It is a gorgeous time of year to be in the woods. Wild Turkey gobbles float on the wind. Once you are in tune with the turkeys' call, you can pick up distant, barely audible gobbles. It is a subtle cadence of spring that registers without conscious effort. The sensuous spring air is palpable on your skin. Life is rapidly unfurling from the soil. Bluebells, Spring Beauties, Toothwort, Violets, Hepatica, Jacob's Ladder, and many other wildflowers are in bloom. Cruising insects compete for nectar and pollen. The insects attract birds, including early spring migrants like Northern Flickers, whose numbers spike in our area this time of year as they pass through on their way north.
I loved this post and didn't love it. The death of one of my favorite birds (or any bird for that matter) is very sad. I really don't care for the karma that congeals in a predator rebirth. This seems a cruel world where life must murder other life to survive and only a cruel God would create such a place, achingly beautiful as it is.
Looove! All of this post! Even your description of the death of the flicka, but she gifted you a lone feather. A testament to her having lived and died in your line of sight.
I love the close up of the hearts on the chest. Sweet!
So much better talking about birds than human politics, which quickly becomes tiresome and quarrelsome. Bird talk, on the other hand, is so much more interesting, even when cooper hawks dive in for dinner.
Thank you for the observations on Flicke.rs. We get only the occasional solitary visitor to our feeders, but the time they take probing the feeder to claim a shelled peanut lets us get a good long look. I wonder if on some level they figured out that attacking the ant nest directly might actually cost them a reliable food source over the long run.
Astounding story, not where I thought it was going to go. I was horrified then unbearably sad. It went right to the heart of why my own writing project stalled five years ago. Your word images and visuals are amazing, btw.
What a thrilling story! I would have loved to watch the Cooper Hawk / Flicker struggle for all the emotions you cite. I dare say the feather the Flicker left behind was a gift for you - just for being there and capturing the story for us all. Thank you for sharing it.
Each time I read one of your posts, I learn so much. I havenβt spent much time observing bird behavior. You capture it in such a wonderful way. Your descriptions are great! Iβll be looking for flickers!! Thank you!
We were watching Hawk and crow drama the other day while walking in our local botanical garden. It was riveting. I didn't notice how loudly I was shouting, or how close other walkers were until after the drama was over and my husband pointed out the nearby group of silent witnesses. Slightly embarrassing. But how not to shout when so much aerial awesomeness is occurring?!! Your note about how nobody else noticed what happened reminded me of this event!
Wow! This was gripping. For a moment I wondered whether you might attempt to protect the flicker. Of course I knew you wouldn't. Nature must have her way. I'm still on adrenaline. Beautiful writing! And thank you for the introduction to flickers. Beautiful bird. ππ
An excellent post Bill. I believe , one of your best.
The photography.
The magic and new life of spring, in your own backyard, has filled your senses . In the very best way.
The single yellow feather.
The true path nature must take.
You honor her with your words.
βThe power, grace, beauty, and sadness on display are the purview of birdwatchers.β
Thank you, Mr. Davison. Magnificent.
I loved this post and didn't love it. The death of one of my favorite birds (or any bird for that matter) is very sad. I really don't care for the karma that congeals in a predator rebirth. This seems a cruel world where life must murder other life to survive and only a cruel God would create such a place, achingly beautiful as it is.
Looove! All of this post! Even your description of the death of the flicka, but she gifted you a lone feather. A testament to her having lived and died in your line of sight.
I love the close up of the hearts on the chest. Sweet!
Again another beautiful post.
Thank you for taking me along.
So much better talking about birds than human politics, which quickly becomes tiresome and quarrelsome. Bird talk, on the other hand, is so much more interesting, even when cooper hawks dive in for dinner.
Wonderful photos! The hearts on the Northern Flickerβs chest grabbed me.
Thank you for the observations on Flicke.rs. We get only the occasional solitary visitor to our feeders, but the time they take probing the feeder to claim a shelled peanut lets us get a good long look. I wonder if on some level they figured out that attacking the ant nest directly might actually cost them a reliable food source over the long run.
Watching the flickers here in RI for the past two days. How glorious and horrific it is to witness life before us. Thank you for this
An age-old story patiently witnessed and beautifully told. Thank you.
Astounding story, not where I thought it was going to go. I was horrified then unbearably sad. It went right to the heart of why my own writing project stalled five years ago. Your word images and visuals are amazing, btw.
Amazing photos , but that circle of life part was hard to read. Sigh.
What a thrilling story! I would have loved to watch the Cooper Hawk / Flicker struggle for all the emotions you cite. I dare say the feather the Flicker left behind was a gift for you - just for being there and capturing the story for us all. Thank you for sharing it.
Each time I read one of your posts, I learn so much. I havenβt spent much time observing bird behavior. You capture it in such a wonderful way. Your descriptions are great! Iβll be looking for flickers!! Thank you!
Oh and the wicka dance!!!!! So cute π
We were watching Hawk and crow drama the other day while walking in our local botanical garden. It was riveting. I didn't notice how loudly I was shouting, or how close other walkers were until after the drama was over and my husband pointed out the nearby group of silent witnesses. Slightly embarrassing. But how not to shout when so much aerial awesomeness is occurring?!! Your note about how nobody else noticed what happened reminded me of this event!
Wow! This was gripping. For a moment I wondered whether you might attempt to protect the flicker. Of course I knew you wouldn't. Nature must have her way. I'm still on adrenaline. Beautiful writing! And thank you for the introduction to flickers. Beautiful bird. ππ