365 Project - Days 305, 306

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32

I awoke this morning thinking about kindness. Quite a nice way to begin a Sunday morning. This section in Ephesians entitled, "Instructions for Christian Living, appears to simply inform us as to how we are "expected" to act. My perspective, however, is this is more a set of habits that would make our lives far more enjoyable should we exchange current behaviors for these new ones. I always have a choice in how I handle the situations before me. When I choose to handle them with consideration and compassion, that is as much a gift I offer myself as to the other person (regardless of how they may behave). It's up to me to remember that whatever I do for (and to others), I also do for myself.

There is an extended family of woodpeckers enjoying my garden. They sing, play and peck. It is a joy to watch them. Despite their size, they are respectful of the tinier birds that share the food and garden with them.

Blessings.

Today's Photos: Female Downy Woodpeckers

"It's a little embarrassing that after 45 years of research & study, the best advice I can give people is to be a little kinder to each other." Aldous Huxley

365 Project - Day 278

“Hold fast to dreams,
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird,
That cannot fly.”
― Langston Hughes

Feeling this in spades today and in every dimension. The day has been a rough one, but God has had my back at every turn. I do wish, though, that he could have prevented me from pressing the quality button on the back of my camera when I was fumbling in the dark - I hate when that happens.

I have been pressed for time and this was put in draft and delayed. I have been pulled in a lot of different directions with multiple demands on my time, wearing many different hats. I changed the photo I had planned for Day 278. Still a bird - so I left the quote above, but I just had to use the woodpecker at the hummingbird feeder.

Ever feel like this? A bit of a desperate misfit. It seems you have all the right tools, but not quite. I'm fairly certain the woodpecker knows this is not his space. Yet he sticks his beak in there anyway. He may enjoy the nectar, but it cannot be as fulfilling as banging his beak against a firm wooden tree. Yet, still, he burrows in the hummingbird's hole. I watch and wonder. Why is the woodpecker so insistent on enjoying the fruit of something a third his size and clearly something so ill-fitting him? Perhaps, he is just thirsty. Perhaps, he wishes he were a tiny hummingbird. Perhaps, he thinks, if only ...

I know how the woodpecker feels.

Best wishes.

Today's Photo: If only ...

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:1-2






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 800
200mm
f2.8
1/500s

365 Project - Days 259, 260

"Be like the bird, that pausing in her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her and yet sings, knowing that she hath wings." Victor Hugo

I continue to enjoy watching the flurry of bird activity in the garden. I tried to find a way to capture all of the birds and their antics. I'll keep working at it, but thought combining these two days might be a fun way to share.

In the first photo, you see 2 sparrows and a titmouse hanging out together. The second one shows a woodpecker flying away, while the cardinal and sparrow are flying in. And the third is of 2 titmice and a sparrow in the feeder while Mrs. Cardinal awaits an opportunity. The respect with which they share the food is remarkable.

I have truly enjoyed the dynamic of the of bird activity - the restlessness, the diversity, the activity high and low and watching the birds soar. In this particular garden, one cannot be timid and expect to enjoy the best the garden has to offer. You must aggressively swoop in and grab your place. It's okay to wait for your moment, but wait too long and the squirrel will have stolen your opportunity.

I have read the above quote repeatedly. To me, it offers the hope that if we will push ourselves while in the thick of difficulties (the slight boughs), we will find that we have precisely what it takes to overcome those adventures. And there is joy or singing in the knowledge that we have or have gained our wings at that precise moment.

Blessings!

Today's Photos: Wings!

"Let not the opinions of man interfere with the directions given to you by God." Unknown

365 Project - Day 256, 257

"It's not the tragedies that kill us, it's the messes." Dorothy Parker

I am all absorbed with completing the headshot boards for this week's Sabrina's Encore Productions shows, Beauty and the Beast and Thoroughly Modern Millie. When I get like this, I am mostly numb, and can do little else than make multiple trips to the printers to fix photos and then, measure, print, cut, tape, repeat.

The only time I am not fully consumed and anxious is when I am watching the bird activity and wandering amongst my garden. Something odd is happening with the birds. From my perspective, it's inexplicable. I have a daily rush hour in my garden. Throughout the day, there will be short segments of time when lots of birds will swoop in grab a bite, hang around on a limb and walk around the rocks. I expected fewer birds when the squirrels down-sized me to a single feeder, but there are more. I have fewer goldfinches and several of the larger birds are gone, replaced by hoards of titmice, nuthatches and woodpeckers. More cardinals are here all day and the mourning doves are hanging around in a nice, tight pair. Everyone seems to be getting along and taking turns, but the squirrels still bully the birds my swinging from the branches to jump on the feeder. And, that's irritating.

