(Lilacs. May 2008. © Robin)
About the time we first hear the Robin’s ringing welcome to spring we may listen for the Bluebird’s more gentle greeting. No bird’s song is more associated with the return of Spring than the Bluebird’s: nor is there a bird’s note more expressive of the passing season than the Bluebird’s Autumn call of far-away, far-away.
~ Frank M. Chapman, Birdlife, 1897
It’s not all snow, all the time here in the Bogs. In spite of the cool weather we’ve been experiencing lately, spring is taking hold. Why, I expect before long summer will be here and we’ll wonder where spring got to.
The plants and trees are not the only creatures displaying their warm weather plumage. The bluebirds are simply brilliant this year:
(Male bluebird at the bath. May 2008. © Robin)
As usual, birds are difficult subjects for me (meaning: the photos aren’t that great). I do give myself credit for capturing this bluebird at all because these guys flit around like crazy and rarely stay in one (visible to me) place for a long enough period to snap a photo.
This is an eastern bluebird. As you can see, they have wonderful coloring. I think we have at least four pairs of bluebirds on our property. They hang out with the American goldfinches which have a brilliant yellow coloring. I’ll be able to get a few shots of them late in the summer as they are attracted to the sunflowers (and we’ve planted plenty of sunflowers).
(The same bluebird. © Robin)
I’ll leave you with a sunset…
(Sunset by the pond. © Robin)
… and some music. And a little more music. And the music you might have been expecting.
If a bluebird has come into your life, look for opportunities to touch the joyful and intrinsically native aspects of yourself that you may have lost touch with.
~ Ted Andrews, Animal Speak
