rainy day in the garden

It's raining and chilly and pretty miserable out there.

 

The songbirds are really wet

and apparently very hungry.

The lineup in the garden tree was long.

While they waited their turn at the feeders.

Very orderly bunch, even the squirrels and chipmunks took turns underneath the feeder. 

All of this happening while I looked on dressed in boots and rain gear. 

Tully never heard me leave the studio and she missed out on all the action.

Patience

I was in my car and and starting down the driveway when I saw her. 

So of course I ran into the house and got my camera.

She was still there watching me.

I think she was saying goodbye.

This is Patience, the third and last chick to fledge and to leave the area.

She had no interest in going and I don't blame her.

She had been seen flying with her fish most days. 

But now the skies are empty of her.

She has taken wing and left me here to imagine what her life is like now.

She is on her way to South America where she will stay for the next few years,

One day I hope she makes it back to Oyster Bay

 where I might meet her own new family. 

In the meantime her parents will return to the same nest outside my window next year

 and this will start all over again.

Thank you for teaching me all about you dear Patience, I'll miss you.

 

BALD EAGLE!

I walked through the hall of our house and noticed something in the tree right outside our window.

I ran to get my binoculars, I knew who it was but wouldn't let myself believe it.

It's funny how birds and wildlife can send shivers through me.

So there he was and I grabbed my big lens and shot through the window.

Then I very carefully and quietly opened the door 

and while he continued to eat his fish I managed to get some more images of him. 

My heart was racing trying to make sure I had the right speed to handhold my 500mm prime lens 

while also maintaining  the correct exposure. 

The lighting was terrible but the thrill was fabulous!

 

transitions

My favorite time of year is now, when the world changes in front of my eyes.

When the new and the old mix together to float along leisurely.

Knowing they will all collect together and renew their original bonds

 under the trees along the banks of the river. 

Creating new harmonies as they float downstream.

Getting lost in the fading light.

Where they will change and become unrecognizable 

while they nourish the next generation of trees.