I'm surprised by the calm that overcomes me as I watch the activity. Even a few moments with the birds is enough to regroup and reset. Perhaps observing their frantic activity, helps me release and forget my own. At the end of the day, I know I get this way when I don't take enough time to pray and rest - something I know intellectually, but in the thick of things am not always great about making the time - and creating the environment that would envelop me in peace. Yet, tomorrow is a new day!

Blessings.

Today's Photos:

Active Garden - Day 256

Active Garden - Day 257

"God cannot give you happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." C.S. Lewis

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

365 Project - Day 198

"All I have seen teaches me to trust the creator for all I have not seen." Ralph Waldo Emerson

I used to write "Happy Birthday" with a bar of soap on my sons' mirrors when they were younger. I thought it would be fun for them to awake in the morning with a cheerful message celebrating them. The writing was large with hearts and other cute drawings. My way of letting them know they were super special.

Likewise, at times, I have asked God to give me bold, clear messages. I would prefer something akin to a burning bush, a loud booming voice, or an indisputable miraculous occurrence (like a stick-snake-stick or water-wine thing). To be candid, my prayer ends something like this, "...so that I know that I am not schizophrenic!" You know, sort of just listening to tiny voices in my head and making stuff up as I go along. I would even settle for a soap message on my mirror, "My dear, here are your personal instructions for the next phase of your life. Follow these precise steps. XO God" Wouldn't that be awesome? So crisp, so clear. Perfect wisdom.

I have been reading a book in which the Devil makes a claim that he is a better salesman than God. And, our pastor mentioned in today's sermon that the enemy's voice is louder than God's because he stands at a distance and shouts. God, he said, is right by our side, whispering. But we don't always hear ("frantic, focused on negatives", etc) and when we do, I'm afraid we don't always listen.

Too often, when God says, "you know what to do," I hang on like this bird, bracing myself, contemplating the action, thinking and planning, running worst case scenarios and waiting for the perfect moment. And God's response is "Get on with it. People need what you have. I've got your back!" In fact, I heard that just this past week.

I believe the true disconnect is this: wisdom requires faith which requires action. Faith in action is how we illustrate the confident knowledge of who God wants us to be.

So, I'm ready to take off. Are you? If not, what are you waiting for? God is whispering.

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: It's time to fly

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom...But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." James 13, 17


ps - I awoke this morning to find this bird feeder missing. The hook had been broken and the feeder disappeared. I later found it 10 yards away, empty. I am baffled by what might have occurred in my gated garden last night.







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 400
280mm
f4
1/500s

365 Project - Day 197

"Spring and summer bring their beauty
and a special kind of peace.
Take a walk in God's creation.
It will bring a sweet release.
For nothing is more settling
as you walk this earthly sod
than to marvel at His wonders
as you gently talk with God."
- Nancy M. Wilcox

I took a few minutes to walk around my gardens late this afternoon and discovered there is magic in my garden.

For a home in a neighborhood, this is one busy place. It is intensely noisy. Birds are flying high, jumping from branch to branch and strutting about the walkways. Squirrels and chipmunks are everywhere. And when I stopped by the fence to photograph a chickadee on the bird feeder, I heard a small squeak by my feet. I approached a densely wooded area in the front of the house and while the birds flew above me, something rustled the leaves underneath. I stopped and turned around because I was, well, frightened.

In my beloved Japanese Maple, a new family is building a nest right next to my front door where tragedy occurred just yesterday. These birds are taking the ultimate care, nestling their home high in the tree, set deep in the heart of a mass of branches and leaves. I have found comfort in watching them chat at the curve in our walkway and teased my husband about the Mrs. sitting high while the Mr. muscles the branches apart to complete the nest. My husband's response was, "ahh yes, she is barking orders!" Touché. If that is how order is restored, so be it.

While there is much activity, what I enjoy most is the color this activity brings. A green hummingbird, yellow goldfinches, red cardinals, browns and shimmering blacks of the cowbirds, reds and browns of the sparrows and the surprise appearances of a bluejay every now and then.

I suppose it's possible my garden has always been this active and colorful and this spring is the first time I have taken the time to notice. I have let the rush of the day's activities keep me from experiencing the wonder of God's creation. This is far more than stopping to smell the roses and reaches farther than watching birds. It is a reminder to make God my priority, to take time for myself and to listen deeply to the voices of my family. The blessing in return has been clearly promised.

