The Blessings Of spring

One of my favourite places to go for sunset scenes, is Lake Minniwasta. Yes, I have many similar scenes, yet each one is slightly different.

The setting sun, peeking out from the clouds and reflected in the lake, gives a pleasing scene.

That golden path across the water is so beautiful.

While I wait for the sun to set, a lone Mallard swims across the calm waters.

On another day, I was able to get some photos of a Common Loon on the lake.

When I arrived at home, so had the Robins. They were everywhere. The feast that attracted them, was last years apples.

Give this some thought:

I have too many flaws to be perfect,

But I have too many blessings to be ungrateful.

 

An Afternoon at St. Vital Park

I love spring. Both as a photographer and a birder, spring is one of the best times for exciting new pictures.

The Mallard drake is a gorgeous bird. This is one of those birds, that is common around here in spring and summer,one which I will keep on getting photos of whenever I have the chance. The thought is always, that the next shot may be the perfect one.

Canada Geese are another very common bird during the spring and summer months. I love capturing them during the bathing process.

The most colorful duck we see around here is the Wood Duck drake. I already have more than enough photos of these birds, but once again, the next one may be the best one, so I keep on shooting.

God brought out all the best colors when he made this one.

Where there is water and perhaps a human or two who might throw out a morsel of food, there will be gulls, like this Ring-billed Gull.

 Just Something To Think About:

Father, so stun our hearts with your grace today we’ll have a hard time complaining and criticizing, whining and worrying.

The Canada Goose

The Canada Goose has become a familiar sight around here. When I was growing up, we would see those huge "V" formations in the sky in spring and again in fall, but rarely did we see the geese during the summer. Now they are everywhere, even in busy cities. If they have water and a place to make a nest, they will make themselves at home.

To me those first goose calls are a sign that spring is right around the corner.

Some folks don't like them, and I will agree, they leave a mess wherever they are, but I think there is something beautiful about them.

I could not see a nest here, but I do think it was probably hidden in the reeds.

These birds become very protective of their nests and later the young.

Upon landing, there is nothing better than to stretch out those powerful wings.

I enjoy watching this, and of course capturing it with my camera.

I am not sure if this was supposed to be a nesting platform, but these two used it as a place to relax.

Whether you like these birds or not, they are resilient and will make themselves at home almost anywhere.

God cares for the birds and that includes the Canada Geese.

 

Early Spring Sightings

 A quick stop at the Discovery Nature Sanctuary on April 10 yielded a few early spring images.

On one of the ponds two male Mallards were slowly gliding along,creating interesting lines in the calm water.

One of last years Milkweed pods still had a few seeds hanging on. These thin filaments glisten in any small amount of light.

I also checked out a known field of Prairie Crocuses. It was even a little early for them, but they still showed some beauty.

Some of the flower buds were just emerging from the cold ground. They are hard to see, as they blend in with the ground so well.

I love the soft look of these special flowers. 

The Prairie Crocus is the flower of Manitoba, so therefore it is illegal to dig them up or even to pick them. it is best to walk carefully and take as many pictures as you want. This assures us that these flowers will be around for others to enjoy.

Nowadays, it is not that easy to find these flowers,but I remember as a child we used to pick many of them. They were growing in abundance in almost any pasture. Back then we did not know that they were a protected species, or maybe they were not even listed as such then.

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful.

Discovery Nature Sanctuary

In recent years a new nature preserve has taken shape.

The beauty is that it is only about eight miles from my place, so I can go there often.

Discovery Nature Sanctuary is located just east of Winkler, Manitoba. This place is still new, but it offers some relaxed walking paths, a creek, a pond complete with marshes at the edge. Also, it features some mature trees as well as shrubs. All this attracts a variety of birds. I have added a link to the Facebook page of this site.

My first visit there this spring was early, so not too much green around yet, but that didn’t mean there was nothing of interest .

All photos in this post were taken on April 10,2021.

The empty shell of last years milkweed was still hanging on.

Along the edge of the pond, I spotted this fella. I believe it is a Mink and that may mean that the ground nesting birds will have to work a little harder to protect their nests.

What do you see here? I see a bird, don't ask me what kind, but it looks like spread wings to me.

I love this old tree, and yes, it is alive,but as I said it was early, so no leaves at that time.

The creek is calm, waiting for the action of the waterfowl which is sure to happen shortly.

Yes, this place is at the edge of the industrial area of the city, but the birds really don't care.

Lord, thank You for the detail You put into creation and for being at work even when we can’t see it.

Discovery Nature Sanctuary

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.