A Rainy Hour of Magic: Wildlife, Songbirds & Soul Soothing Moments - April 8, 2025

After a long day staring into the glow of my computer screen, my spirit was craving something wild and real. The weather teased between overcast and sunshine, and though rain was threatening, I took a chance. Sometimes you just need to go — camera in hand — and see what the world has waiting.

I headed to a nearby wildlife sanctuary with small songbirds and swans in mind. The swans didn’t show, but the rest of the cast more than made up for it.

First up, a Spotted Towhee taking advantage of seeds left by a visitor.

Next, a wild bunny munching away on some seeds someone had kindly left behind. With my 600mm lens, I captured a few sweet moments before he scampered off, his soft form disappearing into the brush. Funny enough, this is the second wild bunny I’ve seen in a week. With Easter just around the corner, maybe the Easter bunnies are out doing some early prep — making their rounds and checking their hop routes!

Next up was a charming gold-crowned sparrow who gave me a full range of expressions — from cheeky over-the-shoulder poses to what I swear was a cranky glare as he picked at his dinner. The look said, “Excuse me, I’m eating here.” I chuckled. It felt like he was modeling and scolding me at the same time.

The Golden-Crowned Sparrow looks like it’s wearing a tiny crown of sunshine — a bright yellow patch on its forehead, framed by dashing dark stripes like a bird-sized royal headband. Even on the gloomiest days, it brings a little sparkle to the underbrush, like nature’s way of sneaking in some gold leaf.

A few Spotted Towhees darted into view not long after. They were skittish and fast, but I managed to sit quietly on a fence and catch one perfect portrait just before — you guessed it — I got the classic “butt shot.” Like he knew. “Oh, you wanted a second nice photo? Here’s my best side.” I laughed out loud.

Did You Know? The Spotted Towhee might look like a shy forest bird, but it has a dramatic flair — just watch how it forages! It uses a bold two-footed backward hop-scratch to kick up leaf litter in search of insects and seeds. You’ll often hear them rustling before you ever see them. Their striking red eyes and patterned plumage make them one of the most stylish songbirds in the understory!

But then came the unexpected highlight — a male Green-Winged Teal. I’ve tried to spot one for ages, and here he was, hiding among the mallards. I barely noticed him until he edged closer, interested in a few seeds I had left in my pocket. In the middle of a spring downpour, he gave me several beautiful portrait shots. Rain or not, I wasn’t missing that moment.

Did You Know? The Green-Winged Teal is the smallest dabbling duck in North America, weighing less than a pound! Despite their size, they’re quick, agile flyers and can take off straight from the water — no runway required.

Did You Know? That bright green patch on their wings? It’s called a speculum, and it flashes brilliantly in flight or when they stretch their wings — like a built-in fashion statement that says, “Look at me!”

Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, I heard a loud, unmistakable squawk. Looking up through the rain, there came a Great Blue Heron, wings wide, gliding across the lake like royalty. He landed perfectly, giving me several direct shots as if to say, “You needed something majestic, didn’t you? I got you.” With no other birds in sight, it truly felt like he flew in just for me.

As I made my way back to the car, soaked but smiling, a little hummingbird caught my eye. He chirped as he shook off the rain, glancing skyward every few seconds for safety. Even in the drizzle, he was determined to carry on.

I paused to admire and photograph some pussy willows, their buds blooming with quiet strength, each one a soft yet resilient sign that spring is pushing through, even on the grayest of days. Despite the chill and the rain, they stood tall — delicate, yet determined — reminding me that growth doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful. In many ways, they mirrored what I was seeking in that moment: gentle renewal, persistence, and the quiet courage to keep blooming no matter the storm.

Pussy willows bloom early in spring, and those soft, fuzzy buds are actually the plant’s flower catkins. As they mature, they develop bright yellow tips, which are the pollen-bearing male parts of the flower — a favorite early food source for bees and other pollinators!

And then two more guests made an appearance: a Fox Sparrow and a Song Sparrow, both posing as if the heron had sent them to cheer me up. “She’s getting soaked — let’s give her something to smile about.”

Fox Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

Both the Song Sparrow and Fox Sparrow may look small and delicate, but don’t let their size fool you — these birds are resilient little warriors of the underbrush. They thrive in all kinds of weather, often sticking around even when the chill sets in and rain falls heavy. With feathers fluffed and voices strong, they continue to forage, sing, and carry on — reminders that strength doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. Their presence in the pouring rain felt like nature’s quiet way of saying, “You’ve got this too.”

Song Sparrow

And just before I opened the car door, one last pop of joy — a delicate bunch of purple wildflowers called Shooting Stars, glowing against the grey.

Did You Know? The Shooting Star flower (Dodecatheon spp.) gets its name from its petals, which are swept backward like a comet in flight! These blooms are pollinated by bumblebees using a special technique called "buzz pollination" — they vibrate their flight muscles to shake the pollen loose. Nature’s version of a sonic toothbrush!

In just one hour, nature reminded me who I am and why I keep coming back. I may have gone out hoping for swans, but what I got was a soul-deep refresh from a cast of feathered and furry friends who seemed to know I needed them.

I’m endlessly grateful for them all.