West Virginia's Woodpecker

I can not count how many years I have been trying to get a picture of the red-headed woodpecker. I travel all over, but all I got was a glimpse. These past few weeks, my husband and I have visited three states; North Caroline, Illinois and West Virginia.

Most of this trip was tracing our roots, visiting family and if at all possible getting some good pictures of nature. West Virginia was our last stop. While checking out the family grave sites, just up the road a bird caught our eyes. My husband pulled off the road. There flying from the ground up to the post was the prettiest red-headed woodpecker I have seen.

It does pay to have my camera ready. I rolled down my window and fired off several shots. He just poised for me. He seems to know that I really wanted this picture.

I will still continue to look for the red-headed woodpecker in my home state. Until one shows up, I will be ever thankful for this West Virginia's woodpecker.

Shaking Off The Water

We managed to miss most of the rain getting to North Carolina. It was an uneventful trip. This is unusual for me. There is always a story to tell with each vacation. It was only after we got ready to go to dinner that the sky opened up. We found our selves shaking off the water going to and from the restaurant like the swan in this picture.

It seems that this is the year of the rain storms. We can not escape the deluge of water where ever we go. We left this morning from Maryland with a flood watch and ended tonight in North Carolina with a flood watch.

This I do know, God is watching over me. I am in good hands even in all the storms. When it is done, all I have to do is shake off the water.

Butterfly Haven

Harford Glen is one of the butterfly haven in Harford County. It does help that they grow many types of plant that attracts these delicate winged bugs.


The many species of butterfly call this place home for a short time. This is why I do my best to visit here each weekend. From the smallest  to the most colorful, I try my best to capture them all on film.


They remind me that we are all special. God created us in many sizes, colors and shape. From the smallest of us to the most colorful, we are only here for a short time. I can only hope that we make the best of the life we are given.

Today, I will enjoy the butterfly haven. Some day, I will get to enjoy God's heaven. That would be a dream.

A Turtle Rescue

Today, I did my good deed. While driving by the marsh, I noticed a hump in the road. The problem. It was moving. I knew right away that it was a turtle and he was heading for danger.

I have watch turtles being rescued many times. Once a trucker slammed on his brake causing it to squeal in protest. This burly looking guy got out and guided the snapping turtles back to the marsh.

Another time, a mother and her young son took up the torch and rescue another turtle. Even the  animal rescue team got in the act and save a large snapping turtle by putting it in a cage and letting it go into the marsh.

Today, I pulled over and picked up this softball size boxed turtle and put him into the grass facing the marsh. I did my duty, now it was up to him to head back into the marsh. As I left, I can only hope he did not turn around and try to head back into danger.

We can do our duty and help a friend by putting them on the right path. The problem. It is up to them to stay on the road to safety.

Like this turtle, I can only hope that the people I help do not turn around and head back into danger. I did my good deed. Now, it is their turn to continue on the right path.

Sleepy Fox

Yawning fox. Is it time for bed yet? I know that I am ready for a good night sleep. Work is taking a toll on me. I find myself so tire when I get home each night. Like this kit, I can not help but yawn.


Just a few feet away her mother is taking a nap. Naps have become a daily routine for me. I need my afternoon rest time. I think she needed her five minute nap just to keep up with her daughter. While she sleep, her little one is on the prowl.


What has this kit attention? Within a few feet a finch is on the prowl for bugs. I waited to see if she would try and chase this little bird. But, she just lays down. She is not ready to hunt.


This finch fly away to hunt for bugs somewhere else. Mother fox continues to nap and the kit yawns some more.


This kit is not ready to hunt. She is too sleepy. Like this sleepy fox, I too am not ready for the hunt. I think it is time for me to take a nap.

Frog Talk

The other day while walking on the boardwalk at Harford Glen, I was bomb-barded by the croaking of the frogs. Of course, I could never see them. As soon as I would get close enough, they would disappear into the water. All I would hear are the frog talk in the other locations in the water.

I decided to stay still and watch. Sure enough, out came a frog and began to sing. It was interesting to see how he would cause his throat to enlarge and create the croaking sound. This was followed by other frogs. Some times the sounds would be so loud that they hurt my ears.

I think about how we communicate with each other. What are our croaking sounds? Also, I wonder about our talks with God. We do not see Him, Yet, there are signs and sounds all over. We just need to stay still and watch.

Heron Splash

I had to make my way to the Mariner today after seeing all the pictures posted of the damages. Last week a severe storm with a powerful micro burst caused many trees to fall. It was a sight to behold.

One other sight to behold is the great blue heron making a splash. Today this heron was like the micro burst of the last week storm. With out warning he stuck and the fish did not even had a chance. I waited to see his catch. It was a catfish.


I waiting as he kept jabbing the fish. I wanted to capture on film him swallowing the fish. There was a couple of times that I thought he would succeed. But he surprised me and left the fish floating in the water. This was a first for me.


Right before he walked away, I was surprise to see another first for me. This otter came out of the grassy area and swam right by the heron. I thought maybe he would go after the fish. But he just swam away.


The day was exciting as I got to see the damages from last week storm, this otter and the heron splash.