Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The weather is cooler and yet the skies still shine so blue that one would expect warmth to follow. As I parked my car and gathered my camera gear to go for my walk I did notice that despite the date there was certainly a bit of humidity in the air and still the sounds of bugs hummed around me.
I began to walk and quickly noticed the beautiful colors around me. It certainly was not peak foliage but the beauty of the evergreens and green leaves mixed with reds, yellows, and oranges of the changing leaves made for a painting before me.
Mushrooms grew large and seemingly out of control along the start of the trail. Different colors and shapes that offered their own beauty for one to enjoy.
The first opening I came upon a Kingfisher that let me know of its displeasure as it flew off to a new and distant perch. A pair of Goldfinches landed on a dead snag and tweeted their beautiful little song. The water was calm with reflections crystal clear and perfect replicas of their real life counterparts.
As I continued on a dragonfly buzzed around me ,as big as a helicopter and every bit as agile, and certainly got my attention with its large size. It landed on a leaf before me. It was a magical moment of Nature's beauties coming together. The dragonfly with colors of blues and black combined with glistening wings set upon a leaf with red and green bursting colors. I watched in amazement as it clung to the leaf and the arrangement just seemed as if out of a fairy tale or a dream. I was able to watch for as long as I wanted and snap images to my content. I decided to move on and the perfect arrangement stayed together as I moved past.
Puddles with reflections of colorful leaves soon appeared. Frogs that lined the edge of the pools hopped back in to hide in the mud colored water as I moved past.
The further I went the more peaceful I felt and the smell of the forest was becoming stronger. Filling my senses more and more, each step the smell of pine and the freshness after a rain crept further and further into me. Up ahead movement caught my eye and I slowed my pace.
A few Juncos danced among the branches calling to one another. I made my own calls and soon Chickadees appeared too. A Crow joined the fray with its loud CAW CAW CAW and even a little bright yellow Warbler flew in for a view. As I continued to call even a nuthatch or two came forth followed by one Blue Jay too. So many sounds, so much to enjoy!!!
As I stop my calls the birds slowly disappear. Soon the forest is almost quiet. My ears now pick up new sounds with my heightened senses as I can now even hear the leaves landing as they fall from the trees. My senses fully alive and my body bursting with energy.
I surge at a snail's pace down the trail. A creek meanders under a bridge as I pass over it. In no hurry to go anywhere the creek flows gently until it fades into the distance. I continue until suddenly...
NOISE erupts before me. Wing beats.....FLAP FLAP DRUM DRUM FLAP DRUM until a Ruffed Grouse explodes from the bushes in front of me and straight up towards the trees across the trail narrowly missing a large pine before it disappears as if it were a ghost. As my head turns quickly back to the new noise coming through the brush my eyes meet those of a Gray Fox now on the trail before me. A brief pause before it darts back into the thicket and off towards safer grounds. The noise begins to fade but it is not quiet at all.
My outer being was calm and steady but my insides jumped from me like I had SEEN a ghost. Now my heart beating replaced all other sounds and my breath was taken.
I slowly made my way back towards the car. Each step suddenly had to be controlled and slowed to have my body return to normal from the outer body experience it just had! Soon enough nurturing Nature and her sounds returned to me. A leaf caught in a spider web caught my eye. The rest of the walk was magical.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
A Snowy Moment
A Snowy Moment.
It was a cold winters day as my friend Naomi and I headed into Salisbury Beach State Park in Massachusetts. We had set out on a mission or maybe it was more of a hope and a dream to see Snowy Owls and White Winged Crossbills that had been reported at the park.
Neither of had ever traveled here and we did not have a clue as to wear to look for and both birds would certainly be new ones for both of us too. As we entered the park we were greeted with a Mockingbird surprisingly still singing despite the cold weather and frozen white covered ground. We drove further and were greeted with our first crossbills hanging in trees and eating pine cones. Red and Green birds with hooked split bills enjoy the cones. What a fascinating site to see them take a piece of cone and use that special bill to split open the pine and grab its nourishment. It was stunning to see them so soon and so close. A treat for sure.
