A Nuthatch Treat

Today, I was treated to a rare sighting of a red-breasted nuthatch. A friend who enjoys watching birds as much as I do, allowed me to come by today to see the red-breasted nuthatches that has been staying in her back yard.

She has befriended these precious birds by feeding them mealworms. The one in her hand will come to her sliding glass door and bang against it to get her to come out. It was so cool to see.

After a few time landing on her hand, she gave me some of the worms and I got to feed him. what a treat that was. The nuthatch got his treat and I got to have mine.

I hope to go again soon before they leave to their next destination. This was a rare treat that I will remember for a long time. Thank you friend.

Find It

I like to take pictures of things you have to find in my photos. The animals blends in the background. They might be the same color, shape or size. So, can you find the creature in the picture?

Finding things in our lives that some how eludes us, can be a daunting task. We look and look, but find it hard because the things we seek blends in too well.

With persistent and time, we find our purpose, place or lot in life. So, what will it take to take the next step to search for your something in life?

Did you find the bird in the picture? I pray that you also find your place in life.

Young Woodpecker

This was the first spring that I got to see the young woodpecker. He seemed to find his voice and spent quite a lot of time using it. I did not have to see him to know where he was.

It is the sane way with God. I do not have to see him to know he is there. There are signs all over the place. This woodpecker is one of them.

When I stay still and listen, I hear more than the animals that surrounds me. I hear the voice of God. The sounds of the leaves rustling in the wind, the call of the birds and the other creatures that call this place home, shows me all I need to hear God.

This young woodpecker testify to the creation that God did to allows me to see His wonders. I never want to stop see them all. 

Eagle And Swan

Driving home, I stop by the marsh to check on the swans. This time an eagle was visiting the swans as well. Twp big birds sharing the same spot.

The marsh is a good place for the eagle to do some hunting. I often see these great birds catch fishes, small rodents and a duck or two. I just never have my camera ready when this happens.

Today I was just happy to get both the eagle and the swan.

All Aboard

All aboard! That is a term you here every time you board a train. It seems that the turtles in this picture got the same message. They tried to all get aboard this log. I was surprised that it did not sink

There are many times in life that I tries to get aboard the train to get to my destination. Whether it is to get to work, to a lunch date with a dear friend or to the many parks I love to visit, my destination can be over flowing with distractions.

My mind seem to call out to every worries, thoughts and plans to come aboard at the same time. I get over loaded and feel like I am going to sink. I am glad that my Lord keeps me form sinking.

What ever life throws at me I call out, " All aboard."

Setting Sun

Another day put to rest. But it is not too often that I get to see a colorful sunset. Most of the time, it is just a drab looking sky. As the sun is setting, it does not brings much excitement.

When I get the rare chance to see one like this picture I took in 2013, my heart skips a beat. God knew what he was doing when he gave us colors. The whole world is painted in the multitudes of splendor. From the darkness black to the brightness white, there is not a shade of color missing.

Some of the richness colors comes from the sun piercing the clouds. The water droplets helps to bring a rainbow of color to the morning or night sky.

Each day I look to the sky. This day it was the setting sun that completed my night..

In My Face

I have been away for four days. My work place sent me to another store. This place was in need of some serious redo. I thought that my job was hard, but, this place put me tot he test. I left today feeling that there was more that I could have done.

As I walk into the door when I got home and before I could take my coat off, my cat was all up in my face. He missed me. The only reason he is not in my lap right now, is because I have this computer on it writing this blog.

My cat always makes me feel welcome home. The minute I sit down, he is climbing all over me, trying to get my love. He will stick his face right into my face and lick my nose. If I put him on my shoulder and not pet him, he will nibble on my ears.

He is spoiled. But I love his just the same, even when he gets in my face.

Squirrel Play

One thing you can count on when visiting the parks is squirrels playing. It brings me back to the times when life was simple and worries was not a part of life. Their playfulness brings a smile to my face and peace in my heart.

So many of us spends our days working to the point of exhausting. When we get home, their is no energy to conger up for play time.

I do not count playing on different game systems, being on the Internet or watching television, play time. It is the interactions with friends and family, face to face that stimulates the mind in the act of playing.

Yes, I love watching the squirrels play. But, I love spending times with my friends and family more.

Peanut Treat

Every time that I go to the Mariner, I have my peanuts ready for the squirrels. The squirrels really have to work to get the peanut I throw out. The blue jays, red-bellied woodpecker and the cardinals flies in and sometimes get the peanuts before the squirrels can get to them.

