Let's Take a Walk....and Merry Christmas

Holiday time....Cloudy and a bit warm (low 50s) today in southeast Tennessee. As my uncle used to say...weather moving in. Using recent photographs, thought we might take a walk back with this post...and perhaps take a moment to remind ourselves what is important in life, and how nature often plays a role in our ability to make sense of it all. That maybe we could view these photographs and in some small way, appreciate the harmony and beauty that surrounds us, and that all creatures play a part in the vast ecosystem that we call planet Earth. Traveling along Highway 127, noticed extraterrestrial movement out the window of my vehicle, to the East, my left. After a quick ID, pulled off the highway to enjoy the show. Sandhill Cranes. Hundreds of them. Flight after flight came in to the winter wheat fields along the highway. Passing motorists did not seem to notice, or at least they did not slow. In my mind, it was a very special way to spend an early morning (it was just after first light). Continuing the thought......... ...of how I appreciated the solitude and beauty provided me on this cool late autumn morning. These majestic birds were doing what their kind do. Survive-adapt-obtain nutrition. Join the fight.

They often fly in a 'V', though this group is somewhat scattered just prior to landing in the field. The 'chortle' of these birds is distinct and many times I hear them (especially on cloudy days..and at night) without seeing them. In migration, and even from one feeding area to another, they often fly at 1,000'-3,000' or higher.......

.....Full moon hanging in the western sky...just after first light, 10 days ago. I wonder if.....

....no, couldn't be. Note the startled look on this young Whitetail Deer. For some reason this group of three deer allowed me to within 25' prior to their flight through the forest. A message ?

...a walk along a woodland trail. Nothing like being 'out there'. The peace, the wonder of it all, appreciating the fresh air - the quiet - remembering the frondescence of only a few weeks back - alert for movement - reflecting on how it used to be - of how it could be - of how it should be - of who was near - and who was not - what if? No, don't go there...let's continue along the trail....

....and take note of the Mistletoe growing from the limb of an oak...could it be? ...to each its own.....

....even appreciate the Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus), arguably one of nature's least attractive creatures, but necessary in their role as one of the 'recyclers' of our ecosystems.....

...and realize there are places of refuge and that indeed, all that wander are not lost. This flowing mountain stream is Stone Creek, as it passes beneath Mother's Bridge and along Mother's Park, yet another secluded, naturally refreshing spot to 'get lost' within our residential areas. And yes, I was sitting on a rock in the stream when this photo was taken, and appreciating the opportunity and freedom to do what my kind do. Merry Christmas to all and to all happy trails.

More Deer and Stuff....

Don't quite know what to say. Any caption that came to my mind did not do this picture justice. Mother Nature, you've done it again. Note the swollen neck (typical of a rutting buck...even more evident in the photo below) and muscled torso of this magnificent buck.

Odocoileus virginianus at its finest...same deer as above. He belongs here...the snow, the cold, the quiet mountains - his territory. Good luck ol' boy. We hope you have plenty of progeny to carry on the fight.

Another big buck. Photo taken last week. This one was trailing a doe. This deer walked - hesitated - walked...never ran. His mind no doubt on other 'things'. Woods a bit too thick for a clear photo. Spread of these antlers and tine length off the main beam impressive.

Very late in the afternoon. Camera made this young buck appear in good light. In actuality, it was almost dark. I had just come out of the deep forest via one of the trails...and this deer was standing near a pond. Was in the process of putting the camera away....and this opportunity came along. Probably about 18 months old.

Had to include this shot of a young deer standing in the rain. Quite a surprise. I was adjusting the camera settings and looked up to see this...standing only 20' or so away. Seconds later, the youngster ran into the woods - to be joined by mama and then the two of them raced away through the forest. I got the feeling watching them run that mama gave her baby a good talking to about walking so near Homo sapiens. Most likely the young of the year...about 6 months old.

Another spontaneous photo taken as darkness fell one day last week. There were seven deer, all does, in this group. Four of them appear here - standing at attention in the cold wind....alerted by the movements of the other three, which were moving around just to the right of this photo.

While on a photo session, had to take a moment to sit atop a rock bluff overlooking a noisy stream. Peace. Ah, said the old man....remember to keep your nose into the wind and your eyes along the skyline.