Friday, May 18, 2018

Flanders Nature Center


I went to a local park today where I sat on a bench and watched birds. With the exception of a screeching Red-shouldered Hawk that flew over the pond, peace was all around me. Here are a few pictures from my brief escape to Flanders Nature Center, a Land Trust in Woodbury, CT.  

It's a lovely property to explore.

The Van Vleck family believed in preserving the land and eventually left the property to the Flanders Nature Center. Per their Mission Statement on the website, "Flanders’ mission is to foster understanding and appreciation of nature, art and the wonders of the natural world through land preservation, stewardship and education." This is the website: Flanders Nature Center .  The history link is interesting. 

I wasn't the mood for walking, so I chose to sit by the pond and relax. In the summer, when the reeds are taller and the waterlilies and wild irises are bloom,  this pond resembles a Monet painting. 

Perched on the little footbridge by the water was a Cardinal that decided to serenade us for awhile.

The Bullhead Lilies are already in bloom

There are a few Wild Geraniums getting started

On the other side of the footbridge is this smaller waterhole. I've seen turtles, frogs, and snails there, but not today.  

Bluebirds were flying back and forth between the trees and a nesting box. 

Very close to the Bluebirds nesting box, there were Tree Swallows occupying a neighboring box.  I watched it for awhile and then I headed back into the world again.  

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.” 
Henry David Thoreau

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Laurel Ridge Daffodils

The daffodils at Laurel Ridge in Northfield, Connecticut are in full bloom now.  The unincorporated village of Northfield is located in the southeastern corner of Litchfield.  


If you're looking for something to do this weekend, this might be the answer. This picturesque location is open from sunrise to sunset.  


Tucked away on a quiet road, the property is open to the public in April and May. For the rest of the year, it is closed to visitors.


After a long, cold Connecticut winter, this is a great way to welcome spring. 


These beautiful daffodils are on private property and they ask that visitors not bring pets. Also, don't pick or trample the flowers. (Yes, some people really do that!)


I always look forward to seeing daffodils and forsythia in the spring. They signal that winter is finally at an end.


Spring is definitely my favorite time of year. It's the time when everything comes alive. A time of new beginnings.


The flowers have been out for awhile, so their spring display won't last much longer. 

For information about the Laurel Ridge Foundation, please visit the website: 
Be sure to read the history of the property while you're at the site. 
Enjoy this beautiful spring.

Until next time... 😊




Tuesday, May 08, 2018

Vacation 2018 (Part Eleven)

If you're arriving here for the first time,  the beginning part of the vacation series is featured on the right side menu. 

The final day of vacation had arrived.  We decided to do a quick drive through Chincoteague NWR before we headed toward Delaware.

The horses were few and at a distance.

Except for this one. 

We saw this Snowy Egret.

And this Oystercatcher.

And another Snowy Egret.

And a Laughing Gull.


Then we left the refuge and headed north to Bombay Hook in Delaware.

When we arrived at Bombay Hook, we were met by Bald Eagles. This one was calling.

This Great Egret was high in the trees.

More Eagles

And another Great Egret.

 And another Eagle. 
 
We said goodbye with this Great Blue Heron. 

We had an enjoyable time and I look forward to another trip soon.
Thanks for looking! 

April Vacation 2018  - End of series





Monday, May 07, 2018

Vacation 2018 (Part Ten)


It was our final full day at Chincoteague, before heading home. I felt a little sad to leave this peaceful place.  When we drove in, there were no signs of the little Sika Deer or the horses.

But it was a treat to see this Little Blue Heron in white phase. 

This Cardinal lent a spot of color. 

 I caught this bunny nibbling on something.

 There were a couple of Oystercatchers in the grass. 

A Willet stood perched on this branch that seemed to be a favorite among wading birds.

We took the Wildlife Loop and WHOA! There were horses everywhere!

They were on the road, on the grass, in the gullies, and walking between cars. 

They were so beautiful and it felt special to have this happen on our final day.

Thank you for allowing us to join the horsey party! 

Tomorrow we would hit the road.  At the last minute, we decided to drive back up to Bombay Hook for a quick return visit, then head home.

To be continued...


Sunday, May 06, 2018

Vacation 2018 (Part Nine)



On this day of intermittent fog and sun, the closer we came to the beach area, the thicker the fog. 

The trees in the background weren't visible through the fog, and from the beach,  we weren't able to see the ocean at all. 

The dunes were cordoned off to protect some nesting birds.

A couple of terns stood in this pond. The one with the wings up never stopped calling.

An Egret stood looking out over a pond. Such peace!

Fog hung in the air creating an interesting effect on the landscape.

Horses in the mist.

We drove along, and farther along, the fog cleared.  

Oof! Lift off!

A Glossy Ibis. We didn't see any white ones on this trip.

Bright green leaves on the trees telling me that spring has finally arrived. A Great Egret and a Snowy Egret were perched.  Note the difference in size.

A bunny grazed as the sun finally emerged.
The next day will be our final day at Chincoteague NWR.

To be continued...