Downy Woodpeckers There has been an unusual amount of traffic at the suet feeder this spring, both in numbers and variety. This looked like a "date" between these two Downy Woodpeckers (male with red spot). This is a lousy picture (above)-- taken from a trail cam on a windy day. But the video shows a … Continue reading Love Birds
Category: Nature
American Kestral - 2022 One of the more colorful raptors found in the Central Plains states is the American Kestral. The bird stands about 9-12" tall (roughly the size of a Mourning Dove) with a wingspan of 24". Becuase of its relatively small size for a bird-of-prey, it is sometimes called a Sparrow Hawk. Their … Continue reading Kestral
Young Doe, 2017 I came across this scene in mid-May at Yosemite, NP. This young doe was more curious than afraid, and the beautiful array of wild flowers made it a special "catch". Thought for the Day: Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads. Henry David Thoreau
Look hard. Concentrate on the spot 1/3 down from the top and 1/3 to the left of the right border, and you will see the head of a Mallard hen. It's amazing how she blends in with her background. On May 1st Mama & Papa duck were seen cavorting in the front yard of a … Continue reading Duck Cam
Barn Owl This barn owl looks healthy and full of life, but it wouldn't last long in the wild. He was hit by a moving vehicle, taken to the Raptor Woodland Refuge at the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, and saved. He is healthy now, but can't fly well enough to feed himself. This is one … Continue reading Perpetual Care
Cedar Creek - May, 2022 The Canadian Geese finally got their new brood into the water. Spring was three weeks late this year, mid-May, and the proud parents couldn't wait to show off their beautiful offspring. I counted at least nine goslings I never get tired of this sight. Thought for the Day: The snow … Continue reading Morning Swim
A rare oriole showed up at our bird feeder recently. We rarely see orioles in our yard because we only use basket feeders hanging from trees. We got tired of raccoons rooting around our deck, and we're too lazy to put out special feeders for orioles and humming birds. Taken with my cell phone -- … Continue reading Special Guest
Blue Heron - 2018 How do you get to that itch on your back that's just beyond your reach? Back up to a wall's outside corner and do the "Hokey Pokey". But, Mother Nature gave the Blue Heron a long neck so he could avoid the Hokey Pokey. Thought for the Day: I believe in … Continue reading Back Scratcher
Pelican - Long Boat Key Little Known Fact: A pelican's beak can hold up to 3 gallons of water, but its stomach is only half the size of its beak. Thought for the Day: Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.Salvadore Dali
Sanibel Island If you like sea shells, Sanibel Island, Florida is your little piece of heaven. Every high tide deposits another thick layer of sea shells of all colors, shapes and sizes. Another wonder of Mother Nature. Thought for the Day: In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.Aristotle
Kalmia Latifolia A common plant found in the Great Smoky Mountains is the Mountain Laurel. Its bright white flowers contrasting with glossy green leaves create a festive atmosphere in the spring. In ancient Greece; a "laureate" was crowned with a laurel wreath as a sign of victory and status. Today's Nobel Laureates are also honored … Continue reading Resting on Your Laurels
Landing Ibis Sanibel Island, Florida is a great place to see water fowl. I was fortunate to catch this Ibis in my crosshairs before it got lost in the trees. Thought for the Day: I think we consider too much the luck of the early bird and not enough the bad luck of the early … Continue reading Touch Down
Great Blue Heron The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Reserve covers over 5,000 acres of Sanibel Island in southwest Florida. It is a prime spot for bird watching. Thought for the Day: Children are apt to live up to what you believe of them. Lady Bird Johnson
Black Swallowtail butterflies arrive late in the summer. But with cooler weather on the horizon, I think this guy is taking off ... for good. Thought for the Day: Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it … Continue reading Ready for Take-Off
Mystery Flower I found this flower blooming in mid summer in a pasture near Niobrara, NE. It looked at home among the tall prairie grass, rolling hills and cattle. Can you identify it? Please let me know. Thought for the Day: It is the sweet, simple things of life that are the real ones after … Continue reading Prairie Flower
Purple & Orange Mexican Sunflower and Aster can be quite spactacular when they bloom at the same time ... and invade each other's space. These are some of the latest flowers to bloom, giving us one last blast of vivd color before everything starts turning brown. Love it while it lasts! Thought for the Day: … Continue reading Complimentary Colors
Blue Aster The Blue Aster are in full bloom now, which have attracted a gazillion pollinators. The bees are gorging themselves. In flight, they look like they need a designated driver. Thought for the Day: When you shoot an arrow of truth, dip its point in honey.Arab Proverb
pollinator Thought for the Day: Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.Leo Tolstoy
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant This strange plant showed up in my new wildflower garden. I contacted the source where I bought the "Pollinator Mix" to identify it, and was informed it is a Rocky Mountain Bee Plant. Hmmm, I thought the mix was native Nebraskan wildflowers. (Who cares!?) The wildflowers I planted this spring to … Continue reading New Flower
Clematis The clematis bush that provided such vibrant color in late spring (see here) now looks like this. This is the seed pod for future generations of clematis. Even though the plant is well beyond its prime this time of year, I still see unique beauty in it. Thought for the Day: The best and … Continue reading Clematis Left-Overs
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