White-throated Sparrow, first winter plumage
The snow has melted again, the ground is not yet green and the brown earth appears barren and bleak in this early spring season. Dead grass, twigs and leaves that have dried out in the spring wind crunch under foot. Where are the bright birds on conspicuous branches and perches?
Pine Siskins on the path
Stop and listen, hear the scritch, scratch of something in the brush. Look and see the little birds foraging for seeds and bugs.
Mourning Cloak butterflyWings flutter upwards from the ground and a "dead leaf" comes to life to escape your next step. These wings have stayed hidden through the long, cold winter and now seek the warmth of the sun.
Nesting Canada Goose
Stand at the water's edge and watch the ducks and geese swimming on the surface. Take time to notice the nest in the old stump where eggs are quietly warmed and guarded.
Look for the bright birds on conspicuous branches and perches and you may miss what is at your feet;- the shy, the hidden, the camouflaged treasures of nature.
White-throated Sparrow, first winter plumage
Pine Siskins on the path
Mourning Cloak butterfly
Nesting Canada Goose
And boy, isn't it good camouflage at times? So much to see on the ground. :c)
ReplyDeleteCamouflage is what makes birding and nature so much fun. It's like going on a scavenger hunt each time. You never know what you will find and where you will find it. I have to admit that I needed to blow up the picture to spot the sparrow.
ReplyDeleteI saw 3 morning cloaks Saturday at the Huron Trail and thought it was a bit odd for them to be out. I'm thinking they need the warmth of the sun and there hasn't been much of that lately.
Awesome photos!
ReplyDeleteAmazing camo in all the pictures.The goose nesting in a tree stump is unique.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,Ruth
A butterfly? Way to go.
ReplyDeleteLoved the post. Sometimes one just has to sit and listen and keep their eyes peeled ... all of a sudden, your surrounds come alive.
ReplyDeleteI'm always amazed at how early the mourning cloaks appear! Wonderful post about the subtle beauty all around us, hiding in plain (almost) sight!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. We all need to be reminded that not everything good is up in the trees and sky.
ReplyDeleteVery well written Ruth. I like the sentiment of the camouflaged. The butterfly does show a touch of color. I like the goose nest best. Glad your snow is gone. I'm looking at white covered ground in Flagstaff.
ReplyDeleteWow - what an eyeopener! I love the way you write; making the ordinary come to life! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder that I should be looking down..it's time..
ReplyDeleteIt takes great patience to see what's going on, doesn't it? I am learning to be more vigilant, especially at this time of year.
ReplyDeleteSo true, that beauty doesn't have to be flashy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of the more camouflaged beauty.
I like the goose's nesting place!
ReplyDelete