“It’s just a ride, it’s just a ride, no need to run, no need to hide. It’ll take you round and round, sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down.” - Jim, “Just a Ride”
Hello friends! My inner singer has been full of songs this week, including the one I’m quoting above, “Just a Ride” by Jem. I started making a playlist of her songs, so she threw some at me that I am definitely not singing all the lyrics to, such as “Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard. (Google at your own risk, lol.) She gave me Elvis, Bob Marley, and Def Leppard all in one week. She really has a sense of humor!
Meanwhile, the heat is on and my morning walks this week might be a bit quicker than usual. The birds don’t seem to mind the heat, but the chickadees have decided my ant moat is a chickadee water feature. That’s just fine by me!
Here are some chosen moments for today:
Sunrise, July 28, 2024
I can’t even figure this out, did the two green herons run into each other? Is it an optical illusion? I don’t know.
Same green heron a minute or two before. I’ve only seen them in the air, but at least they are nice enough to loudly announce when they are passing overhead.
And because I can’t resist, I love how different they look when they spread those wings. They can also stretch that neck out as long as their body. They are like little transformers.
Just before they left, the purple martins posed for a photo shoot.
They’ve got the landings down pat now.
Purple martins always look just a little bit annoyed.
This was July 17th. I tried to tell mama duck that the middle of the boat launch wasn’t a good place for her babies to cuddle up, but she wasn’t listening.
I’m pretty sure this is the same group of seven youngsters with their mama on July 28th. Look how much they grew in 11 days! No longer fuzzy.
The first fawn I’ve seen this year.
While I was watching hummingbirds on my deck, this Carolina wren popped up in the willow tree.
Mr. red-tailed hawk doesn’t look like he’s enjoying the wind.
I’m surprised I haven’t seen any fledgling vultures yet. Still seeing a lot of solo adults, but soon I will see them in big groups.
Goldfinch, departing.
Mr. indigo bunting is the same color as the sky.
“I wanna be a turtle…”
Good night moon
To continue the song from the top of this post: “It’s just a ride, it’s just a ride, don’t be scared, don’t hide your eyes. It may feel so real inside, but don’t forget, enjoy the ride.”
Whatever life is bringing you this week, look for the hidden gifts. Maybe they will surprise you.
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That sunrise is a 10, make that an 11 . . . thanks big time for opening up the world of birds to me . . .
Beautiful photos Karen - especially love those images you have of the Green Heron flying directly overhead.