Drops of Beauty #187

May 7, 2024

May 07, 2024

“Instead of asking, “Have I worked hard enough to deserve rest?”, I’ve started asking, “Have I rested enough to do my most loving, meaningful work?”” - Nicola Jane Hobbs

Hello friends! I’m thinking a lot about rest because I overdid it in every way for a week and I am feeling the effects in my body. As I said on Sunday, even overdoing it for “good” reasons (migration!) is overdoing it. My body is more sensitive to this than it once was, or maybe I’m just more aware of it. Maybe both. Either way, I need to listen to my body better and not override it with my ideas about “not missing out”.

Here are some moments of beauty for today:

Why did the turkey cross the road (right in front of me)? I don’t know!

I love their tail feathers. I’ve found a few from time to time as I’m walking.

Our waves are still miniature, despite all the wind and water. Of course, I’m not out there when the wind is blowing 70+ mph! (really hoping it does not do that tonight (or last night by the time this goes out) even though they are predicting it may)

I can’t help include more photos of the Mississippi kites. Here he’s trying to balance on a ridiculously small perch and doing that crazy thing where they close that extra eyelid.

Here’s a top of wing photo of the kites. It’s really fun to watch them use those tails almost like a sail…or a kite!

All the raptors were hunting in the flooded field. This red-shouldered hawk captured some small, furry creature to feed her young.

I don’t see nearly enough red-headed woodpeckers! There were two, but they were too busy chasing each other to pose for the photographer.

Love watching the blue-winged teal. It’s amazing how fast they can shoot up out of the water.

Yellow-rumped warbler showing you how he got his name.

Three Forster’s terns all wanting the same parking space.

Two spotted sandpipers for the price of one.

The tree swallow aerial battles really do look like (very, very agile) fighter planes sometimes.

Pearl crescent butterfly on a dandelion. One man’s weed is another creatures treasure.

Wishing you restful days, storm-less skies, and loving connections.

A big thank you to all of my supporters and an extra thanks to the paying subscribers and all who have sent gift subscriptions! You really make a difference in enabling me to do this work.