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Refuge

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As humanity collectively holds its breath waiting … waiting … for what is anyone’s guess, so many torn up in fear, the natural world goes on as if there is nothing at all wrong. It is with much relief I go to the places of wild that give me sustaining life and refuge outside this world gone mad. As I drift along letting go of the inner tensions, I become attuned to natural wonders within a nightmare I cannot wake from.

The more relaxed and at ease I become when I am out with my cameras, the more my eyes see. And the more my eyes see the more my heart cries for the reality that is before my eyes, cries that this be my every day reality. I’ve become accustomed while immersed in this world just gazing, drinking it all in, and as I do my soul grows so large that I become what is around me in that exact NOW moment. I know no other greater JOY then this.

In my recent journeys I have been privileged to see two other types of duck-like birds that were here, blink, and now gone. They do not stay long. I just “happened” to be in the right place at the right time when they flew in to rest before they continued the rest of their journey. One duck-like species I saw was the Pied-billed Grebe.

Pied-billed Grebe

 

I also saw not just one Bufflehead Duck, but a small flock on that same day.

 

Returning to the same nature preserve four days later I was in for more surprises. I saw the second duck-like bird and zoomed my lens in order to see. My mouth flew open! A Common Loon, a duck I’ve never seen before, another surprise and Gift. I must have taken 5oo frames of this guy all because I did not know if I would ever see this Loon again.

BEFORE FISHING

 

DURING FISHING

 

AFTER FISHING

 

And then! I saw a beaver! As I was watching and photographing the Common Loon, I saw what looked to be a water snake moving on the water. Looking through my lens finder, my mouth flew open once again. All these years I’ve been going to this nature preserve, (at least 3!) and I have not seen a beaver. Right before me for the very first time I spotted a beaver.

 

This story just wouldn’t be complete without a pair of loud, gregarious Canadian Geese coming in for a landing. (smile)

 

May all that is unfolding in man’s world today make everyone think deeply and hard how we can together change our ways in order to get back into rhythm with Mother, the natural world we are privileged to live with. May all the present day fear and horror fade away and in its place a harmonious world based on Love and Peace be created with a unified human effort.