Best wishes!

Today's Photos: The Blessings of a Backyard Gardener

"Yes, walk and talk with Jesus.
He will heal your troubled heart.
in His goodness and His mercy,
strength to you He will impart.
When your way is getting weary
and heavy steps you trod.
Take a walk in the springtime
while you gently talk with God."
From "Walk and Talk with Him" by Nancy M Wilcox

365 Project - Day 196 Part II

It pains me to report that the robins' nest is empty.

Two baby robins hatched a few days ago. My husband in his infinite wisdom set up a ladder with a remote video camera. I thought he was crazy to disturb their privacy, but he promised he was careful to set up the environment while the robins were away. We have enjoyed watching the adult robins warm the eggs and feed the newborns. It has been a beautiful sight. And I have grown to adore this family.

Yesterday morning I went out to take a quick look from a distance, rather than watch on the camera feed. I noticed the nest was empty, but just assumed the Mr. & Mrs. were off getting food. An incident had happened a short while earlier that I texted to my husband, but thought nothing more about it until this morning.

Something told me I should watch the camera feed. This morning's feed showed an empty nest. No baby chicks, no adults. I couldn't imagine what had happened, so I watched backward. We have 2 cameras covering 2 different areas, so the exercise was frustrating. I watched many feeds, the pool guys driving up twice - still can't figure out why they headed to the front of the house?? I watched several where the mother robin stared into the empty nest, restlessly sat in it, turning and turning, and adjusting only to become anxious and fly away. And others where the male robin would fly to the edge, poke around the empty nest and fly away. I could not understand.

I finally found a stream with both the baby chicks and mother in the nest at 7:00 yesterday morning. She fed them, flew away, returned and sat on them to keep them warm. Everything seemed quite normal. I fast forwarded to another stream and the nest was empty. I went through this exercise until I found the very last family video. I worried then that I might see the mother eat her young, because one of the eggs hatched late and that chick seemed a bit listless. However, when I went to the next video, I was horrified. I screamed, curled into a fetal position and cried. My husband came downstairs sure I had fallen down the stairs and broken my leg again. I cursed him for setting up the video stream.

As a reminder, the nest is built on my front door under an arch. It is in a tight and highly protected space. Mr. & Mrs. chose the best space at the time. I think. We've tried to protect them from all manner of manmade tragedies. Yet, we did know how to save them from nature.

As I type this, I am still crying. I feel for the mother who just wanted to ensure her babies had what they needed. She flew away from her safe home to get food and a moment later a large hawk swooped in and took her babies.

Yesterday, I was sitting on our back deck reading and watching the birds. I felt a stirring to look up and saw a low flying hawk. Here's what I texted to my husband: "Giant bird just flew away with mid-sized animal. Dog, cat, squirrel?? Animal kingdom!"

I was flippant. I didn't know he had my babies. Interestingly, there are a lot more adult robins in my garden this morning. All shapes and sizes are here for a visit. The beauty of their presence is a delight. We honor, find peace and move forward.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Blessings!

Today's Photo: Peace
(this is a Day 196 photo - I could not bring myself to post an empty nest)

From On The Pulse of Morning by Maya Angelou

Lift up your eyes upon
The day breaking for you.
Give birth again
To the dream.

Women, children, men,
Take it into the palms of your hands.
Mold it into the shape of your most
Private need. Sculpt it into
The image of your most public self.
Lift up your hearts.
Each new hour holds new chances
For new beginnings.
Do not be wedded forever
To fear, yoked eternally
To brutishness.

The horizon leans forward,
Offering you space to place new steps of change.
Here, on the pulse of this fine day
You may have the courage
To look up and out upon me,
The rock, the river, the tree, your country.
No less to Midas than the mendicant.
No less to you now than the mastodon then.

Here on the pulse of this new day
You may have the grace to look up and out
And into your sister's eyes,
Into your brother's face, your country
And say simply
Very simply
With hope
Good morning.









EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 800
280mm
f4
1/125s

365 Project - Day 192

The squirrels are making me crazy. They have broken the birds' favorite feeder. (Yes I have 2 feeders and a water bottle!) I was distraught earlier today when I discovered the feeder in the photograph below on the ground in pieces. I tried reassembling, worked hard to put it back together with birds circling above my head and swooping past me anxiously awaiting the morning's feed. By midday, however, the squirrels were back on this feeder, snapping it in two. Score 1 point for the squirrels.

