I have stalked this Chat for eight days. I have recorded it’s song several times, noted it’s territory and flight patterns during the day. Finally, on my birthday, I was rewarded with this lousy photo. I am happy, older but wiser. But, that’s not all I received. More after this…
The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge.
We amicably discuss animals, weather, climate, soil, plants, waters and note life’s patterns.
We invite you to note what you are seeing around you in your own part of the world, and to share your observations in the comments below.
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I took a “back roads” trip, for a change of pace and birthday treat. There are cotton fields that have been plowed and I knew birds would be visible for long stretches if I followed the farm roads. One bridge crosses the Yocona (pronounced Yauk-ne here) River between those fields that especially drew my attention. The following 33 second video does not begin to describe the thrill of my encounter with the Cliff Swallows that live underneath.
I stayed longer than I should have, but did back away to the approach so I would not disturb the birds any longer. That community resumed it’s routine and I enjoyed the time with these aerial acrobats as they fed on the insects.
When I got back in the truck, I stopped for a few Red-winged Blackbird shots. There are as many as pebbles in a creek bed. Along every ditch bank, there was a flash of black, gold and crimson.
When Hayseed and I were finishing up on a job Friday, we were graced with the presence of a Mississippi Kite. The bird flew into a tree in the back yard of the client and took a short rest. Hayseed and I both grabbed our cameras and began shooting. Here is my short 22 second film. I’ll process his film later for a future diary. First, a look at his profile.
There is a new project I hope to take on. A Ruby-throated Hummingbird has built a nest in an Oak in Hayseed’s driveway. We are trying to figure out a good and safe way (without stressing out the birds) to set a remote camera before the eggs hatch. This is as much film as I have (Hayseed has more) of the female on the nest. We hope to get good footage in the days ahead.
I have had a full day and will close for now. Thank you for stopping in and hope you enjoyed the wilds of Mississippi. Please share your own moments with us.
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My bug of the day has become of of my best friends and allies. Along with the bats, frogs, birds and lizards, the Dragonflies are eating their weight (daily) in mosquitoes. Have at ‘em boys and girls, I’ll cheer you on.