Tracking Sandhill Cranes

Every year as Fall and Winter approaches, I am reminded of one of my favorite bird species flying the friendly skies over the Midwest and South. As they fly over cities and towns and farmlands, you may not always see them at first, but you will definitely hear them coming as they sound off with their unique sqawk.

This first image I had never posted. As I prepared this post, I wanted to share an image I hadn't previously.

The Sandhill Cranes begin their journey farther north in Canada each Fall and slowly travel thousands of miles south along the eastern edges of the Mississippi Migratory Flyway. Many eventually end up in Hiawasee Wildlife Refuge in southeast Tennessee.

In this image, it was a sky blue day and late afternoon sun was highlighting the beautiful tips of the Sandhill's wings.

However, they stop multiple times along the way to rest and feed in plowed cornfields in the Midwest. The Sandhill Cranes are a beautiful majestic bird standing some 5' tall and spanning a width even longer.

Almost devoid of color, the late afternoon sky was pale white as the Sandhill Cranes flew over. Only the slightest hint of warm sun highlighted their wings.

One of the many resting places each year on their annual journey south, finds them in the thousands in Ewing Bottoms, just west of Seymour, Indiana. Here they rest, feed and continue their mating ritual dances in an effort to attain a forever life mate.

One of my favorite images of all the photographs I have captured of the Sandhill Cranes. I love the detail you can see in the feathers and the body of this majestic bird. Best of all when you capture an image and can see their beautiful red eyes clearly. That's the best.

They move around the cornfields in Ewing Bottoms and near the river bed foraging and flying in and out daily. They may rest here for several weeks, but they always move on flying further south to warmer climes. I captured these images and many more over a two year period honing my skills in phohtographing the Cranes in their natural habitat.

Their red foreheads, long, sleek legs, gray feathers, dotted with rusty spots, are all characteristic of their appearance. If you decide to track the Sandhill Crane, know these birds have rights too. I hope you will respect that as you attempt to photograph them. Always keep your distance. You will know if you are too close, as they will slowly walk away from you. Knowing this, you can get some wonderful photographs if you know when to snap.

From mating rituals to foraging to landing and liftoff. I hope you enjoyed this look back. I hope to be able to visit Hiawasee in southeast Tennessee this January before the Sandhill Cranes move back north. We shall see. I'll be back soon.

Photographer's Note: I met with a Wildlife Resources Officer for Tennessee today at Old Hickory Lake. He confirms the Sandhill Cranes are now moving north back to their breeding grounds. A tad early albeit, but case in fact.ENJOY!

The Meaning of Thanksgiving

THE TRUE MEANING OF THANKSGIVING

The true meaning of Thanksgiving focuses upon relationship. Thanksgiving is a relationship between God and man. Upon their arrival at New Plymouth, the Pilgrims composed The Mayflower Compact, which honored God.

Thanksgiving begins with acknowledging God as faithful, earnestly giving Him thanks, in advance, for His abundant blessings. “. . . In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

Thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart that reinforces an intimate relationship with God.

I found this meaning online and wanted to share this with you all. I sometimes feel we, as Americans, have forgotten the path that brought us here to this great United States. Perhaps we have forgotten God, faith, friendships, relationships. To embrace those in need and less fortunate. To know that every person, no matter the color or nationality, is welcome here in this great land we call America. So for this one day, I wish for you a bountiful feast with friends and family and more in an effort to thank God for all the riches he has bestowed upon you and yours. Be safe, be happy and God Bless you in your journey no matter where the road takes you. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Cornucopia

Today, I just need to say. I'm a Derby City girl who moved to Music City. I am from the Bluegrass State and now reside in the Volunteer State.

I used to photograph Kentucky and Indiana. Now I photograph Kentucky and Tennessee. Today I share a cornucopia of images I captured in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee, to herald a new season approaching. Fall is coming.

Tis the season for all things pumpkin, pine cone and acorn. Go crazy with witches and brews and spider webs too. ENJOY!

