The Little Nuthatch

Eastern Bluebirds nest in birdhouses right outside the windows on my parents deck in the mountains of North Carolina. After several visits and seasons of watching the Bluebirds and reading up about them, I made a little set of paintings about them. Let's learn about the Eastern Bluebird!  

On a recent birdwatching outing, driving down a dirt road in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by palmettos and sort of swampy-land I came upon a flock of swallows. I'm not sure, but I think Tree Swallows. It was the hugest mass of birds I've ever seen, swarming, flying in large groups with such lovely fluidity. It was a sight to see! Photos do not do the moment justice, but here are some photos all the same!        

Florida Scrub Land is a quickly dwindling habitat. I am very sad to say the land in these photos will be bulldozed... but I am happy for the people that care, the people that are going out and trying to save the plants and wildlife there. Last Wednesday was one of those days spent digging up endemic plants to be taken to a carefully selected location where they will hopefully grow and thrive. I took these photos in between digging plants.                      

I recently took part in a volunteer work day at Kindred Spirits Sanctuary in Ocala, FL. It is a farm for rescued animals. Our group had a tour of the farm, followed by some shoveling and moving of dirt and hay for the farm, and then more animal hanging out time! It was a great day and I'm so thankful I got to take part. Many of these animals did not come from the greatest situations, but now they can be happy for the rest of their lives. If only all animals could be so happy and peaceful    ...

My sister and I woke up early to see the sunrise over St. Augustine Beach. It was cloudy and not the most stunning sunrise of pinks and oranges, but still beautiful. I am always blown away at how the morning light hits the ocean.     Last March on the beach at Little Talbot Island, not too far up the coast from St. Augustine Beach, I saw my first starfish on the beach. I didn't think we ever had them in Florida until I saw one there. And in St. Augustine this morning we saw two! A little one, and...