“Birds Settled… Joy Accompanied”

A leaf fluttered in through the window this morning, as if supported by the rays of the sun, a bird settled on the fire escape, joy in the task of coffee, joy accompanied me as I walked. ~ Anais Nin

@!&#!? Perfection

A beautiful thing is never perfect. ~ proverb

I’ve never posted just one photo. I have too many I want to share and it is so hard for me to settle for just one. But I’m finally going to let myself do it! I’ve been saving this shot for the perfect post, the perfect time. There is none, I know that, but just like I save my best clothes, my best glasses, my best art supplies… I continue to do this @!&#!?

Perhaps this week I will dress a bit fancy, let myself drink a glass of wine in the best glasses and make some art with the stuff I’m saving for someday. And if I don’t… I will not beat myself up for this too.

P.S. I named this shot “Perfect Cardinal”

Linking to Your Sunday Best

Birds Galore (part 3 – Big Birds)

The bigger birds like the bigger feeders…. so do the squirrels! It drives my husband crazy when the squirrels knock all the seed out of a feeder. Sometimes I run outside or send my dog out to scare away the intruder… usually, I just watch how curious and clever they can be.

I love the photo of this cardinal, just like my husband, she seems to be on the lookout for the dreaded squirrel.

Speaking of big birds, have you seen these eagles hatching:

I’ve been in awe of this Decorah Eagle project. The website has lots more to share… “The nest was built in 2007 and is plenty large for the family weighing in at 1.5 tons, and measuring six feet across and six feet deep. The size of the nest exceeds that of a Volkswagen Beetle.” To get some perspective on the size check out this link:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=Affilate_-_CJ_-_4166869_-_10667555

There is one more egg to hatch the live feed is here:

http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

Feel free to click on the buttons below to share this post with your friends

Birds Galore (part 2 – It’s a Feeding Frenzy)

It took me a few weeks to find, sort, and wash all of all my bird feeders. I finally have them all filled to the brim with fresh seed and WOW. I am so amazed at the flurry of activity. I’m still trying to find the names of some newcomers in my bird book?? I’ve never lived next to so many birds and it’s been fascinating to watch their antics…

Tossing out the junk seed and finding the good stuff.

Fighting… then finding harmony.

Cracking a sunflower seed.

Off to other adventures.

What adventures are you off to?

Birds Galore (part 1 Patience)

So far this spring 100′s of birds have migrated into my new neighborhood. I keep finding myself draw outside to see if I can get a good shot. I’ve spent so much time sitting on the ground waiting for a bird to turn its head to just the right angle or catch just the right light… I sometimes need to slowly stand up and perhaps shuffle quietly without spooking my quarry… then I have to breathe deep and slow to make sure I am as still as possible when my lens is fully extended. I’ve even begun to feel my arms getting tired and cramped as I hold my arms up for so long, hoping my prey does not fly away as I compose my shot. Who knew birding would be such a workout!

(Click on any of the above shots to see a larger version)

When I get back inside… I head to the computer anxious to see which of my shots might be worth saving and sharing. It’s like Christmas when I click on the ones that have some kind of mood or magic  happening.

This couple has been courting on my deck for a week, it is so fun to watch the dance the male does. I’ve yet to capture it, but I’ll keep at it.

As I learn to be patient with the birds. I’ve noticed that any bird, no matter how common, can have extraordinary beauty.

What has your patience rewarded you with lately?