For some of the other birds, I have to break up the shells. The nuthatch, titmouse and Carolina wren prefer it this way.  This day I was surprise to see a mocking bird grab a peanut. They love the bird seeds that I put on the post. So, it was unusual to see him with the nut in his beak.

The peanut treats helps me to enjoy the creatures who call the Mariner home.

Yeti Sighting

Yesterday, I set out to get something new and exciting on my camera. Little did I know, that I would come face to face with a yeti. Yes, you heard me right. I spotted a yeti right here in Harford County.

Of course, he was not alone. He brought two of his buddies along with him. Mr Snowman and Mr Reindeer were part of the trio walking about the Ice Festival going on in the heart of Havre de Grace.

There was live music, food trucks and demonstrations of ice sculptures. Children of all age could find something to entertain them. This was a two day event. The local shops open their doors to great savings and to a sampling of their goods.

 Here are just a few pictures to get a taste of these past two day event.

Word Of Mouth

A lot of the pictures that I get to shoot are through word of mouth, like this snow bunting I took tow years ago. One of my birding friend told me about this fine feather friend. So, I had to travel to Baltimore to see this gem.

There are many things I get to experience through someone telling me about it. Through word of mouth, I got to see a good movie, eat at a new restaurant or find a new bird.

The best thing I did through word of mouth, is give my life over to Jesus. The blessings that I receive everyday makes me want to pass, by my mouth, the good news of His love.

I heard that the snow bunting is back in town. I hope to get more pictures this year. I am so glad that my friends are willing to share through word of mouth the good news of this bird and Jesus.

Helen's Tree

After work, I went to Helen's home to take down her Christmas tree. She is in her 90's. For the past several years, I get the honor to decorate her tree. She sits on the couch, hands the decorations to me and directs me to where the ornaments should go.

There has been many years when she does the same things at another friend's home who happen to be in her 80s. There is  a group of us who goes there to set JoAnn's tree. After we are done, we have lunch and I usually head off to work.

Carol, another friend, also has me come over to trim her tree. She is in her 70's. She always comes up with a different theme each year.

This year, I was only able to do Helen's tree. Of course, I did my own tree. Yet, Helen's tree was more enjoyable, because of the fellowship with such a special lady. Hopefully, next year, I will get to do every one's tree. 

Foxy Mom

Every year, outside a friend,s home lives a family of foxes. Each year the couple family grows. My friends lets me know when he see the foxes at the den during the early spring.months. So, I camp out next to the road each day hoping to see the kits as they make their exit outside the den.

This one day, I hit the jackpot. The kits had grown too big to be able to feed off the foxy mom. The mother has to sit outside the den. One by one each little guy popped their head out of the hole and made their way to their mom.

The fox knew that I was there. Throughout the whole feeding time she kept her eyes on me. As long as I stayed in the car, she was alright with me being there.

This spring, I will be camping out. I will be glad to get more pictures of this foxy mom again.

Leaf Surprise

A couple of months ago, I was looking to find some unusual bugs. It is not birds that I am always seeking to take pictures of. Spiders seems to capture my  interest as well.

My grandson loves spiders. If I give him a camera, he will find a spider and take pictures after pictures of these little guys. Than he will try to get anyone who just happens to pass by,  to see his great find.

This one morning, as I was looking on the bushes, the webbing on the leaf caught my interest. Inside, sat this spider. It was kind of a neat surprise.

I am sure my grandson would have enjoyed seeing this. It was good thing that I had my camera. and was able to get this picture. This leaf surprise was a nice find for me.

To Be Call King

The kingfisher is quite a character. He is call king because he is so well adapted to catching fish. He seems to make such a fuss when searching for food. With his wild calls in flight and his spectacular dives, it is no wonder he demands a royal presence.


It is not always easy to catch him in action. The kingfisher does not like to stay still long enough in one place. I get tuckered out by his energy.

One thing I can say. He does earn the right to be call king.

Berry Good

Whenever I come across a bush with berries on it, I search the branches for birds. This sweet little guy flew in and landed right by me. I think he was just as interested in me as I was in him.

Food becomes sort in supply during the cold months. These berries are a good source of food for the migrating birds as well as the native ones. I have caught many of birds feeding off these each year. As yummy as they look, I would not eat them.

Even though these berries are good for the birds, they would make me sick. I am glad that they can enjoy them. Berry good for the birds.

Red Birds

I always expect to see the cardinals hanging around the Mariner. Even when I do not see them, I can hear their communications to each other. So, when I was hearing a new call, I had to investigate it.
Sure enough, it was a new red bird in town.