Tomorrow, I have 2 new feeders arriving which are supposed to be squirrel-proof. I am worried that squirrel-proof also means the birds won't like them much, but I have new food coming as well. The challenge is that the new food is fruit and nuts, presumably quite tasty for the squirrels and these squirrels are scary-smart.

When not troubled by squirrels, I enjoy the early morning flurry of bird activity. Just like a gathering of family and friends, the birds come and go in a noisy parade. There is no anxiety. Just agreeable coming and going. Larger birds, like cowbirds, are starting to appear, but they seem comfortable at the other feeder and the smaller birds stay closer to this one.

"I have learned that to be with those I like is enough." Walt Whitman

One of the things I enjoy about the photo below is the simple sense of being together. Imagine that taking the time to be present, experiencing life together is important and is enough. Too often we bear the weight of many burdens that either keep us away from family and friends or distract us from being truly in the moment. What would that moment feel like free of burdens and fully present to breathe in the fulness of love and life and grace? That moment is an intentional gift of joy. Vaporizing burdens is difficult on your own - try relinquishing them into the Master's care.

Blessings.

Today's Photo: Meet me at the diner for breakfast!

"When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."Psalm 94:18-19







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 640
210mm
f4.8
1/1000s

365 Project - Day 191

Happy Mother's Day!

"Life began with waking up and loving my mother's face." George Elliot

I had organized and planned a new still life for today's photo. As I looked through my daily photographs, however, the photo below stood out as the best of the day. As this project is designed to select the very best, I had to forego my planned still life.

Quite a nice surprise that the female Downy Woodpecker rose to the top on Mother's Day. I do love this photograph. I rarely find the females in our garden. Though, the woodpeckers are beginning to travel as families more often lately. Many of my backyard birds arrive in pairs, but the woodpeckers seem to come in groups these days. They eat, chat and play. Watching the woodpecker family enjoy their time in the garden is delightful.

The woodpecker family dynamic reminds me of my own. I catch a couple frolicking about amongst the trees, flying together in a moment of frenzy, much like my children wrestling. I see fathers gathering at the feeder for a long meal. And, as in the photograph below, I see a mother intensely working alone.

"The family is one of nature's masterpieces." George Santayana

Today I honor my mother as full of grace, love, intelligence, strength, wit, courage and Christ. A fantastic guardian, provider and champion on this journey. I am eternally grateful for the gift of all that she is and has been. She is forever love.

Today's Photo: A Mother's Work

" 'Honor your father and mother' - which is the first commandment with a promise - 'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.' " Ephesians 6:2-3






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 400
280mm
f/4
1/180s

365 Project - Day 188

"If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain."
– Emily Dickinson

When I came upon this Emily Dickinson poem today, I stopped to breathe it in. Two events seemed to converge in a single poem: my 36 hour social media frenzy tied to the Give Local America campaign and the robins nesting on my front door. I suppose one could stretch the latter to my growing obsession over feeding the birds in my garden.

I feel this increasing sense of hope and joy, peace and balance as I tend to these birds, while ensuring I don't become like the "feed the birds" woman in Mary Poppins! The good news is battling the squirrels, ravens and gnats is keeping me from losing my edge.

We are now 100% certain the robins are nesting on our front door. I took a peek the other day. I know Mrs. Robin is tiny in the photo - I did not want to disturb her.

Should I be concerned about the health of my trees now that I have two types of woodpeckers hanging out? These typically anti-social birds, are homing in more everyday.

IMHO - If you're in need of a more peaceful existence, try one of these paths. The first is to help someone, as Ms. Dickinson says, if you can ease one life from aching, you will not have lived in vain. The second is to hang with the birds, they will alter your psyche. And either or both will bring you hope.

Blessings.

Today's Photos: Hope!

“Hope” is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops - at all -
-Emily Dickinson

365 Project - Days 184, 185

I am combining two 365 Posts:

The Accidental Birdist.

That's the name I've chosen for myself. I believe it sounds much nicer than "bird woman", the name my husband has taken to calling me. I'm writing this blog while sitting outside. In this way, I am sure not to miss details of this new wonder. Some might say that all the time I spent locked inside may be the issue. Between breaking my leg the morning of October 30th and the never-ending winter, I have been virtually indoors, Vitamin D-less and without fresh air and sunshine for any sustainable period of time for 1/2 a year. That's crazy!

