Sunset At The Marsh

Friends, we are once again stepping into a new month. What will the month of May bring? 

We don't know, and in my opinion that is a good thing. We can all do our part to make this month or any time the best it can be. 

Take time to see the beauty of springtime, whether it be returning birds, new growth or even a beautiful sunset.

Today I ask you to join me at the marsh, Kaleida Marsh to be exact.

The birds on the water became secondary as the sun was setting and giving us that path of gold across the water.

I know I take far too many photos at a time like this, but I don't want to miss even a moment of beauty.

A small flock of ducks are silhouetted against that orange sky.

The look and feel of the sunset changed moment by moment. I really like the moody look in this shot and the next.

This was one of those sunsets that held me spellbound, even as the light faded.

At the edge of the Pembina Valley stands a small cluster of mature trees, which look like one tree, hence it is referred to at my home as The Tree. 

This is the scene I captured recently. the dull cloudy sky left me with a rather dull picture, but with the right programs that can all be changed.

 

Here is the same picture, taken into Luminar and a more interesting sky added to it.

Luminar is a very easy to use, yet powerful editing program.

I don't like changing the look of a photo so drastically, without telling my viewers what I have done.

Which version do you prefer?

A setting sun still whispers a promise for tomorrow.

A Prayer

Today I share a hymn with you. It is a prayer we can all pray.

The title is," Lord I Need You."

Lord, I come, I confess

Bowing here I find my rest

Without You I fall apart

You're the One that guides my heart

Where sin runs deep Your grace is more

Where grace is found is where You are

Where You are, Lord, I am free

Holiness is Christ in me

So teach my song to rise to You

When temptation comes my way

When I cannot stand I'll fall on You

Jesus, You're my hope and stay

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You

Every hour I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

You're my one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

 Now a confession. I temporarily decided to move my blog to Wordpress, but upon further investigation, I realize that is likely not in my best interest or that of my followers, as I am not willing to pay to have the ads on Wordpress removed, so here I am, back on Blogger.

Sorry for any inconvenience .

Moving to WordPress

I am making a move to WordPress for my blog.

I trust you will follow me there.

Here is the link for my latest post:

Ruth's Photo Blog

 

The Wonder Of Birds

SPRING

This means the arrival of the migrating birds. I will say, I do enjoy the birds that stick around for the winter, but there is a certain excitement when the migration begins.

Some of the earliest birds to show up are the Dark-eyed Juncos. It is a thrill to step out the door and hear their high pitched trills.

Seeing that first flock of Mallards and hearing their quacks is another thrill and a sure sign of spring.

One of the rituals of spring is the annual hawk migration. Pembina Valley, not too far from my house, is a flyway for these birds. This spring I have not spent as much time there, but I have still been able to get shots like this Red-tailed Hawk.

That first American Robin to show up on the yard is reason enough to celebrate. The Robin probably has the most recognizable song. Hearing that 'cheer up cheerily' from a nearby tree brings a smile every time.

Just for good measure, I will add another picture of a Red-tailed Hawk.

Another bird which most everyone can recognize by their song, is the Mourning Dove. I love watching their gentle actions and that soft cooing is so sweet.

The House Finch is not a true migrant, but their color gets so much brighter in spring. I usually have a couple of pairs of these birds around all year.

Something to Think About:

What wonder of creation draws your attention to God? How does it impact you to know how much your Creator values you?

Beauty In Unexpected Places

During springtime, I put on quite a few miles in order to see the returning birds.  

I had been told that there were many eagles about a 45 minutes drive from my home. 

That meant I had to go check it out.

There were a few, but not as many as the day before. As you can see the water on this river was still frozen, but the birds seemed to find some little morsels of food. Of course with the food come the squabbles.

Landing gear is down and touch down is imminent.

At places the ice was breaking up and causing unique ice formations.

My favourite one was this slab of ice which was partially on the shore. I loved the color of it and the layers.

The open water gave some lovely reflections.

I had not seen what I hoped to see, but that did not stop me from finding beauty.

I challenge you to keep your eyes open to find beauty in unexpected places.

The Joy Of Springtime Birds

This is the time of spring bird migration. It is a season filled with excitement,as many birds are returning to their northern nesting grounds.

I will be sharing some of the many birds I get to see.

Today instead of my commentary, I am also sharing a poem written by someone else. I may have shared it before, but it bears repeating.

Am I wrong to be always so happy? 

Tundra Swans at the edge of the ice.

This world is full of grief;

Yet there is laughter of sunshine, 

to see the crisp green on the leaf,

Swans on the ice and a bald Eagle overhead.

Daylight is ringing with song-birds, 

and brooklets are crooning at night;

And why should I make a shadow when God makes all so bright?

Immature Bald Eagle

Earth may be wicked and weary, 

yet cannot I help being glad!

There is sunshine without and within me,

 

Canada Geese in flight.

and how should I mope or be sad?

God would not flood me with blessings, 

meaning for me only to pine

A majestic Bald Eagle.

Amid all the bounties and beauties he pours upon me and mine;

Therefore I will be grateful, and therefore will I rejoice;

My heart is singing within me; sing on, O heart and voice.

 

Welcome Back Birds

Spring brings back the Canada Geese. even though I already have so many photos of them, they are good subjects, so I always take more.

The sky in early spring is not good for photos, so I get this washed out look, but the geese are very visible.

You can see that when I got these pictures some areas of the marsh were still ice covered.

I am by no means an expert, but I enjoy trying my hand at those action shots.

as always, the Canada Goose is very vocal. You can see this one is calling out.

No,this one and the previous one, are not the same pictures. Those powerful wings always make an impression on me.

Yes, we do see more than just geese. These three Tundra Swans were enjoying a swim in those icy waters.

 Think about this:

In the faces of nature there are wonders that never cease

Wishing You a Blessed Easter

When They Found Nothing

They watched as soldiers nailed their Saviour to a tree

They witness all the anguish the agony,

They waited for his father to rescue him but then

he cried out it is finished they knew it was the end.

The stone that sealed the tomb had finally sealed their fate

for all their hopes now lay within that borrowed grave.

Left with only questions they pondered all he said

but answers didn’t matter, for now their Lord was dead.

They began their final walk to say one last good-by

but when they reached the tomb they could not believe their eyes.

 

When they found nothing, they found everything.

In an empty tomb, they realized what Christ himself had prophesied

that death could never hold their king.

For when they found nothing, they found everything.

 

Hallelujah He is risen.

Hallelujah praise the Lamb.

Who conquered death and hell who died and rose again!

When they found nothing, they found everything.

In an empty tomb they realized what Christ himself had prophesied,

that death could never hold their king.

For when they found nothing

they found everything!

 Should you wish to hear the song quoted above,click on this link.

The video is from 2011, but the words are as relevant today as they have ever been.

When They Found Nothing