SANDPIPERS

Monday, April 19, 2010

SANDPIPERS

(APRIL 19, 2010) A visual treat was made available to those of us at Angler's Park the last few days. Among the mallards and the Canada geese in the marsh were three sandpipers, selecting this tantalizing small body of water for a short respite.

At the beach we watch the sandpipers play tag with the waves; at Angler's Park, they just stand in the water and bob for plant life. A bird fancier was watching the waders yesterday evening and displayed a knowledge of the birds that made me realize how little I know. She was determining the specific type of sandpiper as she looked through her birder's book. She actually pointed out the sandpipers to me; I would have likely just assumed they were the killdeer that often find a place to feed out there.

Though I learn more and more about the plants and animals each day I'm at the Riverwalk, I've a long ways to go to come even close to those who study the feathered friends that make the Riverwalk their permanent or temporary home.

The male red-winged blackbirds were displaying their beauty this evening as well. The males were perched in the tops of trees and singing their interesting call. Though they don't have cell phones or computers, they have a most interesting way of hooking up by tweeting.

I was lucky to have a nice walk in the cool of the morning and a second one this evening. It was a perfect day on the Riverwalk - sunny, breezy and cool.

No comments:

Post a Comment

"DON'T TRADE YOUR DOG FOR AN ELEPHANT"

(JUNE 19, 2010) This morning we saw some lovely sights as we ventured to the Riverwalk at 6:15. The mother mallard and the six babies were out at Dan Daniel Park and the flora and fauna were plentiful. But, one comment made by a regular Riverwalk biker/walker stayed on my mind as we ventured forth. He said, "One bit of advice: Don't trade your dog for an elephant." What was the meaning of that? I pondered that question throughout my walk until I saw a water moccasin swimming close to the shore.

EXPRESSIONS

(JUNE 1, 2010) Often we see expressions in animals that are similar to humans. Sadie sometimes swallows a moth she has been stalking, and the look on her face says, "Sheesh. That didn't taste very good." The picture above shows some interesting expressions on the faces of a goose family. There is the gosling looking up at the adult with respect,, the other goslings looking over the adult goose with an inquiring look, and the adult in the background showing stress. Within this one photograph is captured many emotions.

SHALL WE GATHER

(MAY 25, 2010) People gather each morning to walk or ride bikes together on the Riverwalk. In addition, there are many "gatherings" on the river each morning among the wildlife there. The waterfowl gather to communially dip in the river or fly off together to graze in the rich meadows or just sit on a log in the middle of the river - watching. There is another type of "gathering" that goes on as well. Look closely and watch the swallow and the bluebird and the robin and other songbirds gather nesting for their homes or food for themselves and their off-spring. Look closely and see the insects gathering whatever they need for sustenance - the small bug drinking from the rain water "gathering" on the leaf or the bee gathering nectar from the budding flower. All of this is the age old activity of gathering by the river.

THINGS ARE DIFFERENT

(APRIL 14, 15, 2010) There have been many changes on the Riverwalk over the past two days. The search for the young 5 year old who fell out of the boat near Dan Daniel Dam, the small flowers that were once there are now gone because of the cooler weather, and the river has gone down because of the drier weather. However, amongst these changes there are some constants: the same people we see every morning on our walk are there, the river continues to provide a home for wildlife, and robins can be spotted along the trail.