Fall Approaches

Fall is approaching here in the States. You can feel it in the air. While a heat wave grips a portion of the Eastern United States, there are still signs of Fall on the horizon. Last week's chill conjured up images of leaves in bright reds, yellows and oranges. Pumpkins are popping up in storefronts. Fall signs to 'Gather' and 'Give Thanks' are everywhere. Soon the nights will be chilly and the days will be brisk. Heaping mugs of cider will warm our bones. A steady hustle and bustle will be heard in every pumpkin patch and farm stand. I can't wait for the season to begin, so here's a little something to get us in the mood. I captured this image some 15-20 years ago in Brown County, Indiana, at the height of the Fall season. ENJOY!

Best of Winter Birding

There are so many wonderful opportunities to snap bird photos during the Winter months. As I was cruising my archive, I noticed a trend. Many of my best bird images were taken during the Winter months. These images are from the states of Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee. Most were taken in the past five years. Birding spots include Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest and the Lexington Reservoir in Kentucky, to three popular lakes in Greater Nashville, Radnor Lake, Percy Priest Lake, and of course, Old Hickory Lake. There's even an image of a Sandhill Crane captured at Ewing Bottoms, in south central Indiana, on a sunny Winter's day. I'll be making my annual pilgrimage to Louisville soon and wanted to share another Winter post before I left. I hope you are having a Happy Holiday and you are getting ready for a very Merry Christmas. With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I'll try to post once more before the big day. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Beauty of Winter

A beautiful red Cardinal sits perched on a tree in Mustatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in the dead of Winter. I had paid a visit many years ago to the refuge. Earlier that day I had visited Ewing Bottoms to photograph the Sandhill Cranes. Afterwards, before heading home to Louisville, I drove the route around Mustatatuck once. The only images I captured on that drive were several photographs of this beautiful red Cardinal perched high up in a tree. I had never posted it until now. I can't think why, as he is such a beauty. ENJOY!

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm not talking turkey here. I'm talking Happy Thanksgiving to everyone wherever you are, whoever you are sharing this holiday with. Eat lots of turkey and mashed potatoes and don't forget the pumpkin pie. Here's a little Turkey image to get you in the mood. ENJOY!

Cornucopia

CORNUCOPIA

Bright orange leaves fall softly to the ground
Pots filled with red and yellow mums dot the landscape

Candlelit pumpkins flicker aimlessly in the night

Crisp breezes send wicked shivers down our spine

Apple cider heaped with cinnamon warm our aching bones

Candy corn fills little buckets on All Hallowed's Eve

Black cats hidden in stealth creep out into the night

Witches dart through the sky casting black shadows across the moon 
Forgotten souls unearth their corpses from ghastly chambers

As Fall sets in, so does All Hallowed's Eve.

I gathered up a few words to help you in conjuring up the season and all its wonders. Halloween is fast approaching and Fall has arrived in all its glory. In some areas of the States, cold nights have taken hold giving way to snowy landscapes. Here in the South, Fall is gearing up for its last hooray. I truly love this season, but even more so the peak of it. ENJOY!

Miscellaneous Monday

There is nothing more beautiful and graceful than watching a group of Sandhill Cranes fly across the sky in the late day sun. I captured this image in Ewing Bottoms in south central Indiana several years ago in the Fall when the Cranes were resting there in abundance. I love the honking sound of the Sandhill Cranes as they fly over and land in fields to rest and feed. Perhaps this Fall or Winter I shall get a chance to see a flock here in Tennessee at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge. Have a wonderful week. I'll be back soon. ENJOY!

Fall Color Preview

Fall is my all time favorite season of the year, devoid of all the holiday hustle and bustle. Yet, it brings pumpkins, pumpkins, and more pumpkins. Apple cider and hayrides, and pumpkin patches and corn mazes, and haunted houses too. We decorate our humble abodes with pumpkins and squash, hay bales and corn stalks, and pine cones and acorns. Right in the midst of the fever pitch, comes Halloween with ghosts and goblins and hooligans too. That one special night brings us ugly witches with scary spells, hairy pirates with long black swords, and fire breathing dragons and demons and more. 

