Changing the channel on you today. The Galapagos still awaits for us, but in the meantime Spring has Sprung on the Chesapeake Bay. Due to a longer winter, migration movements of beautiful song birds have been delayed and are more concentrated. Birders have been thrilled the past week with the quantity and variety of birds seen in the area. Three days of solid rain helped quite a bit by bringing the birds down for a long rest.
This past week I was busy with a five day horse back riding clinic. I was riding the beast and let me just leave it that I spent four days trying to save my life. The beast was rearing, running off, spooking and bucking. Four days in a row…45 minutes each day and numerous times during the ride. A couple of times I almost bit the dust, but I remembered just how far down to the ground it was, so I managed to cling on for dear life.
I snuck an hour in yesterday to bird and really wish I could have been out longer. The warblers are here and in full force ! Birds staying are busy either nest building or already sitting on eggs. Visiting the Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden in Annapolis in the early morning brought some beautiful views.
I really wish I could have spent more time and can’t get out and bird again until tomorrow morning. If you can, get out and enjoy nature today. The world is awakening with the spring.
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Well, I’m glad that you survived the Beast, as I sure would miss your beautiful bird photos!
Me too! Found out yesterday that his back is quite sore. Explains the bucking last Wednesday. Ride em Cowgirl.
I love your birds. Careful with yourself riding the beast, Bella.
I certainly grab on with all my might. Never a dull moment though.
Beautiful birds, Emily. So glad you survived the riding clinic. 🙂
Me too…thank goodness I didn’t need an underwear change after each lesson. 🙂
I really loved the wren with the grass in its beak. It’s amazing how these birds manufacture their nests!
The funny thing is Russell is that they were building their nest inside a Wood Duck box. A bit of an identity crisis. Either that or mansion living.
Gorgeous photos, Emily. I especially love the Parula!
Thank you so much Judy. The Parula was a brilliant surprise. Never had one at that level before. They’re usually high up in the tree singing their hearts out
It’s interesting that you say that. I was at Davidsonville Park down by the pond, and saw one not three feet off the ground in the bushes. I was so suprised to see him that I didn’t get my camera set in time to take a picture. In the last couple of weeks I’ve seen a Northern Parula on the backside of that pond almost every time I’ve gone, though usually up in the trees. Plus, the Yellow-Breasted Chats are back and seem to be singing from high perches right now. It’s just a wonderful time to be birding!
Ready for the warm weather!
Me too!
Glad you’re OK. Sounds like risky business that horse clinic!
LOL ! You think? Funny this is that the trainer was completely baffled as why by the end of the clinic he was doing so badly. Usually the end, all is going so much better. Found out he has a sore back. Explains a little bit of his behavior.
Poor thing. I hope he is all better now! ❤