Canadian Geese A week ago the temperature dove into the teens and remained below freezing for two successive nights. As if Mother Nature's alarm clock went off, the skies are filled with migrating birds heading south. Thought for the Day: The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything … Continue reading Flying South
Category: Nature
Painted Turtles Painted turtles have bright colors (green, orange, red, & yellow) on their neck and belly. But, with all the moss on them they look like a just another bump on a log. Thought for the Day: Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction. Anne Frank
Monarch, Sept, 2022 The Monarch Butterflies are plentiful this year, more than I can ever remember. They seem to love the stand of Mexican Sunflowers in my wild flower garden, although the Monarchs aren't bashful about raiding the zinnias either. This was such a welcome sight after many years of just onesy-twosies. I hope this … Continue reading Monarch
This delicate wild flower was found along the Old Smiley Road in Fort Robinson State Park, in northwest Nebraska. The green spikes were about 18" long. If you can identify this plant or have any idea, please let me know. Tnx. Thought for the Day: In all things of nature there is something of the … Continue reading Prairie Flower
Sandhills Crane, 2022 The light was pretty good for this mid-morning shot. Not too hot yet, and the birds were active. This photo was taken at the Wildlife Safari Park near Ashland, Nebraska. The drive-thru park has a wide variety of animals, all native to Nebraska except for the lonely Black Bear. Animals have plenty … Continue reading Sandhills Crane
Eggs laid July 3, 2022 A Painted Turtle chose our beach to lay her eggs. My neighbor witnessed the laying and built a box with a screen top to protect the eggs from raccoons. Incubation is 80-90 days, A long wait. Thought for the Day: Nature is slow, but sure; she works no faster than … Continue reading Turtle Eggs
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
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
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