Next Lap of the Circle of Life

Spring is a great time of year.  Wherever you look there are the signs of new growth and new possibilities.  That is certainly true at the refuge.  If you look closely (and not so closely) you are bound to see nature begin the next lap in the circle of life.  Animals can be see conceiving, awaiting, giving birth to, and raising the next generation.

People like a nice home, in a quiet area; animals are similar.  Often they will find a well hid spot adjacent to our popular walking paths.  If you are not observant, you probably would walk right by without noticing.  Lord knows, I have.  Thanks to those of you who helped point out some of these locations.

Here are some images from the start of this year's lap.


Oriole's next along the Upper Impoundment near the river


Grackle sitting on a nest near the Boat Ramp


Yellow Warbler hiding right under our noses (if you are standing on the tower)


Of course you have to thread the needle to be able to see the nest


Downy Woodpeckers changing shifts just before the Cross Dike trail crosses the impoundments. (Exiting bird is taking out the trash)


Assuming this Song Sparrow is feeding someone, otherwise wouldn't it just eat them one at a time


Mother Mallard guides her chicks


Mother Wood Duck stretches while her young cluster nearby

Sometimes when the weather is gray and cloudy the water looses most of its color. It can be a challenge to take an interesting photo in those sort of conditions.

As I was taking this image, the scene was really speaking to me. With a couple of adjustments in Photoshop, I turned the water completely white. When printed on matte paper, it looks like a pen & ink drawing rather than a photo. Sometimes you can capture not only what you saw, but also what you were feeling at the time.