A Pink Respite
Though we don’t always act on our knowledge, most would agree that we all need a brief respite now and then. The last few months have been one huge push for me…get my house in NC ready to sell; sell it; find a new place to live in FL; and pack up for the BIG move to my new home in FL. Even then, it has been a daily regimen of unpacking boxes, finding places for the things that make it “home” and de-clutter even more. Push, push push. As God our Creator was designing and creating our world, even He knew to set a day aside for rest. If God Almighty needs a respite here and there, why in this world would we not recognize that more often??? Yesterday, I decided I was doing myself an injustice to not take a break. So, I packed my beach chair in the car and got a bottle of water and drove the five minutes to some of the most beautiful great waters of our world, the Atlantic Ocean. In south Florida, the water is a lovely blue-green as we live in a sub-tropical weather area. The sun was bright, the sand was very warm and the water refreshing just to look at, though there were plenty swimming and surfing. I found my little spot and got my chair positioned, sat down and pointed my face to the warmth of the sun. I briefly opened my eyes to see a beautiful sight…there must have been 15-20 brown pelicans flying so serenely without even a flap of the wing right overhead…VERY close! I could see their eyes. They are one of my favorite water birds because of their having fought their way back after nearly becoming extinct as a result of the widely used DDT. Quietly, I scolded myself for not bringing my camera…but then, I realize I actually saw more and soaked it in more deeply just observing instead of working to get the picture. They were so peaceful and beautiful…just coasting so close. Tonight, I was thinking about that moment and how long distance birds conserve energy and take rest. This photo of a sweet Roseate Spoonbill at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge taking respite speaks to the natural order of life as God created...
Read MoreKeeping One’s Eye on the Prize
For nearly three years now, I have been a seeker of the Roseate Spoonbill. I admit that birders can be looked upon as a little weird by some, but among ourselves, we see ourselves as focused and patient. Those two traits are absolute necessities a birders learns very quickly or the sport is just not for you. Whenever I go birding in a new area, I research what birds one might see there so that I know what my targets are. Mind you, the only birds I shoot are shot with my camera. I have looked in SC low-country, Georgia coastal areas and in Florida for the big pink bird with the unusual bill…shaped like a big spoon, hence the name “spoonbill.” But, in each location, I have searched and inquired and finished each day with pretty photos of gorgeous birds, yes, but the spoonbill, No! Each time, I give thanks for the ones I did see as well as safety along my journeys. I spent the Christmas holidays with my Florida family and after returning to NC, receive a photo message from my land-developing son-in-law showing me the picture HE captured of some spoonbills on a piece of land he is developing. Wow! What luck, I thought, as I grumbled a bit to myself. I WILL find that bird!! Well, my house sold more quickly than I thought it would so I had to get back down to FL to find my new home. I planned to drive about half-way, spend the night in Jacksonville and then, do a little birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge near Titusville, FL. It was a beautiful day and I got great photos of a variety of birds, the ponds and the marshes. Of course, I was seeking the Roseate Spoonbill, but I enjoyed all the diverse birds there. There were many white American Pelicans, egrets, herons, all sorts of ducks, and white ibis. As I moved along the path, I saw flying above me a lovely and graceful Roseate Spoonbill. No time to get the picture but I SAW THE BIRD!! I was walking the path and another birder passed by and I whispered, “Did you by chance get a photo of that spoonbill in flight?” He said, “No, but there’s a bunch of them feeding down that way.” As I was shooting a large gathering of the pelicans, I zoomed out a little further and saw PINK!!! There were two spoonbills foraging nearby. Praising God the entire time, I snapped my camera as quickly as I could with some care. Then, I quickly headed in the direction of where the man had come from and what a feast!! ‘Twas a feast the 20+ spoonbills were enjoying and a feast for my eyes as well. Perhaps it was so enjoyable because of the long search I had had to finally see them. Perhaps it was simply because of my appreciation of God’s creativity, artistic design and His sense of humor in that spoon-shaped bill! Whatever, it was a glorious bit of time as I snapped away. Once I felt I had enough, I started the trek back to my car. I must have passed 6 or 8 other birders walking toward me and EACH one slowed to whisper the same question, “Were there any roseate spoonbills down that way?” This made me smile inside and out for I was imagining their oncoming gasps and ooos and ahs set ahead of them. Love me some Roseate Spoonbills!!! Thank you, Lord!...
Read MoreWhat's Your Passion?
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