Just when you think the season is nie, Thanksgiving arrives. The leaves have fallen, heaped high on the curb. The air has turned to a crispier chill. It's Thanksgiving Day with a feast to thrill. Turkey and dressing and casseroles galore. Pumpkin pie just so sweet and hot mugs of cider, what a treat. Fall, how I love thee. 

These images are from Fall's past taken throughout Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. From along the scenic byways, deep within the wildlife refuge and forest, and high up on the mountains. Fall will soon be upon us. ENJOY! 

In Search of the American White Pelican

Several years ago I visited Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Refuge during the Winter in search of the American White Pelican. I had read they were Wintering there on a website I frequent, www.bird.aba.org. I spent several hours trekking up and down the gravel and paved roads in the many wetlands that make up the refuge in search of this bird.

I photographed Trumpeter Swans roosting on a nest in the largest wetland area of Goose Pond. I also captured images of male and female Northern Shovelers, as well as American Coots and Canadian Geese. I even photographed Sandhill Cranes, and two Whooping Cranes, that had made a stop over on their way South, yet no American White Pelicans. I had decided I had failed in locating the Pelican even though I had read they had stopped over at the refuge.

Just as I was about to leave, I turned onto one last gravel road I hadn't taken yet to make my way to the far northeast side of the refuge where a large wetland was situated. As I approached the water I began to see line after line of American White Pelicans out in the middle of the wetland huddled together in groups as they often do. Other Pelicans were landing, taking off and floating on the water.

I left my car and walked quite far out along the elevated bank of the wetland getting as close as I could to the birds. They were bigger than I thought they would be and really beautiful with black tipped wings you only see when they are in flight and a large knob on their beaks. I was so glad I hadn't given up in my search.

I had found the American White Pelicans and had it been a warmer day, I would have gotten tons more images that day, but instead I only took about thirty or so in various perspectives. Still it was a treat!! I hope you enjoyed my look back at the American White Pelicans as they Wintered in Goose Pond. And least you think I have forgotten, HAPPY NEW YEAR! ENJOY!

A Sandhill Crane Story

Come with me as I take you back to Winter 2013. After a short drive, I pull into the small town of Ewing Bottoms, west of Mustatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, in south central Indiana. Thousands of Sandhill Cranes are spread across the vast farm fields. Moving from field to field, the Cranes lift off, fly a short distance and land to forage for food. The bottom land is the perfect platform for viewing the Sandhill Cranes with its flat expanse covering multiple farm fields and a two lane road that cuts right through the middle of the area enabling you to view the Cranes in closer proximity. Flat and wide, one can view the Cranes for miles and miles while listening to their distinct calls as it penetrates an otherwise quiet Winter's day.

Fast forward to present day in middle Tennessee. Now, as I did in southern Indiana, I will travel to view the Sandhill Cranes yet again. Only this Winter I will travel to Hiwassee National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Tennessee, where thousands and thousands and thousands of Cranes will spend the winter months before migrating back north to build their nests and add to the Crane population. Each January the refuge holds a Sandhill Crane Festival with upwards of 2,500 visitors who travel to the refuge from all over the United States to view the Cranes. One might have thought my relationship with these magnificent creatures ended when I moved south to Tennessee, that could not be farther from the truth. Now I am closer to their Winter home and hopefully, in early January I will have new images of the Cranes to share as I travel to Hiwassee to view the Cranes yet again. Until then I wanted to share with you this image I captured of the Cranes as they flew from field to field in Ewing Bottoms in Southern Indiana several years ago. They are so beautiful. Don't you agree. ENJOY!

Happy Independence Day!

Stopping by briefly to wish everyone in America a Happy 4th. I am a tad bit under the weather so I won't linger. Just wanted to wish everyone a 'sparkly' holiday. ENJOY!

