A fine WordPress.com site

Archive for the ‘nature photography,’ Category

hello world

Yesterday in my search for more rocks, I stopped by a nature trail that isn’t used much except by those who live in the area, and for those who remember it from days gone by. It is off a busy enough road, and there is an old railway line on part of the land. Birds love the area, it is a cacophony of sound and activity at this time of year. i had not been since last year. I was shocked at what greeted me when I drove into the area. There has been destruction from the previous storms.. trees block the entrance to the areas I have shown you here. pristine looking yes.. I did not .. could not bring myself to take pictures of the debris, garbage and human waste that has been dumped and left to rot , spoil and mar the beauty of this beautiful location.

To get to where I took the pictures, I had to climb over several trees, or walk around on ground that was muddy and not very easy to travel without proper footwear. Plus the waste that has been just dumped was rotting near by, and litter is blowing around, you have to have the stomach and determination to go forward. I knew what was beyond the fallen trees, at least I thought I did. I made the effort even tho’ I was not dressed for climbing over trees being it was Sunday and service was at 10. I’m glad I did, I could show you that the area beyond the fallen trees where cars can’t go… was as you see, still looking inviting, welcoming.

Why do people take and leave their garbage .. their were old tires, garbage bags were throw up into trees??? others had torn open and all the contents were strewn about. The only bird in the area that is like a dump and open sore on the land, was a crow who turned black knowing eyes at me…. he could fly away, even he wasn’t going to stay.

Today’s calendar is about saying Thank YOU, and being grateful, and practicing appreciation for the positives in our lives. Yesterdays discovery was truthfully a shock for me, I do see litter and of course I read about or hear about the thoughtless deeds that happen in and around me … but… it still is a “blow” to know that the land/environment we live in/on and that is so important to our health and our well being is treated so callously and carelessly.

“Thank you” again and again. It feels great if someone tells you Thank you. even many times by repeating this be cone a person who comes up with the words “thank you” naturally.

Perfect Liberty 2023. 8

Please don’t take for granted the green spaces we have left. Trees are important in filtering the air we breathe, the birds, wildlife all play a part in our own survival on this planet. I don’t like all the rules and don’t always agree with what happens in these times, but the land, and the wildlife that live with us on this planet are necessary for our own well being. We are all ONE. Be accountable.

Freedom

Photographer – Matt Benson – Instagram https://www.instagram.com/matthewjohnbenson/

Under the clearest of blue skies yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting a new photographer, we were standing on a lookout watching beavers sleeping in the sun. So unusual to find two beavers, happily having their morning siesta on a big comfy nest they had made for themselves. They were totally undisturbed by the humans who were standing feet away from them (separated by 10 – 20 ft. of water.)

Matt had his camera at the ready and got this great shot of the beaver when she/he turned over to do a bit of grooming. (Matt’s Instagram link is above) The other beaver had a different shade of colouring they were such an adorable sight.

I am often asked why I get up every morning and head out into the “world” to spend time with the wildlife and various other “wanderers” like myself. It is because I am blessed when I do with meeting and interacting with wonderful like minded humans who enjoy nature and follow their dreams/instincts and roam and explore the world around us.

I saw my first red fox yesterday, I was off on a side road looking for more rocks for my rock garden I am working on… when I saw a movement at the side of the road, I slowed to a crawl, et voila, out came a beautiful little fox. She/he was out for a morning stroll.The car now stopped, I waited and watched as it ran across in front of me and then slowed to sit by the fence of the business it was now in front of. We casually looked at one another…. it was very early barely 7 a.m. I tried talking to it… not understanding a word I was saying, it decided i was not worth spending more time on and moved on.

The encounter made me feel good tho’… I had seen my first fox of the year. I have known them to be around when I am walking the trails, but this was my first sighting. Then to later come across the beavers sun bathing… well … it was a good day. Add to it I heard Matt telling another photographer about the picture he got of the bird taking off.. (I asked to see it too… seeing it I knew I wanted to share it with you all..) I had such a sense of freedom … the sun, the drive, new sights, sounds and people, It was a feel good moment, the bird taking flight was a great visual.

Today’s calendar…

Give importance to listening, looking, thinking, doing and speaking. Look and listen carefully before making a judgement. Assumptions and hasty conclusions can lead to misunderstandings.

Perfect Liberty 2023. 7

Have a great day today everyone. remember… PL Precept #1 Life is Art!

what ?

Black billed cuckoo

I was searching for the the Northern Flicker, it was persistent with its calls, It wouldn’t let up, the Blue jays, Chickadees even the red winged blackbirds were having something to say, after all, finally a morning of sunshine and no rain. A white throated sparrow joined in along with a Snow goose.. I was wandering, listening and searching through the tree tops for the flicker when another voice joined the cacophy of sound. my reader told me it was a red tailed hawk, this had me really searching the trees. AND then I saw that in all the singing there was a black billed cuckoo joining us.

The purple finch, the house sparrows, evening grosbeaks, yes.. I had a lot of company, but the black billed cuckoo, that was totally new to me.. I began my search in earnest. Alas.. except for a flash of movement and a receding tail end…. (without my Nikon or binoculars) I was doomed to listening. I’m off again this morning with the binoculars this time… to see if it is still there.

I spent over an hour at one site, clearing dead branches and preparing the area for next fall. I needed to get some clearing in .. the new growth once it starts will be strong …. the rain has kept this season a little behind. My Magnolia I saw yesterday … is not enjoying this start to the season. I saw few buds, I hope it pulls through.

If you are wondering, I use a sound recorder, The Cornell lab, Merlin .. I have the ap on my cell phone. It has helped me a lot.. it is very educational.