Back in the warm car we headed deeper into the park and a few little birds scattered off from the side of the road. Snow Buntings!! Another bird I had only seen once. They are a cute little bird that you only see in the winters around here.
Still deeper into the park we went. On the left suddenly appeared a large group of photographers and gawkers in a circle around a mound of dune grass and snow. Seeing so many people we chose to keep going in our hunt for the Snowy Owl and anything else we may run into. So we drove but an urging to go back to the swarm of people and see why everyone was in a circle seemingly worshiping something at the center.
I turned around and we found a place to park in a snowing and icy parking lot amongst the gaggle of cars. As we got out with our camera gear and walked towards the circle the feeling within me grew strong and slowly a shape began to emerge on the top of the mound partially covered by dunes. Could it be!!! I looked at Naomi and mouthed “Snowy”! Both of us smiled as we made our way into the circle.
One lone Snowy Owl was the center of attention for some 30 plus photographers and birders in a full circle around the dune. Nobody was within 50 yards as everyone seemed to know that sharing the moment with the Snowy was a truly magical moment. Such a beautiful bird that seemed content to rest in the center of a special little World of people seeming to worship the haloed great white bird.
Time seemed to stand still and the cold was held at bay somehow as well. Was it a warmth from the beauty that was before us? Barely any words were said as people just watched and starred in awe. Each twitch or movement of the head seemed to move the crowd with either fear of the bird leaving or maybe just because of the majesty.
Slowly the crowd thinned and thinned till there were just a few of us left. I have a great patience but I also had a great sense that something truly special was about to happen. The crowd now down to Naomi, myself, and one other photographer. A truck salting the road pulled into the parking lot and it startled the Snowy who took flight and headed off. I keenly watched the bird as it flew with the idea of relocating to watch it a little more. I was enjoy the time without so many others. I could feel a stronger connection.
The bird landed a hundred yards or so away, closer to the edge of the dune grass and beach. I did not move towards it but rather watched the other photographer. I do not know if he did not see it land or just did not want to chase it, but he headed for the car. I could feel then that my moment was coming. I pointed to Naomi where I thought it landed and she, of course, was watching as well. I began to make my way and in my excitement I outpaced Naomi. We normally split and she takes in what she wants as I do myself.
Walking through snow that often was knee deep I headed to a boardwalk that led to the beach. It was snowy and crunchy. I knew I needed to walk slow and exude calmness from my mind and body posture. As I neared where I thought the owl had landed I began to give off a lower profile and lowered the rim of my hat to hide me eyes.
OH my GOD!!! There it was just off the edge of the boardwalk. I raised the camera and took a few shots and then slowly slithered towards the owl and a better view. It looked at me and our eyes meet briefly before I lowered my head in difference to the beautiful owl. I slithered forward still and came to a stop some 30 feet from it. Naomi was on the boardwalk but being cautious as she saw how close I was and is always thoughtful when I am trying to get “the shot”.
My heart was pounding with excitement and I hoped I could hold the lens steady enough for some great shots. I slowly lifted my head and my eyes became exposed only to be met by those of the Snowy Owl. Eye to eye….nothing seen on either side except the other. A connection pulsed through my mind and into my bloodstream. My heartbeat slowed and my mind came at ease. Slow the owl turned from side to side checking out the surroundings. It was showing me a true trust by not flying away and by turning its head away from me. This seemed to last forever and I truly do not know the length of time. I do know it was truly magical.
Our eyes met again and this time the engagement lingered. It was just the two of us truly sharing a moment. What was it thinking? Feeling? I was feeling warmth and a safety, an acceptance.
As the owl turned its head away and then back one more time I knew it was time for this to end. Then two Snow Buntings flew past the owl and off he took in flight after the possible meal that presented itself. I was able to get images of it flying off simply because the connection between us allowed me to read the owl and the upcoming flight.
