Tule Marsh

March 26, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

“Have you been to Tule Marsh yet?” our new neighbours ask the moment we tell them we like birds. “The Whistling Ducks are there.” I’ve been wanting to see the Whistling Ducks! The Tule Marsh spans both sides of Highway 35 in Rockport, although apart from some small signs, it is hard to spot, which […]

Paradise Pond

March 9, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

In Port Aransas, just off one of the main roads, is a driveway that cuts through a Mexican restaurant. Behind the restaurant are high fences and a boardwalk leading into a secluded area. This is Paradise Pond. On our first visit, we met locals who described the importance of the area environmentally, and alerted us […]

Quite the Dancer

February 27, 2019.Reading time 2 minutes.

The antics of the Reddish Egret, and of course its stature, distinguish this bird without further identification. As soon as we pull up to the water’s edge at Indian Point Park, I can see the bird hopping and swaying, like a giant metronome, keeping time to some unknown beat. I make my way up the […]

No Less Colourful

February 22, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Even in black and white, birds are showstoppers. For Nancy Merrill’s A Photo a Week challenge: black and white.

Ode to Pink Wings

February 19, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

What glory, what delight,to witness pink in flight – wondrous plumes stretched out wide,ponderous bills thrust forth in pride. (In celebration of the Roseate Spoonbills whose graced my lens recently. Submitted for Nancy Merrill’s A Photo A Week: pink.)

Sushi

February 15, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

Four days of fog, followed by a day of thunder storms, and I am stir crazy. “Let’s go for a drive. I need to get out.” I grab my camera and open the door, immediately accosted by a wet wind. It has turned cold. There won’t be any picture taking today. We go for lunch, […]

Recipe For Renewal

December 21, 2018.Reading time 1 minute.

Base Ingredients: 2 weather-weary and travel worn Canadians1 extra long motor homea site by the water Add: 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Anhinga 1 Great Egret and a Kingfisher Let set for several days until dust has settledand birds have become accustomed to featherless. Enjoy! (Submitted for my weekly challenge: recipe. All images are from […]

A Stellar Outing

December 18, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

A victorious screech greeted our arrival at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. Overhead an Osprey toting his catch flew by landing on the rail of the nearby water tower. In the centre of parking lot a small garden played host to a number of different butterflies. Last year, they were just planting […]

Recharging Batteries

December 5, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

Our car battery keeps draining, and it seems to be a metaphor for our trip southward. After three days of travel, we arrive in Lufkin, Texas where we take some time to organize and clean the inside of the motor home, and sleep. Travelling can be exhausting. Monday morning we head out early for […]

A Sleepover and a Surprise

November 14, 2018.Reading time 3 minutes.

“Do you want to drive by the river and see if we can find the eagles?” “Yes! Then I can tell Mom and Dad and August that I saw them! August loves birds too.” I smile. August is two-years-old. We have picked up Sloane for an overnight with Grandma and Grumpa. “It’s pretty overcast. I […]

Monday Mood: Exhausted

The events of the past few weeks, plus the rain, seemed to have caught up with me. Day’s goal: rest, rest, and more rest. (Photo mine)

End the Fray

This breach –this ever-widening gapfear inducedpits usagainst themas if humanitycan be dividedsalvationa selective process. We need a balmto soothe societalwounds, a tonicto calm the angstuntil clarityquells the uproarand kindnessreplaces this sin. (Poem originally appeared June 2019. Image my own)