Enjoying Small Things

This is one of the places I sit along the river to watch the Bald Eagle nest. Yesterday I waited for most of the morning through a couple of rain showers and then in humid sunshine.

There are many birds along this bend in the river including nesting Bank Swallows, Belted Kingfishers, Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Northern Flickers, Common Yellowthroats to name a few. Sitting still is never boring.

I saw only one Yellow Swallowtail butterfly but there were many Skippers and Cabbage Whites on the wildflowers. A small worm photo bombed the picture of a Skipper on a wild daisy.

The decline in native butterflies is significant. I haven't seen a single Monarch Butterfly this year.

These small creatures often give a picture of the health and balance of the ecosystem.

A pair of Belted Kingfishers entertained me with their warrior rattles and enthusiastic fishing techniques.

I have watched these young Mallard Ducks since they were small and sheltered by their mother. Today they swam boldly upstream with no adults in sight.

This river is ideal for canoeing and kayaking as it loops lazily around the countryside. These ladies were headed for a community about 15 minutes away by car, but the water route will take a couple of hours. We chatted as they passed downstream at a slow speed.

I was pleased to see a shy female Rose-breasted Grosbeak on a willow branch near my sitting spot. Her mate sang a loud, bubbly song from a leaf-shrouded tree top as she quietly looked for food.

I am never disappointed with the beauty and diversity of life around me.