The house finch is one of the two red birds I see coming to get the seeds that is on the fence post. They are around all year, but, I do not see them everyday. They are a pretty birds. The female is dull just like the female cardinal. It is like that with most female species. The male has to be the most attractive ones.

It is a shame that it does not work that way with the human species. It would make it so much easier on all the females of our kind. It make me see red. LOL.

For now, I am delighted to see these two red birds. These are the kind of red that I look forward to seeing everyday.

Winter Is Here

Winter has finally make it to town. We can get up to six inches when all is said and done. While I can not say that I am looking forward to seeing snow, I am always glad to see the beauty of fresh fallen snow.

There is something else I look forward to seeing at winter. The winter wren is one of my goal each year. I have only seen him two times in all the years that I have been seeking birds. To get this shot last year, I went to the same area for day upon days. Finally after many days, I was rewarded with this sighting.

As the night wears on and the snow builds up, I will start my search again for this fine feather friend. Winter is here. I hope the winter wren shows up as well.

Beauty In Simple Things

I can honestly say that I see beauty in simple things. Flowers are God's small creations, which gives me a sense of peace. The colors, smells and textures brings out feelings of awe and wonders. A simple plant can give me so much pleasures, that it can cause a blue day to turn it into a brilliant one.

I do not have a favorite flowers. I can pick up a rose, a daisy or a sunflower and enjoy the beauty of the petals. Bugs of all sorts find pleasures in the nectar as they fly from plant to plant.

The best time to enjoy them, is after a rain showers. The water seems to revive them and bring out the best the flowers has to offer. I love to take pictures with the water droplets are on the petals.

If I can get a butterfly, a bee or any other insects on the flowers, it makes for a better picture. It is the simple things in life that brings the most pleasures and beauty back into my life. 

Turtle In December?

This past month has been one of the warmest month I have experience in years. Even the turtles at the marsh did not know what to think. It is very unusual to see one sunny itself during a month that should have freezing temperature.

They are calling for snow this weekend. Winter looks like it will finally arrive. I am looking forward to seeing the ground covered with the white stuff. Snow can be that four letter word that put fear into your soul. It is also one of the prettiest thing to see.

I think I will not be seeing the turtles in January. This past December, I can say goodbye to the turtles until spring. I know, I will be looking forward to that as well.

Noisy Wren

Walking around the park, I try to identify the many birds that call the Mariner their home. There are a few that I can name just by the sound they make. The Carolina wren is one that I can name a mile away. They are one of the noisiest critter there.

The one in this picture was in a game of chase with two other wrens. In the process of flying from tree to tree, they were chattering to each other. I love the different vocals sounds.

As soon as I put out the peanuts and seeds on the fence post, they were fighting for the right to get the first piece. One even tried to take a peanut right out from my fingers. I am use tot he chickadees getting close and personal with me, but not the wrens.

It was a good day for me and my noisy wrens.

Happy Sappy Kinglet

After the yellow-bellied sapsucker finish his rounds on the tree, there are always a group of  on-lookers waiting to get into the act. As the sap oozes from the holes on this tree, a kinglet flies in to get his fill of the sweet treat.

The interactions of the creatures always entertains and educates me. It kinds of shows me how God intended all of His creations to be dependent on each other. Our actions can help or hurt though around us.

Thinking about my actions, I need to examine the reasons I do the things I do. Are my motives to helps others? When I leave a place, are the people who come after get their fill of the rewards of my efforts? I can only hope that is the case.

Watching this kinglet enjoy the sap on the tree, I can not help but think about the good that came out of the sapsucker work. This is one happy sappy kinglet.

Lunch Buddies

It has been a long morning. It started with getting up at 3am to be at work by 4am. Today my work was to do their inventory. There was an army of co-workers with scanners in hand seeking to finish the job before the store was to open. By 10am, the deed was done and I set off to capture some pictures.

As I drove by the marsh, I notices the swans were very close to the side of the road. These swans were enjoying the roots of the vegetation. This is one of the reason that you do not see more swans around. The population is controlled to keep them from destroying the marshes. If there were too many swans eating the roots, it would kill the marshes.

I pulled my car to the side of the road and started taking pictures of the swans. The swan nearest to me was hard at work pulling at piles of roots. I was so focused on getting a good shot of him, that I did not notice that he had a lunch buddy. 

It seems that the swan was not the only one enjoying the vegetation. The muskrat was busy stuffing his face as well. The pair were content to be lunch buddies. I was excited to watch them as they enoyed their meal.

