Sunday, April 24, 2011

Outside: birds in spring

Well, Happy Easter!

Maybe since it's technically Easter Sunday as I begin typing this at 2am EST — I'll get around to coloring some Easter eggs today. It just wouldn't be me if it wasn't done at the last minute.

Truth be told, I've been sick. I seem to have acquired some sort of cold. I never seem to just get the sniffles, no, every cold has to be some sort of hacking / coughing nightmare with a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and a fever. I slept for 11 hours today... and believe me, I did not wake up feeling well rested. I think I want to go back to bed.

Anyway, the weather seems to have decided to coordinate with the way I feel. It's cold and rainy and dull, and rainy, and then it hailed... You know, c'mon, weather — it's April, could you act kind of springy already? Could we have some sunshine and some calm skies.

Anyway, before I was hit with this virus, I wandered out and took some photos. The red-winged blackbirds are holding steady to their territory in the marsh. And yes, that third shot is a sandhill crane — believe me it is not a Canada Goose. We have Sandhill Cranes and Great Blue Herons in these parts — so when a giant bird flies over I always have to pause and wonder which one it is. Sandhill cranes fly with their neck fully extended. Great Blue Herons fly with their neck tucked back to their bodies.













The last three shots were taken in the backyard. The bluebirds have returned (sometimes we wonder if they really ever leave). They're scoping out territory in the backyard and waiting for warmer weather. The pussy will has been waiting to bloom. It got all fuzzy and cute... and then the weather got cold. Hell, it even snowed one day. Yes, there was the magnolia bush out back covered with buds which were blanketed with snow. Really, weather, c'mon, enough with winter already.

It seems to be warming up, so hopefully I can ditch this cold... particularly by Friday - because that's the Art Walk. If you're anywhere near Tecumseh, Michigan: Friday 29 April 2011 is the annual Tecumseh Art Walk. I'll be at Timeless Stitches, so if you're in town, then please stop by. The event is 6-9pm. Hopefully this year it doesn't rain!

18 comments:

ju-north said...

Happy Easter Sarah! Love your photos!

Dave said...

Sorry you are not feeling well Sarah. I hope your health improves soon. Enjoyed your bird photos - Dave

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

These shots are all great! The top one is definitely my favorite. I love it's somber tone.

I hope you feel better.

Kerri Farley said...

Beautiful captures.
Hope you are feeling better soon!
Happy Easter!

Out on the prairie said...

Love all these Sarah.Hope you get rid of that crud.

Montanagirl said...

Wow, lovely series of photos! Really like the composition of those two Blackbird photos. Happy Easter!

Catherine said...

I hope you are feeling better Sarah ~ spring colds/flues ~ not fun!

Very pretty photos ~ hope you are having a lovely Easter or at least, laying in bed taking care of yourself.

Get well soon!
xo Catherine

TexWisGirl said...

sorry you're not well! i hope it passes quickly, but seems to be the type of 'bug' that'll hang on.

those happy little bluebirds are lovely!

Nancy said...

All of your photos are just wonderful, Sarah.

Get better soon! Hope your weather improves and I would love to come see you at the Art Walk. :)

Unknown said...

I love bird photography, you captured a wonderful mood in these pictures!
Feel better soon!

Unknown said...

I love hearing sandhills overhead....they're such an amazing bird...hope you're feeling better soon. Beautiful eye

Alison Marie. said...

Such beautiful creatures! You really captured the essence of them. I especially love the second photo. Great skills.

Sara&Eva said...

Hope you are today ok :)

Belle de Couture said...

Pretty shots! :)

xx
Jen

http://belledecouture.com

Diane ~ said...

hope you are feeling better! we still have snow on our property & it's cold & gloomy but the trees & bushes are budding! so Spring will come Sarsh, guess we just have to wait a bit longer.
ps...love the photos!

Mary C. Nasser said...

Great photos!
Very inspiring post!

Best,
Mary C. Nasser
http://www.marycnasser.com/blog.html

Happy Little Trees Studio said...

Those photos are incredible! I hope you're feeling better!

Leanne said...

Gorgeous - I am so enjoying my look around your blog - you have got some major talent, my dear. I can already tell this is going to be a favorite place to hang for me.