Nature Notes ~ Autumn 2020

Adventures with Birds

Over the last few months, I've had some interesting adventures...with birds! From a great blue heron to a tiny hummingbird, from a swallow family who stayed all summer to a sharp-shinned hawk who visited for only a few minutes, I've been amazed at the feathered friends coming into my life!

The first adventure was with a great blue heron. Mid-day I noticed a very large bird on the small deck outside my bedroom. The heron had somehow landed there and then wasn't able to get enough space to spread her massive wings and launch into flight. As I approached the frightened bird, she tried to squeeze through the deck railing, but her shoulders were too big to fit through.

I had to do something quick to alleviate the heron's increasing stress. So I went inside and grabbed a big towel, then went out and wrapped it around the bird as I folded in her wings. I lifted her up over the railing and let her go! The beautiful heron began flying and soared to a nearby tree overlooking Cherry Creek. She stayed there all afternoon, overnight, and was gone later the next morning. I'm so grateful this story had a happy ending!​

​The next adventure began this spring with a pair of swallows who decided the best place to build their nest was on a fire sprinkler in the pass-through hallway of my condo building. The swallows laid four eggs in June and had no problem finding plenty of insects in the open space to feed their chicks.

After the first babies fledged, the swallows raised another successful brood of three. By mid-August, the second set of fledglings were on their way! What a wonderful reminder of the miracle of life!​

The third adventure was with a very focused sharp-shinned hawk. I was working at the computer one day when I heard a commotion coming from the front door and pass-through hallway. I thought, what it in the world is happening out there?!! I looked out the peephole just in time to see a hawk flying straight towards me and my front door! Bam! The hawk appeared to be trying to grab the little decorations on my wreath. Then he flew over to the railing near the stairs. I opened the door and walked slowly towards the bird to encourage him to fly back to the natural area which he did. Wow! What a strange event for a hawk to venture in to such an enclosed space like this!

My last memorable adventure with birds this season was with a delightful little hummingbird. I was hiking up in Evergreen and as I came out of a dense conifer forest towards Bear Creek, I stopped to take a swig of water. Hum...hummm. I heard what sounded like a huge bee hovering near me.

​As I slowly turned my head, I saw instead a beautiful ruby-throated hummingbird! She must have been attracted to my bright orange hiking shorts. I stayed as still as possible, and the hummer flew all around me for a minute or two. I could feel the slight breeze from her wings. It was simply magical!

I wonder...did these birds come into my life for a reason? To share a message with me or to help me focus on specific things in my life? A dear friend gave me a book called Animal Speak with summaries and specific guidance from creatures great and small. According to the book, these are the messages from the birds who came to visit me.

Heron: self reliance & determination
Swallow: protection & warmth for the home
Hawk: soul purpose & creative energy
Hummingbird: joy & the nectar of life.

Considering what's been happening in my life over the past few months, this guidance was right on!!!

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​On the same day I met my hummingbird friend in Evergreen, I found this spruce cone. I thought it was especially neat because somehow a tiny feather had gotten lodged in between the layers where the seeds are found. (Click on the image to enlarge.)

How in the world did the little feather get positioned just right to fit in the cone so tightly? I'll never know, but it was very cool!

This was another beautiful reminder of the miracles of nature right outside our door. A big thank you to all the birds who came to visit me this season and for sharing their inspiring messages!

​With love for nature,

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New Home for Butterflies!

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​Laura, a conservationist and nature lover, seems to be enjoying her brand new print of Home for Butterflies. She framed the image so beautifully, I have to share! 

This painting has many vivid colors to highlight our lovely wildflowers...from deep pinks to coral, violet to shades of purple, and vibrant yellows, greens and blues. Laura chose a pretty ivory-colored frame to bring out the butterfly wing surrounding the garden. The frame has a soft, yet rustic chic quality and is just lovely.​

​Then Laura added an inner mat of soft pink and an outer mat of deep blue to draw your attention to the columbine and other flowers. Such purposeful color and frame choices to really capture the feeling of this spring image. (Click on the image to enlarge.)

It's amazing, Laura! Thank you for sharing the completed piece. I'm tickled "pink" to celebrate the beauty of wildflowers and butterflies with you and your family!

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Finding Harmony in Nature

I recently read an excellent article about how nature brings us back into balance and harmony. Especially during the pandemic, we can use all the help we can get to increase our well-being. Nature can calm us and alleviate so much stress. Science continues to show that time spent in the natural world helps us feel peaceful and connected.

Nature not only calms our minds, but also helps our bodies heal, and makes us more resilient to changes around us. For more wonderful inspiration, and another good excuse to take a break and get outside, here's the link to learn more!

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Gentle Stroll Along Bear Creek

The month of August was especially hot and dry, even for late summer in the West. It didn't even seem cool enough for a morning hike. Instead I headed for the mountains to take an especially slow, gentle stroll along Bear Creek, then relax and dip my toes in the chilly, refreshing river.

It was heavenly to feel the coolness of the water and let the creek flow peacefully around me. Ahhh... I melted into a feeling of harmony and contentment. I was one with the water, the forest, and everything around me. So blissful and soul nurturing, time stood still for a little while. This restful moment was just what I needed. Thank you, Mother Nature.

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Wishing you a lovely fall season in harmony with the natural world...

Gorgeous fall colors in Woodland Park, Colorado

I'd love to hear from you! What inspiring creatures came to visit you this season?
​Please post a comment below!