*Today it being finally sunny, I’ll be continuing my hunt for birds. Being that I can only be in one place at one time, there may be a delay in my response to your comments. No worries. I’ll get here when I can.*
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Have a great day!
~~~~~

Photography/ “Refuge” /April 2020©AmyRose Photography
http://www.herladypinkrose.wordpress.com
All images watermarked for protection.

86 thoughts on “Refuge”

  1. As always you blew me away with your photography skills! But your experience stole the show for me. I love how you go various places and get to experience all this beauty in person. While I myself can’t , I’ll just live and see nature through your eyes and wherever you go! Keep em’ coming Amy. You’re doing a spectacular job!!! I love your posts. Being a nature lover myself , your posts are like a ray of sunshine!

    Ps- have a beautiful day and stay blessed!!💙

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    1. Aw, Shruti, you put tears in my eyes when I read your comment this morning. I had to move fast in order to get out of here to go back to the park and so could not answer. But your words I carried with me today. Your exuberance and gratitude for what I bring here to my blog humble me and excite me as well. To know I have moved someone as I moved you with my photography only makes me want to bring more here to you. Bless you, Shruti, for lifting me up ever so high! I did have a beautiful day thank you! I hope you had one as well! Soon this nightmare will behind us all! Much love to you! xo

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      1. You’re too kind with your words Amy! I’m so glad you had a wonderful day and hope you continue to have several more good days ahead of you , my friend. Your posts are just phenomenal!! Believe me. You’re doing a wonderful job of inspiring everyone. Keep on doing ya thing , you hear me? 😃

        Ps- stay blessed and healthy. All the love 💫

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    2. Dear Amy,

      I concur with Shruti pandey! It is certainly all the more true and ironic that we can no longer be amongst humans due to the coronavirus, and that it is much safer to be with nonhumans and our fellow creatures and feathered friends.

      Thank you for showing and narratting about your observations of the Pied-billed Grebe, Bufflehead Duck, beaver and Canadian Geese. This qualifies you as the ornithologist among us. Your avian friend SoundEagle hereby salutes you and your wildlife photography with feathered wings and sharp talons.

      Happy mid-April to both you and Shruti!

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      1. Hi, Sound Eagle! Welcome to my blog! I am going about my life as near as “normal” for me as possible. All sources where I interact with people and get assistance are closed to me at this time, yet I still and will continue go to parks and the places that pull at my heart and soul. And in the place of those places, with the exception of my hair (groan!), I have come up with alternate ways to assist myself here at home.
        I’m a novice birder and with every “capture” my intention is to learn more. I’m thrilled you saw what I and my camera are creating. It is, however, Mother that allows me entrance into her spellbinding world!
        Happy Mid-April to you! Have a great day today!! Much love your way! xo

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      2. Dear Amy,

        What a lovely reply you have sent me here! Thank you. By “Mother”, I take it that you meant “Mother Nature”. Nature is indeed calling you into her bosom to discover and be close to her creatures. As a result, you are not only very prolific in writing but also thriving in photography! 🙂

        By the way, I would like to inform you that I have given you a special reply with a very bespoke design in the comment section of the post at https://soundeagle.wordpress.com/2020/04/12/the-last-rag/

        Thank you for your friendship and attention to detail.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. You are welcome, and yes by Mother I do mean Mother Nature. I know you sent me a special reply …. I am getting through my comments and have every intention of getting to yours. I skipped ahead to answer this one …. You are new at my blog so you don’t know I tend to get a lot of comments which I answer one by one.
        You are welcome for my friendship. Yes I have learned to be very aware to detail. My observation skills are keen. I’ll answer your other comment soon. Mornings as well are usually my busiest times of the day. I care for our special needs babies (cats) who require at times a lot of attention. Soon, Sound Eagle ….. SMILING!! xo

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Thank you, Shruti pandey. I am doing quite well as I just finished improving on my latest post entitled “The Last Rag” containing my poem and my music composition (in two versions), as well as my animations. At the comment section of the said, you can see that Amy and I will have more to discuss about the music. You are welcome to join us there. 🙂

        Since it is the month of April, I would like to inform you that “April Love” is definitely in the air! Here is a specific post about the song and the movie named “April Love” plus my own art and poem, all crammed into an extensive post at https://soundeagle.wordpress.com/2013/04/10/soundeagle-in-april-love-and-dove-art-and-heart-game-and-puzzle-music-and-video/

        Please be informed that you might need to use a desktop or laptop computer with a large screen to view the rich multimedia contents available for heightening your multisensory enjoyment at my blogs and websites, some of which could be too powerful and feature-rich for iPad, iPhone, tablet or other portable devices to handle properly or adequately.

        I look forward to reading your feedback on some of my existing posts and pages.

        Please enjoy! 🙂

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      7. Hey! I just went through this post and my god it’s amazing!! Truly , I really enjoyed it very much 😄