A truly magical moment that I will never forget and will always keep it close to my heart. An owl and I sharing a few moments where there was nothing else in the World except one another. A gift to cherish.
It was a cold winters day as my friend Naomi and I headed into Salisbury Beach State Park in Massachusetts. We had set out on a mission or maybe it was more of a hope and a dream to see Snowy Owls and White Winged Crossbills that had been reported at the park.
Neither of had ever traveled here and we did not have a clue as to wear to look for and both birds would certainly be new ones for both of us too. As we entered the park we were greeted with a Mockingbird surprisingly still singing despite the cold weather and frozen white covered ground. We drove further and were greeted with our first crossbills hanging in trees and eating pine cones. Red and Green birds with hooked split bills enjoy the cones. What a fascinating site to see them take a piece of cone and use that special bill to split open the pine and grab its nourishment. It was stunning to see them so soon and so close. A treat for sure.
Back in the warm car we headed deeper into the park and a few little birds scattered off from the side of the road. Snow Buntings!! Another bird I had only seen once. They are a cute little bird that you only see in the winters around here.
Still deeper into the park we went. On the left suddenly appeared a large group of photographers and gawkers in a circle around a mound of dune grass and snow. Seeing so many people we chose to keep going in our hunt for the Snowy Owl and anything else we may run into. So we drove but an urging to go back to the swarm of people and see why everyone was in a circle seemingly worshiping something at the center.
I turned around and we found a place to park in a snowing and icy parking lot amongst the gaggle of cars. As we got out with our camera gear and walked towards the circle the feeling within me grew strong and slowly a shape began to emerge on the top of the mound partially covered by dunes. Could it be!!! I looked at Naomi and mouthed “Snowy”! Both of us smiled as we made our way into the circle.
One lone Snowy Owl was the center of attention for some 30 plus photographers and birders in a full circle around the dune. Nobody was within 50 yards as everyone seemed to know that sharing the moment with the Snowy was a truly magical moment. Such a beautiful bird that seemed content to rest in the center of a special little World of people seeming to worship the haloed great white bird.
Time seemed to stand still and the cold was held at bay somehow as well. Was it a warmth from the beauty that was before us? Barely any words were said as people just watched and starred in awe. Each twitch or movement of the head seemed to move the crowd with either fear of the bird leaving or maybe just because of the majesty.
Slowly the crowd thinned and thinned till there were just a few of us left. I have a great patience but I also had a great sense that something truly special was about to happen. The crowd now down to Naomi, myself, and one other photographer. A truck salting the road pulled into the parking lot and it startled the Snowy who took flight and headed off. I keenly watched the bird as it flew with the idea of relocating to watch it a little more. I was enjoy the time without so many others. I could feel a stronger connection.
The bird landed a hundred yards or so away, closer to the edge of the dune grass and beach. I did not move towards it but rather watched the other photographer. I do not know if he did not see it land or just did not want to chase it, but he headed for the car. I could feel then that my moment was coming. I pointed to Naomi where I thought it landed and she, of course, was watching as well. I began to make my way and in my excitement I outpaced Naomi. We normally split and she takes in what she wants as I do myself.
Walking through snow that often was knee deep I headed to a boardwalk that led to the beach. It was snowy and crunchy. I knew I needed to walk slow and exude calmness from my mind and body posture. As I neared where I thought the owl had landed I began to give off a lower profile and lowered the rim of my hat to hide me eyes.
OH my GOD!!! There it was just off the edge of the boardwalk. I raised the camera and took a few shots and then slowly slithered towards the owl and a better view. It looked at me and our eyes meet briefly before I lowered my head in difference to the beautiful owl. I slithered forward still and came to a stop some 30 feet from it. Naomi was on the boardwalk but being cautious as she saw how close I was and is always thoughtful when I am trying to get “the shot”.
My heart was pounding with excitement and I hoped I could hold the lens steady enough for some great shots. I slowly lifted my head and my eyes became exposed only to be met by those of the Snowy Owl. Eye to eye….nothing seen on either side except the other. A connection pulsed through my mind and into my bloodstream. My heartbeat slowed and my mind came at ease. Slow the owl turned from side to side checking out the surroundings. It was showing me a true trust by not flying away and by turning its head away from me. This seemed to last forever and I truly do not know the length of time. I do know it was truly magical.
