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Archive for the ‘trees’ Category

fickle heart

Pileated wood pecker, this was the profile I saw today.

My reward today was getting to see this beauty at one of the feeders. (Mer Bleue) I have heard one and seen one in the distance at Dewberry Trail, and of course I see the results of their woodworking skills tap tap on the trees they love to peck away at. But today, one flew up to the feeder I had just filled and settled in to feast. I was struck with awe. I stood in the swirling snow and just watched, transfixed at his/her beauty and size. When I got my initial awe struck mind to register that it was happy snacking and not going anywhere, I quickly sought out my cell, both cameras were not with me. Guess who didn’t have her phone with her, it was still plugged in beside the bed. (the above picture is from good old Wikipedia)

To say that seeing one so close to me, and so amazingly unfazed by my being there, was truly an experience I will treasure, is fact. I noticed when reading the info on the Wikipedia site, that the picture I am using indicates its a female, however the male doesn’t look that different.

this one is identified as a male

Interestingly there are usually other woodpeckers around when I am there, the mid size one and a smaller one. Neither was around when my “star” arrived. The other birds paid her no mind, but then they were interested in the peanuts and sunflower seeds I had put out in the other feeders. My beauty, was after the suet. Interestingly I have noted freshly chipped out rectangular holes in the big tree that is in the clearing, but I had yet to see the “artist”. It seems they are looking for insects, especially ant colonies, they even eat poison ivy berries. I am smitten, but fear not, I am not about to embark on a search and find mission for insects to put out for her. I will however, make sure the flavour of the suet she likes is made available for her.

Thank goodness she is far away from my murder of crows… This must be what a cheating heart feels like.

Don’t think “I Can’t” from the start. Begin by taking the first step, then you’ll be able to see what comes next and a path will open.

Perfect Liberty 2021.6

Everything that happens to you is material for growth. Approach everything with a firm belief that “it will turn out for the best”. Anything can be used as material for progress and development.

Perfect Liberty 2015.4

Oyashikiri

Friday

Nature in abstract

I have been going often enough now.. they don’t fly away when I am working around the feeders, they don’t get chummy, but they do stay where I can get a good look at them. I’m close enough that I can see that each one of them has its own unique colour pattern, subtle, never-the-less some have more brilliant yellow, some more mustard colour, there is even softer shades of the golden hues. The contrasting black can be like an ebony while a few have more of a charcoal black, then of course there is the blinding white that stands out so dramatically.

This was my morning visit. After I pruned back broken twigs and branches that were in the way, and filled the feeders that needed tending to. I just stood there, letting them come and go, fly by, settle and eat. It was fascinating to see them at such a close range. It is a wonderful feeling to know that I’ve been able to gain their trust enough that they allow me to be so close.

The forest floor is covered in an array of shapes of all sizes, the snow that blankets the fallen timber and dead branches makes for natural abstract visuals. I come away feeling very pampered that I have been able to enjoy not only the fresh air, and clear blue skies, but the company of active birds, squirrels and ….. the odd human that wanders past .. heading out on one of the trails.

I must ask next time I see one of the photographers, where all the cawing and squawking is coming from that I hear off in the distance. Or… maybe.. just maybe, one day I’ll take the walking poles and head out for a stroll. So much to look forward to.

Listen carefully and speak clearly. A good relationship starts from truly understanding each other.

Perfect Liberty 2021.5

Oyashikiri

Happiness is, seeing this sign

this is a sign that brings out a happy smiles

When you turn down your street and see this sign, you can let out a holler…YAY!.. It is the city telling you that your street is scheduled to have the snow removal crews visiting your street/area between those times. Everyone makes a special effort to clear the cars off the street. You find a place to park if you don’t have a laneway. They came this afternoon. Now when I look outside, my street, and sidewalks are clear of snow!

We live in a part of Canada that can get serious snow, but we are also blessed with a wonderful Cleaning and Mtce crew.. It doesn’t take long for our streets and highways to be cleared, (major)… side streets do take longer, but all in all, we have a very efficient system.

Improve yourself to have a kinder heart. Do what you can to be caring and considerate to make others happy.

Perfect Liberty 2021.3

Begin each day with a renewed sense of appreciation.

Perfect Liberty 2014.6
the snow in the woodlands is still big and fluffy =^_^=

February 1 fevereiro

Shirley Keen, NZ

Each Persons Peace leads to World Peace. First of all, you have to be happy. That happiness will spread and be the foundation of World Peace

Perfect Liberty 2021.1

Paz Para cada pessoa, Paz no mundo.

Perfect Liberty 2021.1

Oyashikiri

clear your mind

There are days when you want to simply clear your mind of all the mental debris that lingers in the crevices and nooks and crannies that fill up the space between your ears, and behind your eyes.

At home we can dig out the vacuum cleaner and do our best to manually suck up the dust and dander that has collected over time. If you are lucky enough to have hardwood or uncarpeted floors, you might even get to sweep up the different dust bunnies that have gathered here and there within easy reach. The mind however, can be a little trickier to unclutter.

