Chasing Feathers, Catching Peace - May 10, 2025

What do you do on Mother’s Day when your own mother has passed? You follow the pull of nature, grab your camera, and let the wild world hold your heart for a while. That’s exactly what I did today—with my trusty bird-spotting companion, my Aunt—on a soul-soothing journey that reminded me of the magic in simple, quiet moments.

We started the morning at a local beach, hoping to catch some early-rising shorebirds fishing for their breakfast. We were rewarded with not one but two Great Blue Herons, one of my all-time favorite birds. One fished near the shoreline with elegant focus, while the other played an adorable game of peek-a-boo between sea-kelp-covered rocks. I even captured one in flight as it circled me—majestic and effortless.

Did You Know?

Great Blue Herons are incredibly adaptable hunters and will feed along rocky, sea kelp-covered shorelines during low tide, using their sharp eyesight and stealth to spear small fish, crabs, and other intertidal creatures hiding in tidal pools and among the kelp.

Next stop was the farm fields. My mission? Photograph a baby Killdeer. And mission accomplished! I spotted two! They blended in so well and darted around so quickly with their parents that I had to be sharp, but I managed to snap a few sweet moments. So tiny, so perfectly camouflaged—pure joy.

At one point, one of the baby Killdeer dashed ahead of its parents and gave me the cutest view—tail up, tiny legs in motion, and the fluffiest little bum you’ve ever seen. I couldn’t help but laugh as I snapped the shot. Nature has a way of serving up unexpected joy in the tiniest of moments.

Killdeer often nest right on the ground in open spaces like gravel roads, lawns, and farmer’s fields because their camouflaged eggs blend in with the surroundings. This makes freshly tilled fields a popular but risky spot. It's incredibly important for farmers to check their fields for nests before plowing or mowing, as Killdeer rely on these habitats to safely raise their young. A quick scan or marking of nest areas can make a big difference for their survival.

Did You Know?

Killdeer chicks can walk and feed themselves just hours after hatching—and their spotted plumage helps them disappear into their surroundings almost instantly.

The adult Killdeer, with its bold double black chest bands and striking red eye ring, stood tall and alert in the field—its high-pitched call echoing through the open air. It’s amazing how such a small bird can command so much presence in a wide, rugged landscape.

As I walked through the farmer’s field, an adult Killdeer suddenly began calling out sharply and performing the classic broken-wing display—a clear sign I was too close to a hidden nest I couldn’t see. I took the message to heart, snapped a quick photo from a distance, and quietly returned to my car, grateful for the moment and happy to leave them in peace.

As we were heading home, a field of yellow flowers caught my eye, so we pulled over. And just as I stepped out, a California Quail squawked from above. There he was, perched in a tree like royalty. I set up my tripod and captured him calling, preening, and fluffing into a little puffball of gorgeous feathers. He didn’t mind me at all. It felt like a gift.

Did You Know?

The distinctive feather on a male California Quail’s forehead is called a plume or topknot—and it actually serves as a social signal to other quail!

And the gifts kept coming. We took the long way home through the farm roads—and it paid off. A surprise sighting of Greater White-Fronted Geese mixed among the Canada Geese had me absolutely buzzing. I'd been hoping to see them for ages!

Did You Know?

Greater White-Fronted Geese migrate thousands of kilometers between their Arctic breeding grounds and wintering areas as far south as Mexico.

I took a quiet moment to just stand in the field with the Greater White-Fronted Geese, watching them waddle around with gentle purpose. Their soft brown bodies, bold white facial markings, and vivid orange beaks and legs were striking against the spring grass. There was something calming about simply being near them, observing their peaceful movements and rich, earthy colors.

Then—a Mallard with ducklings paddling peacefully in a pond. My heart exploded with joy. Watching the ducklings splash, play, and wobble after their mom in a perfect little line was pure magic. Each tiny paddle and joyful wiggle felt like a glimpse into a peaceful world where everything was just as it should be.

Did You Know?

Female Mallards often lead their ducklings to water just hours after they hatch, and the ducklings can swim right away!

I couldn’t help but laugh watching the ducklings—all identical little puffballs—bouncing around the pond like wind-up toys. How does a mama Mallard keep track of up to ten of them without losing her mind? They look like clones with endless energy and zero sense of direction!

After all of that, I didn't think it could get any better and then I spotted some birds feeding on a freshly tilled field. At first, I thought I was looking at a Mourning Dove—but to my surprise, it was a Eurasian Collared Dove! A first for me! Its soft cream, sandy tones and that delicate grey-blue sheen looked like they were painted by hand. I’d never seen one here before, and the moment felt like uncovering a hidden gem.

Did You Know?

Eurasian Collared Doves often forage in farmer’s fields, feeding on leftover grain, seeds, and the occasional insect. Unlike Mourning Doves, which have a more slender build and a long, pointed tail, Eurasian Collared Doves are slightly larger with a squared-off tail and a distinct black “collar” marking on the back of their neck.

By the time I arrived home, I was soaked from the rain, buzzing with gratitude, and glowing from the inside out. Spring’s vibrant pops of yellow and purple, the songs of the birds, and the rhythm of the land reminded me that even on the hardest days, nature knows how to soothe a heart and stir a soul.

It was a sober, powerful, and unforgettable day—and I’m deeply grateful to have spent it among the wild. I captured so many beautiful moments, including a variety of songbirds that didn’t quite fit into today’s story, so stay tuned for a separate blog soon that celebrates those feathered voices all around us.