Vintage America

Lately, I have been posting my fair share of birds and waterfowl images. But last week I got to thinking about all of the wonderful places I have traveled over the past few years. There is rarely a place we travel daily or on a vacation that we don't find some historical artifact in some form or fashion.

Without the rustic, vintage, historical . . . without the rusted, aged, weathered . . . without these artifacts or historical places throughout America, my world would be far less interesting. On every occasion, no matter whether it is a day trip, a weekend or a longer journey, history surrounds us, and fortunately, I have embraced the vintage and historical factions in my travels. Throughout the states of Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Michigan, Massachusetts and Virginia, I captured these images whether it be Spring, Summer, Winter or Fall. ENJOY!

Linking to Wednesday Around The World

Herons, Mustatatuck NWR

He's on the prowl for lunch or perhaps it's dinner. As I scanned the marshland and swamps and lakes at Mustatatuck a few weeks back, I managed to find a few Great Blue Herons on the prowl. This guy was at a pretty far distance so I had to heavily crop the image to get you a closer view.

I love photographing Herons because they are such amiable subjects. They stand motionless for what seems like hours so getting a good crisp photograph is easy. This particular Heron stood for an eternity and never moved nary a bit the entire time I was photographing him short of one turn. Does that means he's really hungry and 'hell bent' on catching a fish. I wonder.

Every now and then I will capture the beautiful blue skies along with the gorgeous blues of Lake Rickert to show you how fantastic this wildlife refuge is to visit.

As you can see, the refuge was teaming with Herons the day I visited. In this case, this Heron was fishing intently in the lily pads at Rickert Lake way off to the side. He eventually disappeared into the reeds never to be seen by me again. ENJOY!

Autumn, Nashville, Indiana

Who doesn't love small artist's communities filled to the brim with shops, shops and more shops. Nashville, Indiana is one of my stops when I travel to Mustatatuck NWR. The small town is only twenty minutes north of the refuge so I tend to visit in Spring and Fall especially when the seasons are changing.

Moonshine Leather Goods shop is one of those storefronts that beckons you to capture a quick photo. This shop was once home to my favorite store in all of Nashville. Originally the store was packed from the ceiling to the floor with plants and ferns and hanging baskets. Some of the most unusual plants were sold here. The store had two main attractions, a coffee shop and the plant and gardening shop. Sadly, the recession happened to that shop early on. However, Moonshine Leather Goods has transformed it into a great leather shop making it the perfect place to shop for belts and bags and such.

It is especially fun to shop in Nashville during the seasons and take in all of the decor. In Fall, Halloween decor is peppered throughout almost every shop. Winter brings holiday decor, and of course, you can always find tons of gifts for the giving in all of the shops. During the holidays you will receive a warmer welcome as you enter some shops with hot cider and warm cookies to munch on. I'm thinking of making a visit during December this year to check out the holiday decor.

If you should ever find yourself traveling through central Indiana, plan on spending the entire day in Nashville if you come. Grab a bite of lunch or dinner at The Artist's Colony Inn. It's my go to place for lunch on every visit I make. Take a dip at the old fashioned ice cream parlor located at the main intersection of town or grab a bag of warm nuts at the nut shop. It sits right in the center of town. Lots of folks stop and sit and do some people watching on one of the benches scattered throughout town along the sidewalks. I feel really lucky to live so close to a fantastic place to spend some time. It's an added bonus to take photos around town too. I promise I will be back soon. ENJOY!

Autumn Color

As I venture outdoors to take in the foliage of early Autumn, the beautiful ornamental colors of the season greet me. The familiar reds and oranges and yellows surround me with every twist and turn in my day. Everywhere we are inundated with orange pumpkins, bright yellow mums and maple trees laden with scarlet red leaves. Yet, every once in a while our travels find us face to face with a much warmer, cooler hue of soft purple, almost lavender.



While visiting the artists' shops in Nashville, Indiana, a few weeks ago, I happened upon these beautiful ornamental cabbages growing near a walkway, virtually hidden by the side of a shop. The large leaves, one overlapping the next, was the perfect setting.