Our eyes met again and this time the engagement lingered. It was just the two of us truly sharing a moment. What was it thinking? Feeling? I was feeling warmth and a safety, an acceptance.
As the owl turned its head away and then back one more time I knew it was time for this to end. Then two Snow Buntings flew past the owl and off he took in flight after the possible meal that presented itself. I was able to get images of it flying off simply because the connection between us allowed me to read the owl and the upcoming flight.
A truly magical moment that I will never forget and will always keep it close to my heart. An owl and I sharing a few moments where there was nothing else in the World except one another. A gift to cherish.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Silent Thunder
It had been awhile since I had walked in the woods and listened to the sounds surrounding me. Life has been busy with shows and getting product to stores amongst other things. The canoe had become a mode of travel more often as I searched for loons with young chicks for most of August and then the shores for shorebirds beginning to migrate south for the upcoming winter. Things were changing but my desire to be in the woods was not lessening and in fact was growing each day.
Today was the day I returned to the woods. I walked a trail not far from my home in Steep Falls. A trail I had walked many times was one I was happy to return too. As I began to walk I could feel my heart race and my mind searching for something.
I needed to slow down and just take it all in as my mind and heart was trying to process all the sites and sounds at once. They are best processed individually and slowly. Then you can become part of the World you are in and I had slipped from the World I love back to a World with concrete and steal, hustle and bustle. A World so far from the one I love and the one I missed.
Each step I could feel my mind and heart slowly and the World around me coming back into focus. I could hear the birds before I could see them and the feel of the ground became known again. My steps would become more silent with each passing moment. My heart and mind slowed to the beat of the woods around.
As I headed down the trail I could sense life around me again and I knew I was not alone. A Red Tailed Hawk flew just feet from me across the path to another perch and we did this for awhile. It stayed just ahead of me leading the way. When I decided to stop he flew onward. I stood and listened to the chipmunks calling and the leaves rustling from a snake I soon found. A frog let out a peep and dove for the water after seeming to notice my presence kneeling just feet away. I was connected again. I was alive. Mother Nature's heart beat was one with mine again.
I walked to the top of a knoll that overlooks a pond and below were three Wood Ducks. A flash from a nearby tree turned into my friend the hawk, making a dive towards the now shrieking and scattering ducks. The hawk swooped back up to a new perch 50 yards away and I laughed as I knew he was truly blaming me for the failed attempt but yet my presence was not threatening to it.
The sun was beginning to go down and the clouds were thickening. I turned and enjoy the slow stroll back from where I had came and determined not to slip back into the World of mans creation. As I started back up the hill I knew I was not alone and I could feel eyes upon. Not in a way that was creepy but simply that I was being watched. Watched as I would watch another part of Nature. I kept moving till I found a nice place to stop where I could see more.
I stood still and silent. I slowed my breathing and could feel my body going into a deep calm. I watched the woods before me and the sounds were like pieces of a puzzle falling into place as I understood what was watching me and where. Deer were just inside the woods and parallel to where I had been walking. Slowly the sounds continued to come closer to the edge and I could make out the deer. One, two, three, four, and more....
One appeared out of the woods and into the clearing not far from me. Our eyes met and I felt welcomed. A second started to emerge and then a loud crack behind me. A tree snapped. Things fall in the woods and the moment was broken. Fear shot through me as it did the deer who now thundered off through the woods. Hooves pounding, branches cracking and snapping.....thundering through the forest unseen.
As my heart slowed and calm return the deer sounds faded. Silence was broken by a crow cawing as it flew overhead. Blue Jays soon sang too and I decided it was time to continue heading out.