Today I spent time enjoying the quiet of the church. With the pandemic having our city on lock down, the church is experiencing a lull in human activity. There is something to be said about being quiet, allowing the stillness to weave its magic .. and then accepting and allowing the mind to empty itself without haste, or worry.. When we meditate/pray, the heart rate mellows out, and tensions ease away. It is an amazing experience, and yet.. it is something that we often postpone, or put aside “till we have time”. Now more than ever, we need to make the time for reflection and “letting go”.

Do things joyfully instead of taking it easy. Enthusiastically engage with what’s in front of you. You’ll enjoy it more.

Perfect Liberty 2021.30

I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.

Perfect Liberty Principle #3

Oyashikiri

photo- by Nick

crows

A friend came over and left me a big steak, a fillet of salmon and a package of bacon that had freezer burn. I chopped it all up into little pieces and this morning set out a buffet for the waiting birds. Even as they landed to grab pieces and then fly away, there were so many of them, that I lost count .. I knew that by the time I positioned myself and got the camera ready, poof they’d be off. In less than 10 minutes, the ground was clear of all signs that there had been a feast.

What I don’t get is there can be an empty sky, when I arrived there was one crow on a snow bank, he flew up into a tree as I drove in, and parked. By the time I scattered the food, they were all waiting, well a portion of them. As I drove away to give them space and position myself over a ways, I could see more crows coming from blocks away. How do they know? How do they communicate? Like after any big meal, some sat around just chilling, others left. Certainly there was nothing left on the “table’.

I noticed when I got to the one trail that I go to, this morning there were crows. I seldom see crows there, I would have liked them to stay around, but on my arrival they all took off. My usual crew of Evening grosbeaks, blue jays, woodpeckers and the little birds were hovering waiting… I set about filling feeders, dusting snow, and spreading the peanuts and sunflower seeds. Wasn’t long before the dining area was full of chatter and flapping about.

The beautiful cardinal was there this morning (guess I was early enough to catch sight of him) his female companion was there too. I was pleased that I was able to distinguish her by her head/shape and colouring. I’m getting better at recognizing the ones that I see regularly. I am even flattered that there are some of the chicks now that will actually land on me pecking at what is in my container. A few are as bold as brass.

Even the naughty little squirrels that I scold for getting into or on the flat feeders.. will just look at me now and talk back to me. so…. guess who went and got them their own peanuts complete with shells. Gosh.. is there hope for me… LOL it is fun. and I am getting my fresh air.

Be careful about saying “Its probably good enough” Wholeheartedly do what you notice, when and how you notice it.

Perfect Liberty 2021.29

Oyashikiri

Wednesday

It’s Okay to think “this is where it starts” There is always a turning point, its important what you do from

Perfect Liberty 2021.27
BOM DIA

Ana, Luzia, Claudia . Vera, Cristine, Francisa, Bene, Paulo, Jane, Lena, Shirley, Rosangela, Edneia, Maria, Elaine, Nancy, Marcio, Telma, Giuseppe, Sueli, Cleide, Cida, =^_^=

the gathering

Today I tried the Nikon. They were patiently waiting for me to give them some space so they could dive down to the banquet I’d laid out for them. There is another tree off to the right, there were more on that tree.

Today was a day of “waiting”. If anything getting to know birds and their tolerance for a human wanting to get a picture, is teaching me “patience”

Ok. can you tell if the other bird is facing us, or is that his/her rear?

I was waiting for someone to turn up between these two trees. I managed to push the button in time to get these two.. They aren’t doing anything interesting, but it was an accomplishment for me. It was 7 degrees here this morning. My fingers were not getting, they were numb.

this certainly looks like Mr. Grump

I have a great appreciation for the wildlife photographers who sit for hours to get a good picture. Not only do they have to wait for the bird to come into view, they then work their lenses to capture the bird in action or at least getting a good resemblance. LOL.. I at least can tell this is one of the blue jays.

Face challenging situations with positive determination. When you encounter difficulties, boldly take measures to overcome them. By creatively finding solutions, you will feel the joy in tackling any situation.

Perfect Liberty 2019.13

note… The crows are not in the same location as the Blue Jays

At Dewberry today I saw so many Evening Grossbeaks, it was a sight to see, the sunlight gleaming against their black and gold feathers. Sadly I didn’t even try to get pictures there. I was too occupied with filling the empty feeders. The Blue Jays were at Mer Bleue.

note… I got my fresh air. 🐱

Cheers on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

silhouettes

There is great joy in being able to appreciate and dwell in a world of such beautiful wonders.

Stir Fry Friday

we never know just where a road will lead, even when there is a sign
who we will meet and what they will have to say
some mind their own business and really don’t care to interact at all

Free yourself from being overly attached. Overthinking hinders ideas and actions.

Perfect Liberty 2021.22

Do your best today, have a great day, smile a lot.. and always.. have caring kind thoughts for those around you.

Oyashikiri

imperfections are part of life – Q

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