I woke up early today, greeted by fog and clouds—a perfect setting for bird photography. But as ideal as the weather was, my mind was a different story. My thoughts were noisy, my emotions running high, and my heart still ached from missing Baylee, my dog, who had always been my reason to venture out. Now, with her gone, it's just me. Getting out of bed felt like an uphill battle, but I pushed myself to get dressed and head out. As soon as I stepped into the foggy morning, I felt a shift—like the mist was wrapping me in a calming embrace.
My mind was more on Baylee than the birds I came to see. The pain of losing a fur baby who had been by my side for the last sixteen years is indescribable. Anyone who has ever had a pet knows exactly what I’m talking about. This was the first time in all those years that she wasn’t with me on a photo adventure. I found myself sitting on a rock, listening to the sounds of the birds while I processed her absence. I wished more than anything that she was there with me. My emotions hit me all at once, and I began to weep. After that release, I pushed myself to get up and move forward, to continue on the adventure.
As I walked, something caught my eye—a small cluster of crocus flowers, unexpectedly in full bloom. It was a shock, a splash of color in the muted fall landscape. I thought the flower season was long over, but here they were, persevering in the damp autumn air. Their vibrant purple petals made me smile. I didn’t have my macro lens, but I didn’t let that stop me. I snapped a few photos with my telephoto, capturing their resilient beauty.
Finding the right path took some time, and I had to wade through some pretty wet bushes that soaked my clothes, but it was worth it. Once on the correct trail, I found the birds were lively, as if the rain had given them a renewed energy. It started to pour, but I didn’t mind. I covered my camera, tucked my coat over my knapsack, and kept going.
I was on the lookout for a Northern Pintail duck but had no luck finding the pond where they might be. So, I turned my attention to the smaller birds. I spotted an American Robin, perched proudly on one of the large fir trees. It had company—several robins had taken over the tree, giving me a few good shots.
Then, I heard a familiar squawking across the park. I squinted through the rain and distance, just able to make out two distinct silhouettes through my 600mm lens. After checking the photos later, I realized I had captured a Golden Eagle and some kind of hawk! What an incredible surprise!
As I made my way back to the car, the rain still falling, I spotted a small Anna’s Hummingbird sitting on a branch, unbothered by the wet weather. As I watched I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration for its resilience. Despite the harsh elements, this tiny bird bravely faced the storm, its vibrant feathers glistening with raindrops. There was something profoundly inspiring about its determination to keep going, to keep living, even when the world around it seemed so unforgiving. It was a quiet reminder of the strength that lies within even the smallest creatures, a strength that we can all draw from in our own lives. It was a spectacular sight, and I was lucky to get a photo.
Just as I thought my morning couldn’t get any better, I caught a glimpse of a Cedar Waxwing, its sleek form standing out against the backdrop of the park. The Cedar Waxwing is a sleek, elegant bird easily recognized by its silky plumage and distinctive markings. With a soft, brownish-gray body that transitions to a pale yellow belly, this bird is adorned with a striking black mask across its eyes and a crest that adds to its unique look. Cedar Waxwings are social birds, often seen in flocks, and are known for their love of berries, which make up a significant part of their diet. This one was no exception. He was with a flock, and they moved so quickly and were silhouetted against the sky, making it difficult to get even one in focus.
And then I heard it—the call of a Red-Winged Blackbird, or so I thought. But as I looked closer, I saw it was a flock of female blackbirds, their sandy-colored feathers blending with the bullrushes they perched on, singing at the top of their lungs (see first photo in this blog).
The final bird of my morning was a Spotted Towhee. They are a striking bird known for its bold and vibrant coloration. Typically sport jet-black upperparts, head, and throat, accented with bright white spots on their wings and back, while their underparts are a rich, rusty orange. This distinctive coloration serves a dual purpose: it provides camouflage among the dappled sunlight of their woodland habitats, helping them blend into the shadows and light, while also signaling health and vitality to potential mates and rivals. Their bold colors and unique behaviors make them a fascinating find for any birdwatcher.
One thing I’ve learned on my nature walks is to never forget to look down. You never know what fascinating discoveries you might stumble upon. Today, I spotted a caramel-colored banana slug, easily recognizable by the small hole on its side, known as a pneumostome, which it uses for breathing. Banana slugs are remarkable creatures, known for their ability to secrete a special mucus that not only helps them glide over rough terrain but also has anesthetic properties to deter predators. It’s amazing what you can find when you take the time to observe the world at your feet.
As I paused to take in the scenery, the peace I felt was momentarily interrupted by the sounds of planes overhead, people walking their dogs, and cars speeding by. It made me marvel at the resilience of wildlife in an urban environment. How do these birds thrive amidst all this noise and chaos?
On the drive home, the rain continued, but my mind was finally quiet. My emotions, which had been all over the place just a few hours earlier, were back under control. Once again, nature had worked its magic, helping to heal my soul.
Thank you, nature, for giving me exactly what I needed today.
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