The late afternoon was painted with a hot, harsh sun as Baylee and I set out for our daily walk. Despite the midday heat, there’s a unique stillness about this time of day when nature whispers its secrets to those willing to listen. Baylee trotted beside me, her leash slack, as we explored a new trail where a Barred Owl was known to be.
Our destination was Vic Derman Park, a dense grove off the side of a highway, known for its abundant oak trees and as a haunt of the elusive chestnut-backed chickadee. This tiny bird, so small and fast, has always eluded my lens. I had my camera ready, hoping today would be different. The path we were on was behind a school and a nature sanctuary. The air was warm, and the gravel path was lined with dry foliage and grass. Every rustle in the underbrush heightened my senses, and every chirp sent my heart racing with anticipation.
As we moved along the path, I spotted a flurry of movement among the branches overhead. There it was—the chestnut-backed chickadee! Its rapid, darting movements made it a challenging subject, but I managed to capture a few shots before it disappeared into the foliage. The moment was fleeting but exhilarating, a reminder of nature's unpredictable beauty.
We continued our walk, and as we rounded a bend, something caught my eye—a beautiful brown and cream butterfly, perched delicately on a leaf. I whispered softly, asking it to stay, and to my astonishment, it did. It fluttered closer, peering over the leaf as if to observe me. Time seemed to stand still.
In that moment, I felt a profound connection with this fragile creature. I marveled at its delicate wings, the intricate patterns, and the quiet grace with which it moved. It was as if the butterfly had chosen to share its world with me, even if just for a brief moment. The sense of honor and joy I felt was overwhelming, a pure, unfiltered bliss that words can scarcely describe.
I took a deep breath, savoring the stillness and the connection I felt with nature. The butterfly eventually fluttered away, but the memory of that encounter lingered long after. As we made our way back home, I reflected on the evening’s events. The elusive chickadee and the gentle butterfly reminded me of the beauty that surrounds us, often hidden in plain sight. It's these unexpected moments that make each walk with Baylee a cherished adventure.
In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the simple wonders of nature. But if we take a moment to slow down, to listen and observe, we might just find ourselves part of something truly extraordinary. This evening walk was a gentle reminder of that—an invitation to pause, connect, and find joy in the world around us.
Amazing shots! That butterfly though....breathtaking!