It was such a pleasant afternoon that we decided to take a little stroll around the Dean Nature Conservancy.
Hello? Anybody home?
In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight.
At the tip of the second of the four main branches on the top photo, there is something round hanging. You should be able to see it if you click on the photo. Tom was able to close in on it with the camera. Using my “Peterson Field Guides’ Eastern Birds’ Nests” and the internet, it appears to be the nest of the red eyed vireo. From the ground, it looked like a ball of twine hanging from a branch.
I love these sweet discoveries in life. Having four seasons often affords us the opportunity to see such wonders that are bared to the naked eye when trees and bushes are stripped of leaves. The first discovery was the nest. The second was the swollen buds.
It was warm enough to walk with fleece jackets instead of winter coats. Here we are playing with our shadows.
The gravel paths were without ice or snow, though it was soft stepping, and the pond was still covered in ice. We could see deer prints and dog prints, as well as rollerblade prints. All sorts of creatures walk these paths in such pleasant weather, while the tips of thistle finish their long winter’s rest and the milkweed pods are as bare as Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboards.
Let the new season commence!
It sure was a beautiful day today. Amazing that with the last 3 mild days we still had some piles of snow around! I am just thrilled to walk out the door and not have to brace myself for an assault from the cold! Great photos Penny, it looks like you made great use of the day. 🙂
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It was, Janet, and looks like we may have another one today.
We have one such pile at the end of the drive, though it has diminished greatly. The parking lots of strip malls and such still have high, dirty piles, but, we can see pavement and even some greening. Yea! I am so anxious for spring.
Thank you. It felt good to be out walking and nature posed for us. 🙂
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I’ve enjoyed the mild weather too. The kids were out playing in shorts and t-shirts. I heard three flocks of geese honking high overhead.
Love your photos!
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It certainly is welcome, isn’t it L. Marie? I’ve heard the flocks of geese as well as even further up the Sandhill Cranes brrrrrring.
Thank you.
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Happy Spring! Loving the post and the daffodil header. Thank you for the beauty (and the memories) because it is already (or still) summer here.
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Thank you, Sallie.
Mr. and Mrs. Mallard have returned to the pond down the road and we can hear Sandhill cranes headed north. There is hope that spring is on its way.
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Lovely photos and discoveries, Penny. I’m so glad spring has sprung for you. 🙂
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It is coming slowly, Perpetua, but it IS coming. 🙂 Thank you.
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You were so alert to see the nest! How wonderful to make such a discovery, Penny. I think you are so right to say that four seasons afford a wonderful benefit for discovery! How wonderful to be able to move about and enjoy the outdoors just as winter turns to spring. 🙂
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It felt so good to just be out and walking, Debra. For some reason we didn’t take many winter walks this year, so, it felt particularly energizing. One of the opportunities winter provides is to see unusual nests that are otherwise covered with leaves. It was fun to find this little ball of wonder. Having said all that, I’d sure like some of your warm weather today. 🙂
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It must be so nice to be creeping out of hibernation Penny. Those shadows look very companionable.
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It is, indeed, Juliet. I’m glad we took this, and the next day’s walk, Saturday, for this is Monday morning and we have two fresh inches of that white stuff. :(. Those shadows were behaving and being nice shadows, holding hands, and talking. 🙂
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