Rest

May 26, 2024

Sunrise, May 22, 2024

Hello friends! As I mentioned in Friday’s post, it’s my birthday weekend along with a holiday weekend here in the US and I decided to prioritize REST for several days! As such, I’m cutting myself a break today and sending out more of a “drops of beauty” post than my regular weekly musings. I don’t think I’ve given myself a break like this in well over a year, so it’s time! Also note, I am offering a discount on the annual subscription in honor of my birthday, so if you are so moved it’s a good time to subscribe.

Purple martins don’t seem to rest much.

Today I want to ask you all a question and I’d love it if you hit reply or answered in the comments!

What are some of the ways you rest? What are some of the ways you prioritize rest and build it into your schedule?

Both the female and male purple martins seem to prefer these specific leaves for their nest boxes.

Since I’m asking you all questions, it seems only fair to turn the tables and let you ask me questions. So, ask me anything, what might you want to know about me, this practice, this place I live and walk in, the birds I photograph, or anything else?

Barn swallows rarely seem to rest. One place to find them as they are nest building is any accessible mud puddle, especially if it also has dry grasses around.

Even a small puddle can produce a lovely reflection.

Here’s a short video so you can see just how busy this little mud puddle was!

(It’s also the first time I’ve tried to insert a video directly into a Substack post, so I will be curious how this goes. Please let me know if you experience any issues with it!)

It’s amazing they never run into each other.

Are tail feathers like landing flaps? Or does he just have them up to keep them mud free?

Mama duck had her hands full but dad was nearby and helping protect them from intruders.

I love how adorably fuzzy baby ducks are!

Supervised play time on the beach.

I wonder what the little ducks think of that spotted sandpiper?

And then they were on their way, following mom closely with dad on the flank.

I wonder what the spotted sandpiper thought of the baby ducks…or the photographer?

This spotted sandpiper was interested in something a little more frisky. They strut with those tail feathers splayed while calling in hopes of getting some action.

She was like, “I know he’s back there but NOT NOW.”

Now the warm days of summer start to take over.

May you find joy and rest this weekend in whatever way fills your spirit. Thank you all for reading, commenting, asking questions, and supporting this thing I do in so many ways.