Christmas Past

Right after Thanksgiving, I went to the Kennedy Krieger's Festival of Trees with my daughter and grandson. Each year, we look forward to the many unique designs of the tree, wreaths and gingerbread houses.

One of the tree that caught my interest, was the one that represented the Christmas past. It brought back the memories of my Christmas past, most of them good I am glad to report. It also brought back the thoughts of all the movies about Scrooge, each and everyone just as unique as the trees.

Scrooge is changed by the visit of the spirits. You can say, just like the Grinch, his heart grew three times larger that night. He start a new life by giving to the people in his life.

When I think about my Christmas past, I find that it helps me see all the blessings. I am blessed by family, friends and a God who gave his greatest gift of His Son. I find myself wanting to give to others and pay the blessings forward.

One For The Road

As I enter the park, before I can get to far, they come out of the wood works. One by one, they follow me. I know what they are after. The pouch I wear around my waist is full of peanuts and bird seeds. It is not the seeds that they want. It is the peanuts.

The squirrels are use to being fed by the many nature lovers who visit here everyday. They are not afraid to run right up to your legs and beg for their share. they can get a little bit greedy. One peanut is not enough. Many stuff two into their mouth. It is as if they were saying that they are taking one for the road.

I so enjoy watching as they try their best to get a third peanut into their mouths. They never succeed, but, that does not keep them from trying their best. If only they could fill their cheeks like chipmunks.


This past June, I was filled with excitement as I watched this chipmunk do just that. This little fellow could not put anymore in his mouth.

One for the road. Yes, I can always take one more pictures for the road. As long as God's creatures are willing to take their fill of the morsels, I will bring along peanuts with me for the road.

Cool Blue Jay

There is one bird that I can count on seeing at the Mariner. Long before I see one , I can hear their many varieties of vocal calls. They are one of the first bird to sound the alarm when a hawk is nearby.

When I throw out peanuts for the squirrels, you can count on the blue jays darting to the ground to swoop up one. They are quit aggressive when it comes to claiming that one peanut for themselves.


One thing I have not be able to do, is locate one of their nest. This is one of my mission this spring. In the mean time, I will enjoy seeing these cool blue jays and watching their antics.

Heron Catch

There is one location at the Mariner where I can count on seeing the great blue heron. Earlier in the week, as I took the path to this location, I was not disappointed. There he was and I could tell he was on the hunt.

Many times, I have seen herons catch fishes of all size and  species. Some of the fishes were so big, that I was in awe as they swallowed them whole. One time, I watched in amusement as one tried to swallow a fresh water eel. That eel put up a good fight.

With in a few minutes of spotting this heron, he made his move. I got my camera ready and waited. Before I could make another move, he hit the water so fast, that I almost missed the shot.


I expected to see a nice size fish. This fish was so tiny. It seemed hardly worth his time. This heron catch was just a small morsel. I am sure after I left, he caught the big one.

Hawk Week

I am always on the look out for hawks in the trees as I travel to the many places through out my day. This past week, I have not been disappointed. This kestrel was the prized of the week. He was spotted at Swan Harbor Farm.


Just on the APG grounds coming back from the clinic, I had to pull over to catch this hawk. Now, I know that you are not allowed to take pictures on base. This was a opportunity I could not pass up. He was just begging to get his picture taken.


From there, I stopped at a fast food place and came a cross this red-shouldered hawk hanging out. As I enjoyed my food, I also enjoyed watching him perched in the tree. I wondered what else I would see this week.


I was not disappointed as I walk at the Mariner. Trying his best to get a meal, I got this cooper flying from tree to tree chasing what caught his eye. Of course, he did not succeed. He was not the only hawk there looking for his next meal.


This hawk was hiding in the trees close to the ground. I would have missed him, if it wasn't for a few other birders pointing him out. Later, a hawk fly right past my head. It seemed that I interrupted his chance at getting a dove that was on the ground feeding on some seeds.

Just the other day, I saw five hawks through out my travels. It has been a good week for hawks of all kinds. It was my hawk week.

Where Are The Peanuts?

Today as I start my new year, I had to go to my favorite place. With peanuts and bird seeds in hand, I search the trees and bushes for my critter friends. This downy woodpecker seems to know that I come with a treat. He seems to be asking, "Where are the peanuts?"


He was not the only friend looking for the peanuts. The nut-hatched, chickadee, titmouse and a few squirrels came looking for their share. There were several other birds going after the seeds I put on the poles. Even the brown creeper made a showing.


I love visiting my friends and they love the gifts I bring.  Where are the peanut? They are in my bag and ready for each and everyone who seeks to get a bite, just like this woodpecker.