The sun was directly in my eyes and I lowered the bill of my hat to block the sun. Slowly walking enjoying the last moments of a beautiful setting sun. Then I feel the urge to stop and so I listen to that urge as I always do. Before back lit by the sun is a doe. She walks silently from one side of the clearing to the other. Stopping once and looking in my direction, bending to take a bite of the grass and then continuing before disappearing back into the woods on the other side of the trail.
A silent moment we shared and one for me to savor. A sign I think that meant it was understood it was not I who produced the fear but I like the deer shared the fear of a moment in the woods. Mother Nature and I connected today. Gone were the steal and concrete, the hustle and bustle to be replaced by the heart beat of life, the heart beat of Nature, and my heart beat again. Peace...Nature nurtures.
Today was the day I returned to the woods. I walked a trail not far from my home in Steep Falls. A trail I had walked many times was one I was happy to return too. As I began to walk I could feel my heart race and my mind searching for something.
I needed to slow down and just take it all in as my mind and heart was trying to process all the sites and sounds at once. They are best processed individually and slowly. Then you can become part of the World you are in and I had slipped from the World I love back to a World with concrete and steal, hustle and bustle. A World so far from the one I love and the one I missed.
Each step I could feel my mind and heart slowly and the World around me coming back into focus. I could hear the birds before I could see them and the feel of the ground became known again. My steps would become more silent with each passing moment. My heart and mind slowed to the beat of the woods around.
As I headed down the trail I could sense life around me again and I knew I was not alone. A Red Tailed Hawk flew just feet from me across the path to another perch and we did this for awhile. It stayed just ahead of me leading the way. When I decided to stop he flew onward. I stood and listened to the chipmunks calling and the leaves rustling from a snake I soon found. A frog let out a peep and dove for the water after seeming to notice my presence kneeling just feet away. I was connected again. I was alive. Mother Nature's heart beat was one with mine again.
I walked to the top of a knoll that overlooks a pond and below were three Wood Ducks. A flash from a nearby tree turned into my friend the hawk, making a dive towards the now shrieking and scattering ducks. The hawk swooped back up to a new perch 50 yards away and I laughed as I knew he was truly blaming me for the failed attempt but yet my presence was not threatening to it.
The sun was beginning to go down and the clouds were thickening. I turned and enjoy the slow stroll back from where I had came and determined not to slip back into the World of mans creation. As I started back up the hill I knew I was not alone and I could feel eyes upon. Not in a way that was creepy but simply that I was being watched. Watched as I would watch another part of Nature. I kept moving till I found a nice place to stop where I could see more.
I stood still and silent. I slowed my breathing and could feel my body going into a deep calm. I watched the woods before me and the sounds were like pieces of a puzzle falling into place as I understood what was watching me and where. Deer were just inside the woods and parallel to where I had been walking. Slowly the sounds continued to come closer to the edge and I could make out the deer. One, two, three, four, and more....
One appeared out of the woods and into the clearing not far from me. Our eyes met and I felt welcomed. A second started to emerge and then a loud crack behind me. A tree snapped. Things fall in the woods and the moment was broken. Fear shot through me as it did the deer who now thundered off through the woods. Hooves pounding, branches cracking and snapping.....thundering through the forest unseen.
As my heart slowed and calm return the deer sounds faded. Silence was broken by a crow cawing as it flew overhead. Blue Jays soon sang too and I decided it was time to continue heading out.
The sun was directly in my eyes and I lowered the bill of my hat to block the sun. Slowly walking enjoying the last moments of a beautiful setting sun. Then I feel the urge to stop and so I listen to that urge as I always do. Before back lit by the sun is a doe. She walks silently from one side of the clearing to the other. Stopping once and looking in my direction, bending to take a bite of the grass and then continuing before disappearing back into the woods on the other side of the trail.
A silent moment we shared and one for me to savor. A sign I think that meant it was understood it was not I who produced the fear but I like the deer shared the fear of a moment in the woods. Mother Nature and I connected today. Gone were the steal and concrete, the hustle and bustle to be replaced by the heart beat of life, the heart beat of Nature, and my heart beat again. Peace...Nature nurtures.
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