I've grown comfortable spending several hours a day outside watching the birds, spotting rabbits and chipmunks and chasing squirrels. I have learned that country life can be as noisy as city streets. The birds, animals and insects create a cacophony of sounds that can be both exhilarating and frightening. I have listened to daily chatter, happy singing, soft cooing and urgent cries. I have even watched squirrels bark. And, with that I am witness to a new awakening and appreciation within me.

I've learned birds generally have a sense of abundance far different from our unwavering human sense of scarcity. The birds do not fight over who gets to eat at the feeder, when. They are patient, eating off the ground or grabbing a bite and chewing while perched on a nearby branch. There are some which delight in a long dining session at the feeder, but all shove off when necessary. The only altercation I have seen are birds of the same family playing (or fighting), nothing between different bird types. And, despite the fact that I am uptight about squirrels eating all of the bird seed, the birds seem to be far less annoyed.

I have to pause for a moment about the squirrels - they are like the devil. Smart, cunning, patient, persistent, acrobatic and fully devoted to destroying the feeders. We have done everything to keep the squirrels away. They have overcome all obstacles including jumping a 4 foot vertical to reach the bird feeder when they could not climb down from the top. I will not, however, let them ruin this for me.

Here, I sense balance and harmony. The cardinals arrive in pairs, if Mr. Cardinal is near, the Mrs. is not far behind. The titmice and woodpeckers normally travel in noisy pairs. Mr. Robin is not a big flier. He plays it safe as he has a family on the way. Most of the time, I find him skirting the edges of the garden. I know Mrs. Robin is tending to eggs in the nest at our front door. The dove also isn't much of a flier, but he's a beast. The nuthatches come and stay awhile and the sparrows are playful. This afternoon, as the gnats and mini-bugs appear, the time is not quite as fun, but I am still enjoying the birds.

I have identified 10 small bird varieties feeding in our yard in just a few days time. Crows, ravens, turkey vultures and other larger birds are starting to also appear in my humble garden. Here's what I know so far: American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Downy Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Black Capped Chickadee, Chipping Sparrow, American Goldfinch, White Breasted Nuthatch, Mourning Dove and an Eastern Bluebird (though he didn't stay to eat). If you're interested, I used National Geographic's Backyard Bird Identifier.

One day, this will end and I will be working too hard to find time to enjoy a day of birding. For now, I am thankful the titmice have come back to sing a pre-dinner song.

Best wishes!

Today's Photos: The Accidental Birdist

Female Northern Cardinal:

Male White-Breasted Nuthatch:

“Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment.”
― Rumi, Masnavi i Man'avi, the spiritual couplets of Maula

365 Project - Day 183

Birds! Despite my husband's declaration that my bird seed choice was a bad one, they finally arrived. While the birds seemed tentative at first, they stayed nevertheless. Several different types of birds enjoyed the seed throughout the day with some staying for awhile or returning off and on. It was a nice treat. I had a great birding day!

I am reminded that anxiety and worry while waiting is unnecessary. God is at work on His plan, His timing is perfect and He always shows up right on time. Our role is to be patient, maintain hope and use our time and skills wisely while we await Him.

This was one of my favorite photographs of the day. This bird flying in reminds me of both the abundance and the arrival of God.

Blessings!

Today's Photo: Right on Time!

"Be like the bird, that pausing in her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her and yet sings, knowing that she hath wings." Victor Hugo







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 320
280mm
f4
1/1500

365 Project - Day 182

The Robins have nested! We think. No one is allowed in the front yard, so we can't be 100% sure. My husband peeked around the corner and saw the mother sitting in the nest. We assume an egg was laid. He learned that they leg an egg every day and in 2 weeks they will hatch. I am like a mother hen. I anxiously await the arrival of these new babies.

With the weather warming up, I decided to fill our bird feeder, sit out side, enjoy the weather and capture photos of birds as they munched the food I provided. My husband told me I would find seed in the one grocery store aisle I never venture in, the pet aisle. I had no idea! And, there were so many varieties from which to choose. Having no clue how to properly select bird seed, I chose a pretty label described as attracting exotic birds. After we filled and hung the bird feeder, my husband suggested I relax since it would take a few hours for word to spread that new seed was available.

My patience did not last. I waited one hour and went outdoors. It was such a pleasure to have warmish weather. Well, truth be told, it was crisp (in British terms). I wore long underwear, sweatpants, a hooded sweatshirt and added a blanket, but the sun was shining.

