Back In The Saddle Again*
Life is precious. Step outside. Breathe deeply. Tell someone you love them.
(Our handlers released the latch to the door of our confinement and we furtively stepped onto the soft grass. It took a few moments for us to realize that we could once again spread our wings fully. In unison, we ran forward, flapped vigorously and were propelled into the bright blue sky. As we … “slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings” …**, we breathed deeply and thanked all those who had helped us prolong our dream-life together. A warm layer of air buoyed us enough that we could soar over fields, forests, lakes, swamps. As winter loosens its grip, spots of bright green appeared below and we knew Spring would soon grace us with renewal.)
(Click on images to enlarge, click again to zoom.)
Our rehabilitation is ongoing. We feel good each day and recently enjoyed our first outing since mid-December. The morning was glorious. Blue skies and mild temperatures greeted us as we inspected one of our favorite birding patches. Residents and winter migrants were going about the daily business of survival. Just as they have since the beginning of time.
Fresh fruit for breakfast at the edge of the lake, checking on early Spring flora, watching a dozen Palm Warblers flit from perches to the grassy hiding places of protein-laden insects, excitement as an Osprey flew overhead with a huge branch to shore up a nest which will soon be home to a new generation of fish hawks. It was all so — refreshing. Can’t wait to do it again.
Although it would be easy to think it’s a sign of Spring, these bright berries of a Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) are holdovers from the winter. Soon, small white flowers will appear and new fruit will show up in the fall.
During migration, we occasionally find a group of Wilson’s Snipe, such as these. Typically, we only see single birds hiding in the grass where they blend in very well. Seeing this gang out in the open was a nice treat.
It may not be as flamboyant as its big cousin, the Great Blue Heron, but the Little Blue Heron certainly is handsome with a subtle blend of colors.
When they are side by side, it’s pretty easy to distinguish Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. When alone, such as this Lesser Yellowlegs, their calls help in identification.
“Mother-of-pearl” always comes to mind when the light shines just right on the feathers of a Glossy Ibis.
Further indication that Spring is on the horizon as we found Coastal Plain Willow (Salix caroliniana) with its yellow-green catkins blooming.
One of our most numerous winter warblers is the Yellow-rumped Warbler. Some birders refer to it as a “Butter Butt”, but we are much too refined to call it that.
Yet another tourist, the Black-and-White Warbler, behaves like a Nuthatch as it scurries headlong down a tree branch.
A young Limpkin barely gave us a glance as it hurried across the path to a stand of reeds where there are likely apple snails just waiting to join her for breakfast.
Even more visitors from the north, Palm Warbler gangs were roaming the fields in large numbers. There are two sub-species of this little songbird. The “yellow”, or Eastern, has more yellow on its belly and eyebrow. The “Western”, has a paler belly and eyebrow.
Our most common migratory sparrow is the Savannah Sparrow. Plenty of streaks and usually a yellowish stripe over the eye.
It was SO good to be out in nature again! Thank you all for wishing us well. Hopefully, we’ll get back to a somewhat regular exploration routine.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
* “Back In The Saddle Again”
** “High Flight”
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew –
And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
– John Gillespie Magee Jr.
Our Natural Places 
Awesome to see you back, enjoying and photographing nature, and blogging again! Fingers crossed it becomes a regular routine. The photo of the Black-and-White Warbler grabbed me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a photo of one before.
LikeLike
Good to be back, Peter. Hopefully, we’ll soon be back “full time”. Until then, a few short trips will be just fine.
LikeLike
Glad to have you back. Very nice assortment of “spring” birds. Though I do think “Butter Butt” is appropriate as it certainly describes the bird quicker and rolls off the tongue faster than Yellow-rumped Warbler does.
LikeLike
Thanks Brad.
I have a tendency to call ’em Yellow-rumpled Warriors, much to the dismay of SWMBO.
Before it was declared “unhealthy” , were they called “margarine butts”? Not the same ring to it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Margarine never quite had that pop of Yellow we see from the Butter Butts. Besides, it’s always fun to see the reaction of new birders when I use the phrase “Butter Butt” in polite company.
LikeLike
I so enjoyed this wonderful array of spring and birds, Wally–super photos and engaging narrative. As a birder, I found many of these bird photos a treat–numerous snipes together (wow), the limpkin, so many palm warblers you can identify the different sub-species. And the black-and-white warbler–a heavenly photo that captures their twitchy spirit and beauty so well. Magee’s poem at the end was lovely. I am glad you and Gini are both recuperating and had these moments outdoors, which must’ve felt heavenly. Thanks for letting us join you.
LikeLike
We really appreciate your kind comments, Jet.
Our outings should begin to increase once we figure out how to avoid a few speed bumps along life’s highway. The turn-off to the swamp is just around the next bend ……
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did not know the black and white warbler could walk down a tree, I thought only the nuthatch could do that. So good to see your blog!
LikeLike
I can just envision that first Black-and-White Warbler hanging around with his friends and as they watched a nuthatch heading down the tree trunk somebody said “wish I could do that”. The little guy said “hold my beer”. The rest is history.
Fun reading about your Florida adventure!
