nestlings face a lot of danger as they are subject to predators, particularly cats, snakes and larger birds.  The third baby apparently didn't make it...I don't know what happened to it.  I saw no trace of it on the ground below the nest.  Poor baby :(  Sadly, death is a part of life and nature, just as in our human race.  

I hope these two continue to grow and eventually establish their own territory and family.  Mockingbirds fill our ears and outdoor environments with pleasurable, enduring songs...an earthly treasure :)))

An Early Spring Walk

An early spring walk...

no rush or delays or any particular destination, 

just a casual stroll along a dusty gravel road 

the sun peeking through the clouds, illuminating new leaves,

tiny seeds scattered on ancient branches, eager to begin the seasons journey

colorful blooms winking at the sky- pink, blue, yellow and white

soliciting a warm embrace from the bashful sun

so much life discerned along the short path

between here and the end of the road...

the journey ends all too soon.

Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?

~ Neltje Blanchan