Blue Birds

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Juvenile Eastern Bluebird – Sullivan County – May 2015
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Elusive Adult – Seven Islands State Birding Park – May 2015

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.

Song Sparrow

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Song Sparrow – Warriors Path State Park – May 2015
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Singer – Warriors Path State Park – May 2015

“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/

Wildflower Wednesday

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Thistle – Seven Island Bird Park – May 2015
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Wild Sunflower – Seven Island Bird Park – May 2015

“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

Return of the Red Belly

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Red Belly Woodpecker – Warriors Path State Park – May 2015
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Right Light – Warriors Path State Park – May 2015

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Still no belly check. The red on this woodpecker’s head is magnificent, I wonder is it a regional difference (Tennessee vs Florida) or breeding plumage?

Quote found at https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/conservation

Misty Morning

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Holston River – Warriors Path State Park – May 2015
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Holston River – Warriors Path State Park – May 2015

Not a lot of scenery shots from this trip. However you can tell where the term “smokey” mountains comes from. While technically Sullivan county is not in the smokies it is among the foothills and shares almost daily mist with its neighbors. Also, sunrise is a challenge in the mountains – it takes a while to get over the hills.

Monday is Bird Day!

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Dad – Warriors Path State Park – May 2015
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Mom and the Kids – Warriors Path State Park – May 2015

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ― Pablo Picasso

First of the Tennessee pictures. This park is in Sullivan County in Eastern Tennessee it is built along an ancient highway originally used by native Americans and later used by early settlers to open up the land west of the Appalachian mountains.

Quote found at http://dailyinspirationblog.com/inspirational-pablo-picasso-quotes/

Sunday Morning

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Special Spot – Orlando Wetlands Park – May 2015
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Female Boat Tail Grackle – Orlando Wetlands Park – May 2015

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Just back from a week in Tennessee. Lots of pictures to sort through. Lots of history visited there – lots of sadness about the destruction of the old growth forests and treatment of the native Americans that the early settlers did. Much like what was done here in Florida only a century before. But first a visit the wetlands and see what’s happened there in a week.

Quote found at https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/inspirational

Whistlers

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Black Bellied Whistler – Orlando Wetlands Park – May 2015
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Couple – Orlando Wetlands Park – May 2015

“Conservation is now a dead word” – Marjory Stoneman Douglas

The above quote came from a 91 year old Marjory in the early 1980’s. Still trying to rally the troops to protect her beloved everglades. Perhaps our (Florida) legislators will listen to the will of the people and continue current conservation efforts.

Quote found at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/marjory_stoneman_douglas.html