Cafeteria Lines (Weekly Photo Challenge)
This gray squirrel navigated the lunch lines with acrobatic grace. Tree buds are a preferred meal in the Spring.
Red Fox Kit
I was startled and delighted to spot this red fox kit in my backyard. It didn’t run away until called sharply by its mother, so I had ample time to enjoy its large black twitching ears and black legs, as well as its white-tipped tail, which is a key differentiation between a gray and a red fox.
In mythology, foxes are often described as sly and cunning. This kit, like most young animals, didn’t bring those characterizations to mind. It was completely charming in all its innocence, curiosity and playfulness.
Share this:
The Blues
Bluebirds and tree swallows tour the many “houses for rent” at the Wachusett Audubon in search of perfect accommodations. What a melodious and cheerful sight! I wish everyone could experience “the blues” this way!
Share this:
Nike Up Close
A few days ago, I highlighted a beautiful Canada goose I named Nike in honor of its incredible wings. Yesterday, I was able to consider in more depth features of this prevalent New England bird.
Canada geese arrive at this pond at the Wachusett Meadow Audubon Sanctuary in early Spring and raise families before leaving in the Fall. Likeable and easy-going, they are comfortable co-existing with human visitors. I was able to easily photograph their famed “goose necks”, intricate layers of feathers, startling dark eyes, and bills that are perfectly attuned to their habitat. Because of my intimate visits with them, I no longer consider these engaging and attractive birds “just ordinary geese”!
Share this:
Make Way For Mallards
Robert McCloskey’s “Make Way For Ducklings” (1941) is a classic children’s story of a mallard couple who raise a family in a park in Boston, Massachusetts. When I was a primary school teacher, I read this imaginative book dozens of times to my students.
It was wonderful to pass a peaceful hour observing a real mallard couple at the Audubon. Their vibrant colors, patterns and serene presence were delightful. It was easy to understand why McCloskey chose to feature these creatures in his story.
Share this:
Nike: Winged Victory
Recently I was thrilled to witness a Canada Goose displaying its wings in a gorgeous and dramatic fashion. It reminded me of Nike, the goddess of Victory, the sister of Kratos (Strength), Bia (Force), and Zelus (Zeal). She was most often portrayed with wings and was known as a divine charioteer who flew over the battlefield bestowing laurels upon the victors. She was one of the most frequently portrayed symbols on Greek coins.
Share this:
Ground Level
During a brief hiatus between snow squalls, there was time for food and companionship.
Share this:
Split Vision
What is real?
Share this:
Beware of Ticks!
Yesterday I overheard some hikers bemoaning the presence of deer ticks. I think this red squirrel concurs with them. After checking itself, it was ready to move on.
Share this:
Perfectly Wonderful Pussy Willows
I came upon my first pussy willows of the season yesterday while walking at the edge of a marsh. As a child I picked them in the early Spring and shared them with my classmates.
Pussy willow catkins are an early Spring nectar source for pollinators. The insects then provide food for songbirds.
Most charmingly, hummingbirds like to use the soft catkins to line their nests.
Share this:
You Otter Know…
…Spring has finally arrived in Massachusetts! At the Wachusett Meadow Audubon the river otter is sunbathing, the sheep are exploring the melting farmyard and the cardinal is chirruping his heart out high up in the budding trees.
Share this:
Red-Winged Flash Mob
Bold red-winged blackbirds let you know when they are near! They most often travel in groups, chattering noisily to each other from tree-tops before abruptly swooping out to a new destination.
They startled me recently when I witnessed them suddenly plunge from the pines to join a few grackles in a flash mob at the bird feeder.
