Acres Of Inspiration

What did he just say?

“I am thinking of going into Agriculture.”

The back roads of Skagit Valley were enjoyed by my older son and myself on a slow paced day of gorgeous farmlands!

“What do you mean becoming a farmer?” Knowing all too well that my son had all ready given me 20 other occupations he had been investigating at the university. This time he sounded really serious.

As we finished our conversation I felt a twinge of excitement living vicariously through my son’s ideas and potential future career path.  After all hunting, searching,  and hoping are just the beginning as we progress though life and its many decisions.

The Great Blue Heron shows itself with its rather large and lanky body.

The Great Blue Heron utilizes its knife like bill to capture fish to eat.

Our conversation was two days ago and I could not help to think about it as I decided to take a day trip to Padilla Bay Reserve.  The weather was perfect and I knew it would be a beautiful drive on the back roads of the Skagit Valley here in Washington State.  There was much to see in the wetlands including up to 55,000 migrating birds!

The Trumpeter Swan are found often with mates.

Agriculture is a major component of these parts of our state from small organic gardens too much larger farms.  Follow me though the back roads just north of Seattle and see all the possibilities. Exploring these acres of inspiration brought to mind  that it is good to see countryside preserved.  Thinking that my son may be interested in being a part of a movement in his generation to roll up his sleeves and keep our lands protected made me awful proud.

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The slow paced drive through the farmlands of Skagit Valley are eye candy to the nature and wildlife enthusiast.

 

American Robins Feast Off My Northwest Pacific Madrona Trees!

It is quite a site to watch my backyard turn into a bird paradise.  I wish you could hear the sounds of the seeds dropping in my yard as more than 100 birds converge onto my trees berries! Amazing!  Open the photos to get a closer look!

Check out the wingspan!

Moody Blues

This little guy has a loud mouth!

Hummingbird Paradise

The male one dominates his territory!

Forested area and water are perfect for these creatures.

Hummingbird view and perfect mating grounds!

Part II of my weekend brought me to my friend’s home for a wonderful visit and an enjoyable view of his own little paradise of birds. In particular, you are looking at photos of the Anna and Rufous Hummingbirds. These shots I took were NOT easy. A research study found that the Anna’s hummingbird can shake their bodies 55 times per second while in flight. Can you imagine I was able to even get a picture at all? In fact the Rufous hummingbird is known for their incredible flight skills!!! I would say so, but I was blessed to get a few shots to turn out. Enjoy. These were taken in a town called Silverdale, WA with the backdrop of Olympic Mountains and an inlet that has waters coming from the Puget Sound.

Passionate Post Where Art Thou?

Enjoying Nature and God’s Creation

While sipping my morning java and taking my Ibuprofen, misty thoughts run through my head as collectively I weigh the day’s needs. Summer times typically bring joy and fun. This summer has been a fruit bowl of mixed emotions. In all my lessons of life who would have thought writing would bring that moment of solace. It is like time stands still as composing my words come to life. Yes. Words have a life all their own.

While studying from scripture as a young teenager at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, I am reminded of how we were taught the Words of God were God Himself coming to life for us. It is a metaphor I embrace. Lately sitting in my backyard pondering what it is this life is all about, the birds remind me of how gentle life can be as the little finches eat from my feeders. At times you will see a nasty crow try to come in and cause a raucous. He is soon gone as I shoo him away. Blue Jays come out next usually in pairs. They spend a lot of time enjoying my backyard typically as many as four pairs. It is great to see them playing. Yet they are loud when they chirp.

Birds of the air can teach us so much. The biggest lesson is how birds will learn to adapt to any given environment to survive. It is a lesson to take to heart. Developing in my mindset the ability to adapt to changes in my life come rushing into my consciousness as I sit in my backyard gazing at these amazing birds.