A human heart can never grow old if it takes a lively interest in the pairing of birds, the reproduction of flowers, and the changing tints of autumn leaves. – Lydia M. Child
Keith has snapped these fabulous photos during her’s and Jerry’s travels through several years to different locations of America. AVIANS ACROSS AMERICA II groups the birds by habitat and activity rather than geography.
Places Jerry and Keith visited include: Outer Banks; The Gulf States; Yellowstone Park in Wyoming; San Diegos Wild Animal Park; Morro Bay & Hearst Castle in California; Corvallis, Oregon; Northwest Washington’s Cascade Mountains; Dewitt’s Holsteins in British Columbia.
A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch but on her own wings.” — Anonymous
I took this picture of an Evening Grosbeak when Jerry and I were enjoying a wonderful visit in Lorelie’s & Tim’s Shady Grove in Washington. This is one of my FAVORITE hangouts with oodles of photo opportunities. Keith-
The Evening Grosbeak sings at any hour of the day. They sing in the trees when I go out for the paper at first light. They sing in the top branches when I get the mail in the late morning. They sing at lunch time, tea time, and supper time. Chris Petrak
The gorgeous peacock “posing” on a perch was at Dewitt’s Holsteins located in British Columbia. What a treat…Holsteins and baby Holsteins, donkeys, peacocks, alpaca, cats, dogs, and to die for ice cream! Keith
I do not believe that any peacock envies another peacock his tail, because every peacock is persuaded that his own tail is the finest in the world. The consequence of this is that peacocks are peaceable birds. John Ruskin
“Like a hummingbird’s delicate wings, let your spirit be light and your presence bring joy to those around you.” – Anonymous
“Hummingbirds are tiny miracles that remind us of the extraordinary beauty that exists in the smallest of things.” – Anonymous
If a bird may think, its thoughts are not so small,
For it may think of skies or hills or anything at all.
So a child may think thoughts big and free and wide—
It’s good for birds and children, thoughts need not fit inside.
Annette Wynne
Will admit the guy to the left tried to let me know I was invading his territory. The two below are ostritches…duh! Keith
You may have heard the phrase – don’t be an ostrich.
Apparently, the ostrich, despite being the fastest running bird in the world, is widely known for sticking its heads in the earth, hiding from stark reality, pretending it does not exist. However, they do this to check on the temperature of their eggs, not to hide themselves from threats or to hope for the best.
We simply don’t live in a world where colloquialisms describe reality, let alone effective planning for us or for our loved ones.
We live in a world where we need to think for ourselves. We live in a world where yesterday’s solution could be today’s biggest pitfall.
I encourage you all to channel your inner ostrich. Do not listen to what others think. Do not worry how you may appear to the outside world, for one may see your head in the sand, hiding, when you are confronting your biggest threat head on. Others may think you are fleeing from the first sign of danger, when you may just be making the best decision based on today’s facts as you best understand it.
Colby G Barton
Every bird, every tree, every flower reminds me what a blessing and privilege it is just to be alive. Marty Rubin
“Not humans, but birds often witness the most beautiful mornings in this world!”- Mehmet Murat İldan.
Hunting hawks did not belong in cages, no matter how much a man coveted their grace, no matter how golden the bars. They were far more beautiful soaring free. Heartbreakingly beautiful.
– Lois McMaster Bujold
“Only in silence the word, only in dark the light, only in dying life: bright the hawk’s flight on the empty sky.” Ursula K. Le Guin
Thank you for joining Jerry, me and my camera while we travelled around the country with my head out the car’s window snapping pics and demanding, “Stop right now!” to take more pics.
Taking a break here to have a snack at Hearst Castle and a conversation with a hungry crow.
Keith
CREDITS FOR POSTS:
Photographer: Keith Olson
Writer: Keith Olson & selected writers
Graphic Designer Artist: Tim Olson
Photo editor: Keith Olson & Tim Olson
Editors: Lorelie & Tim Olson
To view Keith’s previous post, AVIANS ACROSS AMERICA – click here
