The young ones

Watching them flying off and then back on the nest has been joyful.

They are strong and brilliant fliers. 

Mom and Dad did a fabulous job raising this family.

I will miss them when they head out on their migration in a few weeks. 

Just imagine they will be flying well over 2,000 miles to South America.

What adventures they will have along the way. 

sky born yahoo

Well isn't this the best news! They are on their way!

All three have fledged and this little one is returning to an empty nest.

Flying is easier than landing, especially in a tree limb. I have watched many comical landings in the treetops, so hopefully this landing will be a cinch.

And voila, touchdown with no collisions!

a sunset

end of a beautiful day...

feather lessons

Learning to fly is not easy.

You can't see the little on the right because he has done a face plant in the nest.

Feathers have a mind of their own, especially on a windy day.

But with perseverance he has regained control.

Dad looks on and gives a few minor tips on proper feather placement.

But a new day has dawned and levitation has begun.

Ahhh the wind beneath the wings......

Breakfast time

I have hundreds of images of this family, 

I've been in heaven when I'm with them in the early morning. 

So today I'm sharing one of my favorites, mom delivering a fish for breakfast. 

These juveniles have not fledged yet, so fingers crossed that happens soon. 

They need to fly and learn to feed themselves before they migrate to South America in the fall.

creatures

This little goldfinch just finished bathing in the birdbath

 and then came to a rest on the cone flower. 

This juvenile osprey just learned how to fly a few days ago.

 She looks at me with curiosity while I kayak beneath her branch.

I sat for a very long time in order to capture this image of the killdeer on the beach.

This was the shot I was looking for. 

Once the butterfly flew on this blossom with the deep shadows behind I was thrilled.

Icebergs

Icebergs were floating in the freezing water at the base of the glacier in Alaska. 

They had lived a long deep life and now were released to float and melt and join the sea life that swam around their perimeter and rested on their cold shoulders.

They were another world up close, their edges sometimes sharp and angular

with beautiful shades of blue.

And others were filled with frozen coils and bubbles.

I loved reaching out and touching them.

for my sister

Fear

Heading into the mist unsure of what will be.

Trying to stay focused on the light that wants to guide our way.

Letting go

Giving into the breath that lifts the mist and lets us see forward.

Grateful

Feeling the warmth and love and the clarity to see the next new day.