LikeLike
Somewhat belatedly, I’m joining the chorus of voices welcoming you back. I’m so glad you continue to recuperate, even if more slowly than you would wish. May Mother Nature help heal you with her curative embrace.
As always, I enjoyed your wonderful images and accompanying descriptions.
All the best,
Tanja
LikeLike
Thank you, Tanja. We’re doing fine and hope to get back to exploring soon.
Enjoy your Spring. Loving that little bobcat!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you are doing fine. Enjoy your springtime explorations!
LikeLike
I’m so happy to see that you’ve posted again and even happier to know that you’re both feeling better and venturing outside! I hope you remember me—I subscribed as soon as I got home from work. I absolutely love these posts; aside from the beautiful pictures, your writing is truly amazing. It’s all so poetic. I wish you both the very best and look forward to more posts! ❤️
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Karina. Your gracious comments are appreciated.
Hopefully, we’ll be back to our “abnormal” blogging schedule pretty soon.
LikeLike
I’m so happy to read your post and hope you both continue to feel better. The weather sure has been nice to be outside lately. We camped this week and saw a Limpkin on a nest! That was a highlight of the trip for me! Enjoy your weekend! Pace yourself! Hugs, Diane
LikeLike
Good Morning, Diane!
The road back to “normal” has been filled with potholes, but we’re moving forward. I think.
Finding any bird on a nest is a treat, but a Limpkin is really special. Nice!
Looking forward to catching up on your adventures.
LikeLike
Despite my late appearance here, I’ve been thinking of you two since seeing this pop up in my inbox, happy that you finally made it ‘out there.’ What a wonderful report! Your mention of your lakeside breakfast (perhaps hard-boiled eggs along with your bit of citrus) reminded me how pleasurable a simple return to routine can be. All those bits of flora and fauna were, shall we say, lagniappe.
The birds you’ve offered here are a nice mix of familiar and unfamiliar. I’ve seen more yellow-rumped warblers in my neighborhood this year than ever before, and a few pine warblers have passed through. It’s been too long since I’ve been to the haunts of the water birds, but I’m looking forward to seeing which of them I might find this weekend. Your group of Wilson’s snipe is amazing; I’ve seen the bird only twice, and in each instance it was a solitary bird.
“Back In the Saddle Again” is a perfect song for reclaiming your natural places — it has the right rhythm, just like another you’ve reminded me of. Here’s to no more hobbles or fences!
LikeLike
Thank you for your appearance, which could never be late as we do not adhere to a schedule of any sort.
We were happily surprised at how many birds we encountered. Over 50 separate species!
Our return to exploring is still in the “stop-start” mode as life keeps throwing some unexpected jabs. Bobbing and weaving as fast as we can but some body punches have taken a toll.
Another great song! Thank you. ” ,,, Let me ride through the wide country that I love …”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You saw a lot of great things out there. Beautiful shots! And just in time to enjoy the cooler weather.
LikeLike
We sure did, Dina.
Now, if you could please figure out a way to extend today’s weather through the end of August it sure would be appreciated.
LikeLike
Welcome back you two. So glad you are back in action to help remind us of the importance of simple nature in our lives, and the beauty of life and especially Central Florida. Every day IS precious. I cannot imagine a better welcome back then by the old singin’ cowboys.
Maybe we are related, ha ha!!!- at least in appreciation of what is out there!!!!
LikeLike
Your comments are really appreciated, Dan.
It’s so easy to take our daily pursuits for granted, until we can’t pursue them anymore.
Sure feels good to be out among the trees, birds, lakes and ‘gators again!
LikeLike
What a beautiful outing for you both, I can definitely tell how wonderful you enjoyed it. Your photos are fabulous! I am so happy rehab has gone great and you two love birds are back out being one with nature.
LikeLike
We’ve been very blessed. Thank you, Donna.
We need crabcake fix ……
LikeLiked by 1 person
Us too!
LikeLike
What a joyful walk that must have been – your photos show hints of spring coming on strong. I hope both of you continue getting stronger, and that there are many more walks in your future!
I had to chuckle at your observation that the Butter Butts were everywhere – we’ve actually had small flocks of them flitting through our back yard! I have to keep reminding myself that their colors will become even more intense as breeding season approaches, and the tiny sunny patches I’m seeing now will soon be radiant.
LikeLike
Thanks, Sam.
Just 10 minutes ago, we had one of those “radiant” Yellow-rumped Warblers chasing all the birds away from the feeder. He keeps that up and the rest of the “yard gang” will start plucking feathers from that bright butt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome back (say I on behalf of nature). You chose a good theme song with “Back in the Saddle Again,” which, like so many of a certain age, I remember well from Gene Autry’s television show of the 1950s.
This is the only time I’ve encountered more than the first or last line of “High Flight.” Your identification of the author as John Gillespie Magee Jr. led to the informative Wikipedia article about him. He didn’t even make it to age 20.
These pictures confirm your area is well ahead of central Texas in the springtime department this year.
LikeLike
Thank you, Steve. Nice to be back out in nature, with or without a saddle.
I learned of “High Flight” early in my Air Force career and it’s been a favorite ever since.
LikeLike
Glad to hear that things are getting better. Thanks for sharing this collection of beauties. All the best!
LikeLike
Getting better each day. Thank you very much!
LikeLiked by 1 person