The cabbage's soft green and the faintest purple hues spoke to me as I captured their mere existence, while most people passed by not noticing the beauty that lay there. Did you notice the speckles of cream sprayed across each leaf as though an artist had painted a texture on a canvas.



Last Autumn while walking among the gardens at Yew Dell, I captured several images of this feathery bush with its branches moving softly in the cool breeze. The slightest hint of lavender seemed to come forth from the bright sunshine, yet in the shade fluffy branches waif with the palest blush pink, bringing the bush to life and lending it an almost heavenly feel.



Before I left the gardens at Yew Dell, I spotted a cacti growing near a small sculpture. What I really love about this setting wasn't the cacti, but the beautiful deep purple buds. With Autumn winding down, dried leaves had come to rest in the cacti intermingling between the bulbs and the cacti leaves, adding another dimension to the setting.



Finally, before leaving Yew Dell's gardens, I took a stroll near the Arboretum with its many variety of trees. I looked up to see bright purple berries hanging off the branch of a tree, each berry glistening in the bright sun. My Autumn was complete.

Every season I travel to Nashville's artist community in Indiana, and to Yew Dell Gardens in Kentucky, and more frequently, to Bernheim Arboretum near my home. Visiting these gorgeous settings throughout this particular season, I seek to find Autumn's most unusual displays of color in an effort to capture each one and bring it to you in my images for you to lavish in. This weekend is the annual St. James Court Art Fair, one of the largest in the United States. I hope I can get by there and bring back some images to share with you if time allows and the weather cooperates. I HOPE YOU ENJOY!

Fall Equinox

Fall weather is here in Kentucky, not to mention the leaves are showing signs of turning colors.
Pumpkins are showing up everywhere and fall decorations are adorning all of the gift shops.

Can warm bonfires on cold Fall evenings, pumpkins picked fresh from the patch,
hayrides bouncing you all over the rickety old wagon
and corn mazes twisting and turning you to and fro be far behind. 

Soon September will give way to October.

OCTOBER BRINGS . . .

wicked witches with tall black hats and swishy black brooms,

black cats darting in front of you on a lonely country road,

skeletons legs dangling from a creaky old rocker, 

ghosts, ghouls and goblins whizzing by, eekk,

and big black spiders weaving huge sticky webs on the corner of the porch.

Soon it will be All Hallow's Eve. Have you got your 'Fall' on yet? ENJOY!

Ode to a Pumpkin

It is that time of year. Are you seeing them everywhere you turn? Pumpkins. In shop windows, on front porches, in the pumpkin patch, in the front yard, on the sidewalk. Sitting on tables, sitting on chairs, sitting on patios. In, on and sitting everywhere.

There are carved pumpkins, painted pumpkins, appliqued pumpkins. There are pumpkin lattes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread. There are orange pumpkins, black pumpkins, silver pumpkins. There are tall skinny pumpkins, short fat pumpkins, huge obese pumpkins sitting on their side. The pumpkin is the very essence of Fall in every way it is displayed, eaten and enjoyed. And so goes my Ode to a Pumpkin. And yes, I have pumpkins decorating my patio, my tables and even in my home office. ENJOY!

Soaring by Elder Heart

As we approach the most colorful of seasons, I wanted to share an image I captured in Brown County, Indiana, in the small arts and crafts community of Nashville, this past weekend. Beautiful blue skies, fluffy white clouds, calm breezes and plentiful warm sunshine with a much cooler temp made for the perfect day to visit Nashville.

On the patio of the town's Visitor's Center, I captured a few images of the new art sculpture 'Soaring' that stands eighteen feet tall created by Southern Indiana Veterans, Elder Heart, under the guidance of local artist, Jim Connor. Elder Heart is a Veteran's organization that participates in many public and private projects around Southern Indiana. The metal sculpture featured huge colorful leaves, with single leaves at the top, and multiple leaves at the bottom, seemingly depicting falling leaves. It was the perfect image to bring you my favorite quote for Autumn by Albert Camus. ENJOY!