The bluebird is either a juvenile or female – the males are completely blue.
The European Starling was first brought to the US in the early 19th century by Shakespeare enthusiasts. Now among the most numerous song birds in the country. Wonderful coloring.
We will be leaving Tennessee after this. Next couple of posts will be from the Okefenokee Swamp on the Georgia – Florida border.
“I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may be in” – Martha Washington
It was certainly easy to be happy sitting on the lawn of the Martha hotel and listening to bluegrass music. ETSU is East Tennessee State University, they have a fabulous ethno musicology program – among other great studies.
Quote found at http://www.great-quotes.com/quotes/author/Martha/Washington
Here are a couple of flowers seen growing in front of the Martha hotel in Abingdon, VA. The Martha is the site of a former women’s college – Martha Washington College. Now has been added to my list of historic places to stay. We had a lovely brunch there.
“The perch swallows the grub-worm, the pickerel swallows the perch, and the fisherman swallows the pickerel, and so all the chinks in the scale of being are filled” – Henry David Thoreau
This was my first encounter with cliff swallows, they build their nests from mud under bridges. Probably used to build them on cliffs but…. This park was in Kingsport, TN.
Can’t say enough about Thoreau, he saw the connections in nature at a time when most folks were just killing stuff.
Quote found at http://thinkexist.com/quotes/with/keyword/swallows/
Can’t say enough about the Seven Islands State Bird Park – if you are ever in eastern Tennessee / Knoxville area – this is a must see. In addition to hiking there are facilities to launch a kayak or canoe.
“High and fine literature is wine, and mine is only water; but everybody likes water.”- Mark Twain
The setting for this winery was idyllic. It was somewhat off the beaten path and they had space for picnics. Oh and the wine was quite good.
Quote found at https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/wine?page=1
Successful birding trip to Tennessee. ID’ed many new species. Lots of history from the late 1700s and early 1800s as this area opened up to exploration by westerners. Saw some working coal mines, which are odd, because there are 50 or so cars in a parking lot and one small building underneath a coal elevator. At first I was curious where the people were – it was far too remote for a park and ride.
Finally music wise I got to go to the Ralph Stanley museum in Clintwood, Va, something I’ve wanted to do for years.
“Why do you try to understand art? Do you try to understand the song of a bird?” – Pablo Picasso
I found taking photos difficult in Tennessee – number one the birds were smaller and faster. Also, the mountains and trees seemed to block me in. I guess I just need the wide flatness of Florida.
Quote found at http://www.searchquotes.com/search/Bird_Song/
This little guy was singing his heart out. He’s sitting on a 4 foot high tube that has plants in it apparently creating a habitat for birds. There are several rows of these at the park.
“In wildness is the preservation of the world” – Henry David Thoreau
Seven Islands State Bird Park is a Tennessee state park on the French Broad River. It is reported that 180 species of birds have been spotted here. Pretty good for 425 acres.
Quote found at http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Henry_David_Thoreau/21
Picture This by Frank 