A Year on Clear Lake-Sept 22, 2013

Mockingbird–September 22, 2013

Something unusual happened today. On the first day of fall, it actually looked and felt like it. What a treat! The air was dry, the temperature, though not cool, was mild, and the sky was gray and overcast (right) which made it seem cooler than it was. It was a great way to start the season.

The falcon was back. I have not seen it the last few times I visited, and thought perhaps it had moved on traveling farther south for the winter. It appears to be a small, compact bird, so I was shocked when it took off to see how long its wings are.

Other than the falcon, the day belonged to the mockingbirds. They were everywhere–high and low–and were not bothered by my presence.

With all the gray, I looked for color and of course found it in the wildflowers. There were swamp daisies, sweet scent and goldenrod.

I loved seeing the baby yellow-crowned heron. That is a treat, too.

 Green Thought:“In the midst of the complexities of modern life, with all its pressures, the spirit of man needs to refresh itself by communion with unspoiled nature. In such surroundings- occasional as our visits may be- we can achieve that kind of physical and spiritual renewal that comes alone from the wonder of the natural world.” ― Laurance S. Rockefeller