Cliff Swallows

On May 30, 2015May 28, 2015 By Picture This by FrankIn art, beauty, birds, conservation, ecology, nature, photography, TennesseeLeave a comment

“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/

Daisy

On May 29, 2015May 28, 2015 By Picture This by FrankIn art, beauty, conservation, ecology, flowers, photography, TennesseeLeave a comment

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.

Blue Birds

On May 28, 2015May 27, 2015 By Picture This by FrankIn art, beauty, birds, conservation, ecology, history, Philadelphia, Tennessee3 Comments

eastern-bluebird — Juvenile Eastern Bluebird – Sullivan County – 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

On May 28, 2015May 27, 2015 By Picture This by FrankIn art, beauty, birds, conservation, ecology, nature, photography, Tennessee2 Comments

“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/

Singer

On May 27, 2015May 26, 2015 By Picture This by FrankIn art, beauty, birds, conservation, ecology, nature, photography, TennesseeLeave a comment

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.

Wildflower Wednesday

On May 27, 2015May 26, 2015 By Picture This by FrankIn art, beauty, birds, conservation, ecology, nature, photography, Tennessee3 Comments

thistle — Thistle – Seven Island Bird Park – May 2015

wild-flower — 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

Feeder Pics

On May 26, 2015May 25, 2015 By Picture This by FrankIn beauty, bird, birds, conservation, ecology, photography, TennesseeLeave a comment

tufted-titmouse — Tufted Titmouse – Sullivan County – May2015

tuftedtitmouse2 — Hanging On – Sullivan County TN – May 2015

I have a few pictures from bird feeders. Those are big in Tennessee, sure brings the birds in – not sure if money would be better spent on wildflowers and habitat. Certainly the birds would not be as reliable – but….

Return of the Red Belly

On May 26, 2015May 25, 2015 By Picture This by FrankIn beauty, birds, conservation, ecology, nature, photography, TennesseeLeave a comment

red-belly-woodpecker — Red Belly Woodpecker – 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

Sunday Morning

On May 24, 2015May 24, 2015 By Picture This by FrankIn art, beauty, birds, conservation, ecology, Florida, photographyLeave a comment

flock — Special Spot – Orlando Wetlands Park – May 2015

boattail-grackle — 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

On May 23, 2015May 14, 2015 By Picture This by FrankIn art, beauty, birds, conservation, ecology, Florida, photography1 Comment

Black-belly-whistler — Black Bellied Whistler – 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

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