On June 1, 2021 I began my roadtrip from Lincoln, Nebraska to my hometown of Laurinburg, N.C to spend the summer with my parents and do some research at the N.C. Archives.
I stayed over in Paducah, KY and then over in Knoxville, TN. It rained the WHOLE WAY, (hence the quote).
But it was a good ride. As with all things I reflected on my son’s spirit, which I know is always near. I cried, I laughed, I spoke to loved ones over the phone as I drove and noticed all the winged messengers in the sky.
Following is a photo-essay of some of my bird friends along the ride…
Great Egrets at Loess Bluffs NWR, Holt County, Missouri
Loess Bluffs scenesGreat Blue Heron at Loess Bluffs
Seven Islands Birding Park, Knoxville,TNFrom the land of the Great Plains to…To the mountains of Appalachiato the mossy, pine needle strewn forestsForests of N.C.Mason Farm Biological PreserveWhat wonders will I see here??
“Why do birds sing in the morning? It’s the triumphant shout: ‘We got through another night!”
“The Hawk is a bird of the heavens, arranging the changes necessary to prompt our spiritual growth and our awareness.” Lynn Ragan
“The Hawk gives us the ability to see meaning in ordinary experiences… When a loved one delivers this remarkable bird upon our path, they say, “I’m here. I love you. Please know that your enlightenment is imminent. Take me with you.”- Lyn Ragan
“Grief winds us through unknown territory where we navigate our way through an emotional depth that we might not be familiar with. Grief changes us, and despite its difficulties and challenges it can also herald a tide of increased awareness, spiritual renewal, and the opportunity to open ourselves to the vastness of love BEYOND form.”- Sherrie Dillard
I saw this Red Tailed Hawk two days in a row. How blessed.
Hello everyone! Last time I posted it was on World Migratory Bird Day which turned out to be VERY, VERY windy. But I made it out to Marsh Wren Community Wetlands and Wagon Train State Recreation area.
Franklin’s Gull at Marsh Wren May 8, 2021Canada Geese with young at Wagon Train
But this week turned out to be somewhat momentous, I saw the #GreatEgret several times at Holmes Lake this past week:
I also drove up to Omaha to test drive a new birdmobile. The 2015 Volkswagen Golf! Of course when I took a test drive I drove over to Ziwursky Park. Saw a Great Blue Heron there!
The Great Blue Heron arrived shortly after I got there.
Oh I before I forget, I saw a fox at Lincoln Saline Wetlands!
I think I interrupted his hunt!
But yesterday well I had a false positive in regard to the Whippoorwill. It was overcast and rainy all day and I did not have on my glasses and I saw perched behind an American Robin, a spotted reserved looking bird with an upturned beak. Was it a Whippoorwill? It blended in so well with the trees!
“Who are you?,” I wondered.
Uhhh not a Whippoorwill
Turns out when I ran it through Merlin app it was a JUVENILE ROBIN, I laughed and laughed because before I got home and was still out at Holmes Lake I posted this tweet:
The adult American Robin was on the branch in front of the Juvenile and it was because I was looking at the Adult that I noticed the interesting looking Juvenile.
Oh well, it was a fun day nonetheless.
I am eternally grateful for God’s Divine Creation and the moments it provide in warmth, serenity, and connecting with my Angel Son’s spirit.
Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area (Army Corp of Engineers Entrance)
The Woods.
Warbling Vireo
I arrived at around 11:00am. There were a few anglers out fishing on the lake. I tend to avoid people for pandemic reasons, but also for personal reasons. I am kind and say hello but I generally keep it moving.
Birding for me is an escape, a time to admire Divine Creation, a time to be with God and push my Angel son’s Spirit forward.
me
So I entered the area where a brush pile is surrounded by forest. It is here that I often see many #AmericanRobins #RedWingedBlackbirds #CommonGrackles out in about. They are the more conspicuous.
But on this day I saw what appeared to be #BrownThrashers being very skulky. That chestnut brown color is unmistakable. The last time I saw #BrownThrashers were in North Carolina at my parent’s house in March. They weren’t so skulky there.
Brown Thrasher at my parent’s house in Laurinburg, N.C. (March 12, 2021)
So I was delighted that the Brown Thrasher had returned to the Midwest. I dropped some birdseed down to encourage curiosity and walked another mile through the area along the lake.
When I returned I saw the Brown Thrashers again but they quickly flew back into the forest. Hmmm. This would take some coaxing. So I remained very still and sat down on the ground and began observing all the sounds of birdsong.
I said a prayer. I said “God, where did the Brown Thrashers go?” Then I whispered to my son’s spirit, “Ricky, where is the Brown Thrasher?” I paused.
I got up and walked closer to the forest edge. I began whistling like a chickadee. I then heard more birdsong.
Were they coming? Were the Brown Thrashers coming?”
And then at that moment I saw the #WarblingVireo. It remained long enough for me to catch several pictures. Then out came the #YellowWarbler who also allowed me to photograph. And then a group of Lady Red Winged Blackbirds came.
Wow I thought to myself.
I would find out from a senior ebirder that the Yellow Warbler sighting was the first for Lancaster County, Nebraska. I felt very grateful!
“Adopt the pace of Nature. Her secret is patience.”
Bird Lady of Turtle Island 