Make happiness with willingness. People who like to make an effort can enjoy anything. those who spare no effort for anything and anyone know the joy of making art. make an effort with willingness.

Perfect Liberty 2023. 6

observation. I spent over an hour clearing dead branches, fallen logs, etc in a public area, a nature trail, yet I can look at a messy counter in my kitchen and not do dishes till I’m good and ready. when I got home I even got real comfy and lay outside in a new deck chair watching the buds slowly drink in what was left of the afternoon sunshine. A lazy ME moment. Keeper joined me (female whippet)…. the mood and moment carried on into the evening. I call it turning off. Do you do this from time to time? Its healthy for us!

Northern Flicker has been dropping in now and then.. There is something about this woodpecker that makes it adorable. but then I’m a woodpecker “fan”… however, I now know from its calls yesterday… it can be very vocal.

bird images today were from the internet

the bog in the rain

soft gentle rain created wonderful swirls with each tiny rain drop – I love the reflection in the water.

The past leads to Now and Now leads to the Future. Life is an accumlation of moments. Cherish each one.

Perfect Liberty 2021.11

Sandhill crane

great video on the Sandhill Crane, There is a lone Sandhill Crane at P22, inspired me to look for more information on the bird. Please enjoy this video I found on the net.

In life there are no guarantees. I cried at the end of this video, but decided to share it with you all anyway, a lot of time and love/caring went into this video…and my love for all creatures, is such that I do want her story to be told, and for us (humans) to be more aware of how fragile life can be… our actions do have consequences.

Listen to others until the end. If you put your thoughts first you will not be able to listen to others until the end, firstly, listen to others to the end and understand them well.

Perfect Liberty 2023.4

turkey charm

Be big hearted. In fact, what you are concerned about might be something you don’t need to be concerned about. Interact with people without worrying too much.

Perfect Liberty 2023.2

Life is… no more..no less…

Cherish

Cherish this moment, this time, this day. People keep growing as time goes on. Cherish your self expressions.

Perfect Liberty 2023.30

photo-PL archives

brain drain?

Bouts of forgetfulness? You find yourself wanting to test your cognitive skills. Do you identify with articles that talk about memory issues. Do you have trouble staying focused. How do you do with retaining or learning new information/technology? Something that we are all experiencing at some level if we are now “adults”…

Every magazine has some kind of article in it that wants to educate us, on healthy habits, diet changes so that we are getting more legumes, whole grains, eat fish for more omega etc. the list goes on and on. there are articles and “people” who specialize in studying and passing on information about how to age gracefully.

A doctor once told me when I asked him the question..”am I over weight, should I be on a diet” his reply was to ask me, 1. how do you feel? do you feel good? Are you experiencing any symptoms that we need to look into? I had to think, but no I had no aches, pains, or discomfort, I was eating well, I wasn’t having headaches, my arthritis was not acting up, my diabetic numbers were good, maybe I could fall asleep faster, but in the grand scheme of things, I was in good working order. So health wise, I was fine, yes I was overweight (in my opinion) I wanted to be back at the weight I had been in my 20’s.

In his opinion, I was doing really well, my blood pressure and all the other factors he concerns himself with were good. So I was 20 pounds maybe even 25 pounds heavier .. so what, I was also older and less active than I had been in my younger years. He suggested at the time that I get out more, walk, get fresh air, spend less time worrying about my weight be thankful for my good health, and appreciate that I was healthy and able to get out and do things.. in other words.. practice a positive attitude.

I have taken to making sure I get out every day, I may miss a day here or there, but basically I go out every day and walk, or sit/commune with the wildlife in various locations… It is MY time… I allow myself the pleasure of taking in “nature”.. “seasons” “weather”… I interact with the wildlife and other people I meet along the way. I spend time in the present. Over time, being present/focused and being in the moment has become natural for me. It didn’t happen overnight, its been years in the “doing”.

I don’t worry/obsess about my estrogen levels, I don’t go looking for middle age problems, i simply enjoy whatever the day brings my way, and move on … Sometimes it works like a charm, other times I may come across a hiccup or two, but…. I know… this is now.. and it will pass. If I am tenacious about anything, it is about learning to”let go” to live my life the best way I can.. and move on. So brain drain becomes just a cute catch phrase to grab attention… did it work?

Get things started with grit. If you work on things in daily life with the attitude of “let’s do it!” you will feel a power to accomplish thigs. People around you will rely on you.

Perfect Liberty 2023.29

Friday, final du semana

When I see an oak tree … I think of endurance, strength, majestic … locally our LCBO (Liquor control board of Ontario) has put out a statement that once they run out of their current supply of paper bags, they will no longer be providing them. Customers will have to supply their own bags like we are required to do at grocery stores … interesting feedback… some customers just shrug, they have to do so already in the supermarkets etc. so why not. Other’s protest because paper is recycled. However the argument that it will save millions of trees… is what stands out for me.

Think of how much “service” we get from a tree, how many homes /shelter it provides for our feathered friends and other wild life. The last couple of years have seen how climate changes have meant we are experiencing more severe storms. Storms that do damage to the forest/woodlands, we see broken tree limbs everywhere, and trees that have gone to standing tall and proud to broken shreds torn apart and left splintered and dying from the fierce winds and heavy ice/snow build ups.

Develop new ideas through your imagination – softly and flexibly. If you could find a way to add a twist you will have more joy.

Perfect Liberty 2023.28
Oyashikiri

Trees matter – really matter.

oak tree photo-NickVrtis

N’oublie pas

Smiles are the world’s treasure.. if you smile more there will be more smiles in the world. Be one of those who makes more smiles.

Perfect Liberty 2023.26

Tag Cloud