Window on Nature

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Wildwood Park, Harrisburg PA

As I arrived at Wildwood and started my walk on the
nearest path I was surprised and impressed by the Dogwood
that was already in bloom.

The petals were so beautiful I just had to take a few shots.
I was reminded of the Legend of the Dogwood:

Blossoms like the cross.
As blood stains the petals marked in brown
The blossom's center wears a thorny crown.
All who see it will remember Me (Jesus)

Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.

It was mid afternoon and pretty quiet as I walked along

Looking out over the wet lands I was seeing little wildlife
but the sky held beauty in it's fluffy white clouds and
the earth as it turned green surrounding the water
whispered peaceful serenity to me.

Two ducks were lazily sleeping on a piece of driftwood

A male Mallard fishing for unknown tidbits

Something small out there on that log....

It's a turtle catching a few rays

I came upon a pair of sleeping Wood ducks

Later I caught the awakening..

and each departure into the water.. first the Male

and then the female

I had been seeing swallows flying above the water
hoping to snag an insect for lunch.. too fast and
far away for my camera to capture..but

When one landed nearby on a dead branch I was able to
get it! I believe this is a Rough winged Swallow.

Of course the proverbially Canadian Goose was present

Lily pads were starting to grow and in a month
the yellow flowers will fill the water and be gorgeous

As I was preparing to leave I saw something big and white
come flying in.. Yep! A white Egret

I left it there ....
standing on long skinny black legs grooming it's feathers

and I praised the Lord for some solitude and peaceful
moments in the midst of a day that was laden with stress.

To God be The Glory ~~ Great Things He Hath Done

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Spring Blooms and Bird songs....

The day the Lord created hope was probably the
same day he created Spring.
Bern Williams

From out of nowhere, tiny white blooms appear on green stems

The Birds sit on branches and tweet and twitter

Forsythia opens it's sunny face to the wind

and I must say - toooo early, the fragrant lilac is springing
to life and smelling divine

The Carolina Wren lifts it's voice to the sky to impress
it's mate whose nestled in it's nest listening

Spring is a careful artist who paints each flower

with delicate workmanship.
Roger Wray

The first visitor of Spring, the Robin pauses to listen
for a meal passing by

The Jay watches the yard for predators and screams
when one is found

As I fly down the highway ...
Redbud colors both sides along the way

and.....
I am reminded of God's Goodness by the bright green of the grass
and the colorful flowers and trees.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Spring Projects

Our house is flanked by Walnut trees. As much as I hate
cutting trees, this was way over due. Two trees so far
have ended up falling in wind storms....one causing
damage to my house and porch.

So! I rounded up some guys and some equipment and
and we had a real 'wood cutting' party

The end results looked a little bare....but now I won't have
to rake walnuts until my arms fall off, or clean my sidewalk
that gets stained black from the little buggers.

We left the trees that lined the perimeter of the property

and cut all the ones in between. A
Spring project that was long
overdue....

Another Spring project... 3rd year in a row is
the gas tank occupation.

Pop the top and you will see the nest being build.

I don't know why... but here they are again trying to make a go
of this nest in the tank. Last year the gas man threw it out..
so I called and asked them not to come until June this year.
Year before that the babies were born and all died..
So! Maybe the third time will be the charm.