I'm an unabashed bird lover and watcher. So are many of you. Birds have aesthetic appeal and they're captivating. They provide a connection to nature. They take us outside ourselves and our preoccupations. Some believe they provide a connection to God. A Local Jaunt–Sketch #1 A week ago I arose early and left a note … Continue reading Bird and Photograph Locally
Tag: Paradise Creek Nature Park
Talkin’ More Bird Photography
Happy Independence Day, America! And am I grateful to be living in the "the greatest country on God's green earth." Green Heron Nestling Some of you have seen this bird photo before. I took it on 7/1/20 at what has now become one of my patches: Lakeside Park in Chesapeake, VA. My main patch continues … Continue reading Talkin’ More Bird Photography
A Few Stories and Anecdotes
Once again, what a joy it is to blog and to share my thoughts and my photos with readers in this way. And "thank you" to those of you who have taken the time to send me your comments. Comments are the "the lifeblood of blogosphere," as they say. It's true that I have access … Continue reading A Few Stories and Anecdotes
Be Still and Know
I think it's fair to say that most faith traditions share an important tenet, that being still and knowing go hand in hand—that being still and contemplative lead to understanding and insight. I recently posted a dual tribute to nature poet, Mary Oliver. In Jean Mackay's tribute, you'll find these words from Oliver's poem "Messenger," … Continue reading Be Still and Know
The Year 2018 in Pictures, Cont’d
You've seen, and have hopefully enjoyed, the bird and people photos in the previous blog, "The Year 2018 in Pictures." Now, let's take a look at the 2018 "Elizabeth River Critters List" photos as well, which feature everything from butterflies and blue crabs to dragonflies and dolphins. Please remember that each can be enlarged by … Continue reading The Year 2018 in Pictures, Cont’d
Airborne
I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for, don't we? As a gesture of thanks, please consider giving to your favorite local charity or nonprofit on Giving Tuesday, 11/27. Consider making a donation to the Elizabeth River Project, and help it restore the Elizabeth River.
More Shoutouts
We'll start with another shoutout. But this time to the planners of the 2018 Riverfest, which raised everyone's awareness about the progress that is being made to restore the Indian River in Chesapeake, VA. This may not be an exciting photo, but to me it speaks to the beauty of this Elizabeth River tributary.
Two Shoutouts
Or is it "Two Shoutsout"? Anyway...I want to start with a shoutout to those who went on the Great Migration Bird Walk on Sat. 9/29 at Paradise Creek Nature Park. It was a beautiful, birdy morning. Paradise lived up to its name. And we had a great group of 16 people including a few young people who were exploring the hobby. I had a nice conversation with one young lady (Epona?) who was on her very first day trip. She'd gone on an owl prowl previously. I asked her if she sensed any excitement in the others on the trip. She responded with a smile and a very definitive "yes." That meant to me that she was excited too. I have a feeling she has caught the birding spark. That's my hope, anyway.
Birds Provide a Bridge
We've covered some ground here. Thank you so much for reading. And thank you to those who have told me personally (Marjorie, Rebecca, Larry, Steve, Mickie the Master Naturalist, the two Sarah's, Bob S., CBG and others) and through your comments (Abby, Glenn, Phil, Marlene the nature writer, Katiegirl, Dii and others) how much you're enjoying the blog. I realize this is a well-worn expression, but this is a labor of love. I love doing this. And hopefully the labor is yielding results. Now, cue the trumpet fanfare. Ladies and gentlemen...this photo's for you (a newly fledged Purple Martin hawking insects over Pardise Creek Nature Park in Portsmouth)!
Elizabeth River Bird Blog 