Nature – Page 9 – Gardens For Goldens

Spring Equinox

“Every spring is the only spring – a perpetual astonishment.” ~ Ellis Peters

Happy first day of Spring. To all your far-flung corners of the world, I hope it arrives as quick as a bunny!

Wordless Wednesday: From the Meadow

Of Birds and Man

“There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before.” ~ Robert Lynd, The Blue Lion and Other Essays

Wordless Wednesday: Uninvited Guest

If I had a single flower…

“If I had a single flower for every time I think of you…

I could walk forever in my garden.” ~ Claudia Adrienne Grandi

Happy Valentine’s Day ❤

Our Sacramento Valley is a hub of bird activity in the winter. Tens of thousands of birds come a calling, traveling on a super-highway called the Pacific Flyway. It is a major north-south route for migratory birds extending from Alaska to Patagonia. The Sacramento Valley is a key rest stop along the way, or even a winter home for some – where birds gather by the thousands.

According to the Audubon Society, you will find about 250 species of birds in the Sacramento area alone. Expand your search east to the Sierra foothills & mountains, south to the San Joaquin River delta, and west to the Pacific Ocean and that increases to about 400 species.

Some pass through…and some find it very cozy to stay on in our nearby parks where they are very well fed.

Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue is surrounded by rice fields…a perfect landing spots for birds who flock together, including these beautiful snow geese.

Unfortunately, they are perfect sitting ducks for hunters as well. Throughout January, shotgun pops rang out and the birds took to the skies by the hundreds.

This past weekend marked the end of hunting season. The birds could not be happier.

Now that the skies are safe, you’ll find geese-covered fields putting a welcome mat out for their friends –

and even cohabitating with cows.

The worldwide Great Backyard Bird Count runs February 13-16. Thanks to my friend, Rob for capturing this Alfred Hitchcock moment. Anyone want to take a guess on this count?

Walk With Me: II

My work commute is an hour drive each way. Not fun. The good news is that it puts me out of town and within walking distance of tucked away walking trails filled with old oaks, small ponds and flocks of birds. Walk with me through some protected trails in Roseville, CA.

Fifty years ago, there was nothing here but miles of oak trees.

A suburban city sprouted, but someone had the foresight to set aside designated open space – areas where natural beauty would remain for the generations to come.

It remains largely unspoiled – save for a few forgotten or visiting treasures.

Oh to be as free as a bird and stay all day.

Someday.

Wordless Wednesday: Spun Crystal

Walk With Me

After all the year-end projects are finished and the holidays are put away – my mind goes blank, and my motivation flies right out the window. It’s time to get outside and clear the head. Getting off the beaten path and out in nature returns perspective – and appreciation. I hope you don’t mind me taking you off our usual garden/rescue path for a short detour.

“Sometimes we must unfocus our way to clarity.” ~ Terri Guillemets

It’s so easy to get lost in our daily lives. Tasks take on undue importance until we return them to their proper place. Headlines make us worry for the world we share. On sheltered trails under big blue skies –

by the pond’s edge on cold, crystal days –

all of it is temporarily shed and I’m reminded of all the beauty this world holds.

“If you do not raise your eyes you will think that you are the highest point.” ~ Antonio Porchia

Restoration and rejuvenation lead to innovation and renewed passion – in any undertaking. Change your point of view, and be reminded of the world’s good grace.

I took a couple of days off to walk our American River trails and explore the nearby Bobelaine Audubon Sanctuary. The creatures were not as cooperative as my camera would have liked, but that’s OK.