While waiting, I did a little thinking, a little praying, a little napping. What I did not do, was photograph a bird. Several hours of waiting patiently and not a single bird showed. It was frustrating and I was cold. My husband thought I started too late in the day. "Birds eat early in the morning," he said. "You need to get up at the crack of dawn." Yet by 9AM the next morning my husband had declared my bird food a poor choice. So much for pretty packaging and exotic food!

I've had a lot of time to think about that bird-less day and have come to understand waiting in a new light. Waiting and waiting periods are important moments of growth. Too often, we want to move from the beginning to the end without a growth period in between. Yet, if we will use the time, that delay can deliver a dramatically strengthened outcome. The time I spent that first day, without the birds, allowed me to pause and reflect on what I knew about bird photography; make appropriate adjustments to both my camera and my lens; rethink my focus and how that related to the composition of my shots; get more comfortable with the birding modus operandi. Most importantly, it provided me time alone with God.

We must reimagine our wait time. Think of that time, whether we are waiting for God, love, jobs, Fridays, money or perfection, not as blank spaces or desperate delays, but as gold; rare gifts where growth prepares and strengthens us for the goal.

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Prepared

"Biblically speaking, waiting is not just something we have to do to get what we want. Waiting is part of the process of becoming what God wants us to be." John Ortberg





EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 250
230mm
f4
1/1500s

365 Project - Day 177

I mentioned our birds the other day. We have robins nesting on our front door. I feel for them. By now, the trees should be filled with leaves creating plenty of comfy space for these birds to build homes, yet old man winter hangs on. I commend the robins for their creativity. Luckily, we have not taken down our Fall wreath and they built their nest on top of it. My husband noticed twigs and hay at the base of the front door the other day, looked up and saw the nest. The day before I had been outside looking for birds to photograph and could find none. In fact, I felt as though they were taunting me. I could hear, but could not see any birds. It was making me crazy. I was in and out of the front door several times anguishing over not being able to track down the birds that I knew were nearby. Oddly, they waited until I gave up and then they went to work constructing their family home on the very door I had been slamming just moments before. Surely there's a sermon in there somewhere.

I have been making my family nuts. I want the robins to nest in peace. I've placed a sign on the door. The front door off limits. I asked my husband to put caution tape across the front walkway and told my son that he could (had to) go outside to play but he was banned from the front yard. This is largely because I caught him walking up to the nest, cell phone out, taking a photograph. Yep, like mother, like son. Only this time, though it slay me, I am leaving the birds to do their thing.

We cannot see the nest from inside. So, that's a bit maddening. We're not 100% sure they are still there, but we are hoping our home is working out for their home. It has been cold and windy. That little wreath is not all that sturdy. I hope it holds together for them when the eggs are laid and the chicks arrive.

PS - This photograph was taken when I tried to sneak outside to catch the robins before locking down the front yard. I used my 70-20mm along with the 1.4x teleconverter, but the robins saw me, flew away and did not come back. I got cold and weary waiting. I would not survive as a bird photographer. Here's how it will work for me: as soon as it's nice and sunny, I will set up a comfy chair in the back; fill the bird feeder and sit quietly in the warmth of the sun, armed and ready to photograph while the birds chow down. No waiting!

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Mi casa es su casa

"How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young -
a place near your altar,
Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you."
Psalm 84:1-4






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 640
280mm
f4
1/125

365 Project - Day 16

A few weeks ago I shared a photo of a bird flying over the open water, actually over the Pacific Ocean, with the online community at Light Stalking. I had just joined the community and they offer a wonderful sharing and learning opportunity. As a result of the rather lively dialog around that photo, I decided I would spend time developing bird photography skills, beginning with my birthday gift of a Nikon 1.4x teleconverter. I have big ambitions ;-) but you always have to start somewhere.

My husband was kind enough to prime my efforts by filling the backyard bird feeder. In no time the birds arrived, but I was preoccupied and didn't get out until dusk. Few birds remained and I had lost a full stop of light by using the teleconverter. This is my favorite photo of the evening, simply because she is singing. I am thrilled that I captured that moment. I know the quality isn't good, but I have all kinds of issues playing out here - the use of the teleconverter with its stop loss, extreme cropping of an underexposed photo where ISO was over 1000 AND I had this lens (70-200mm f2.8 VRII in my hand when "the accident" occurred. I'm not yet convinced that it fully survived. For now, I'm happy with this photo as the starting point in developing my bird photography skills. I'm anxious to get out again.

Today's Photo: "The Winged Singer"

“The earth has music for those who listen.” ― George Santayana