They are Back, yesterday I talked about the migration beginning for some of the birds in my area. Well, not for these two birds. They were gone during the month of July, nesting and raising their young. But they are back, amazing how it all changes, one group leaves and the next one comes back.
The Chickadee and the Blue Jay’s are back in my yard. One of the things I love about the Chickadees, they are not to afraid of people. If the feeder is empty and I go outside, heading towards the garden shed where I keep the bird seed. They actually follow me and go back and forth in the trees every where I walk, waiting for me to get some food for them.
Oh, and I found another orange leaf laying on a green leaf. Summer and Fall together as one.
Change of Season with Birds, most of the time people notice the change of seasons to Autumn by the colors of the leaves and temperature. But this year is the first time I have noticed exactly when certain birds have left my area. Migration is a big thing in the spring and fall, especially for birders like my self.
These Red Winged black birds made their presence known all summer. They are very territorial and nested all around the pond here and two days ago they were all gone, just like that. Not one is here. The days are getting shorter by 1 minute a day. Birds sense this along with, weather, geography, food sources, day length, and other factors.
I had a pair of Robins that built a nest right by the cabin. They really enjoyed the bird bath I set out this year. Every day they were using the bath, especially on hot days. But, they are all gone now as well. Robins don’t mind the cold weather as much, they can handle that. They leave for warmer areas because of lack of food here in the colder months. Flocks of them arrive in Florida to spend the winters.
Yes, all the moths and butterfly’s are gone, along with my summer flowers not producing anymore. But the fall flowers are just starting up. A welcome sight, all the rich warm colors.
But, despite the birds telling us winter is coming soon. There are some exciting things that have returned since the summer birds have left. Take for example the Ravens, this one in particular I have named Edgar. Now he never left all summer, but he could not come visit as often as he would like because the Red Winged black birds would always chase him away. Now, he is back on his perch, high above the forest and comes and goes as he pleases.
Migrating birds can cover thousands of miles in their annual travels, often traveling the same course year after year with little deviation. First-year birds often make their very first migration on their own. Somehow they can find their winter home despite never having seen it before, and return the following spring to where they were born.
Taking a journey that can stretch to a round-trip distance of several thousand miles is a dangerous and arduous undertaking. It is an effort that tests both the birds’ physical and mental capabilities. The physical stress of the trip, lack of adequate food supplies along the way, bad weather, and increased exposure to predators all add to the hazards of the journey.
To me, seeing what nature has to endure to get to the end results, speaks to me from that silent voice within us. We are on a similar path. The ups and downs, the long journey finding our way in this world. There will always be some hard times and ruff roads to travel and a lot of good things as well. But in the end we will find our way home, to where we were born. None of us die, we just go home.
The Smallest of Those, creation. The smallest birds in my back yard, yet they survived the winter and the cold temps. Amazing how they are able to do this without a winters coat or boots on their little feet. Survival instinct, migration, what can we see and learn from the smallest around us?
There are a few theories about how birds find their way between their seasonal homes, and there are still some mysteries surrounding how exactly their honing systems work.
For many birds, however, migration is an instinct, a journey their bodies are prepared to take when the time comes. No fear, it is written. They always find their way back home. Amazing indeed.
The least of you will become a thousand, and the smallest a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen.”
The Trumpeter Swans are Back – They are loud and somewhat musical creatures, with their cry sounding similar to a trumpet, which gave the bird its name. There is still a little snow on the banks of the river, but it sure is nice to see them again.
The Best Show in Nature, a few weeks ago I was spending quite a few days down by the river, the water is really low, but that makes for great fishing for the Egrets. This has been such a thrill for me, I have never seen this many Egrets on the Mississippi River during all the years that I have lived here.
You really do have to be at the right place at the right time. They are passing through as they migrate south for the winter.
The water is low and the reflections are grand. As they catch fish to gain energy for their long trek south.
The birds may all look similar dressed in their finest white feathers, but everyday there is a new show from watching them stand as still as a statue.
To the elegance of landing with their long legs outstretched and every feather working as designed to guide the bird to its perch.
To the acrobatic flying in unison across the face of the water. I can’t even count how many hours I have been down at the river watching these birds dance and soar on mighty wings. They even have their toes pointed and wing tips up like professional dancers of the sky’s.