        Your creativity really astounds me but the star of the show for me was the poem! I absolutely loved it!! Thanks for recommending this to me. I’m so glad you did!! Looking forward to more posts from your side 💫

        Xoxo💙

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      8. Dear Shruti pandey,

        Thank you for your visit and comment on the post. How delightful it is that you have resonated so well with the post! Therefore, I would really appreciate it if you could kindly leave your lovely comment at my post too. You can simply copy and paste your previous comment and perhaps add more if you have something extra to say. Thank you in anticipation.

        The poem, or rather, “the star of the show”, as you put it, can also be found in yet a different form of bespoke presentation at https://soundeagle.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/soundeagle-in-love-and-dove-art-and-heart-on-valentines-day-with-gifts/

        I really wonder which bespoke version of the poem you prefer and why. And I look forward to your answer at the comment section of either or both posts.

        Like

    1. You are so very welcome, Dan! It is with such great pleasure I share this magical world with all who come here to view what I have captured with my lens. Oh yes mankind overall is out of sync and if we do not learn to get back in sync with Nature, I don’t think as a species we are going to make it. Mother Nature is a whole lot bigger then humankind. Every time I stop time with my camera, I am documenting Mother’s message …. Her World is the real one. So get with it, Humans!! (smile)

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  4. You were blessed by Mother with so many birds Amy, as well as that beaver coming across the water. I think they can all feel your energy and know its safe. Wait till the beaver gets his family going so you can do some family portraits 😂
    And that shot of the geese landing in motion is brilliant, take a bow dear lady, more magic 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋

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    1. I know they can feel my energy, Mark. There is no other explanation! I am in awe of how close some of these birds come to where I am standing. As for that beaver, normally they don’t come out until dusk so to see this guy was a thrill. I won’t count on seeing babies. If I do I do. If not, I understand. Geese …. how they manage to fly is beyond me. They are huge fowl!
      I had another magical day in the park today. It was a bit chilly and windy but the sun was out and that was all that mattered to me. Hopefully I will have a post coming telling the tale of the tick. LOL Much love to you! xoxoxo

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  6. Beavers have just been re-introduced to England after being hunted out but what a wonderful animal! We call the Common Loon the “Great Northern Diver” and the patterns on his plumage, particularly the back, will get a lot more complex as time goes by. Hopefully, he, or she. will be there for a while.

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    1. This Common Loon is already gone, John. I’m relieved in a way for just this one Loon ate a lot of fish! Talk about divers, you should see how the Plied-billed Grebe not only dives but swims underwater. I was enthralled to watch this guy fish. What a show he put on for me! I’m also glad to hear the Beaver is no longer being hunted in England. He too fascinated me. I didn’t think I would ever see one because they usually come out towards dusk. I got really lucky that day!

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    1. You are so very welcome, YC. I am staying safe. If I did not get out of this house, I’d go nuts. I have to be outside and I have to be immersed in Mother Nature. Most people that I do cross paths with have been very respectful and are keeping the social distance. I’ve only had one problem but that one problem will not stop me from doing what I love! SO glad you enjoyed this post! xo

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  8. Wow Amy – some excellent photos and spotting! Nature seems to be getting back in sync without us around, then perhaps it will be our turn. I’ve never seen most of the wild life that you posted – so was a real treat having wonderful photos, almost as if I was there!! Have a lovely weekend hunting great catches!! Much love, Donna

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    1. I think, Donna, Mother is resetting herself. Our weather patterns have been all over the place and flowers that had been growing so fast, have slowed down to a more normal pace. There is a lot of what I am seeing, like you, I’ve never seen either. Just watching and photographing that Loon held me spellbound! SO glad you enjoyed with me what I have been discovering. I’ve been beginning to shoot small birds, some so fast and little and my attempt at capturing them is only a blue. LOL At least I tried. (smile) I went out yesterday despite chilly, windy weather …. the sun was out and darn it, I was going to enjoy it! Predicted here starting tomorrow are extremely high violent winds so I don’t know when next I’ll be able to get out. Today I crawl in my gardens to load up on pictures just in case …. Much love to you, dear friend. BIG (((HUGS)))!! xo

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    1. LOL Gigi, I felt your excitement the moment I read your comment yesterday! Yes! A real beaver! I didn’t think I’d ever see one because they come out normally at dusk or late evening. Those are two times I am not at this park. I was stunned!
      I get such a kick out of the geese! They are so loud and boisterous and they really know how to put on an entertaining show. How they manage to get air born is mind boggling. They are such big birds!! Happy Easter to you! xo

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    1. Thank you, Stacy Anne! I was out and about yesterday with my cameras so hence the late reply. I managed to squeeze in a whole 2.5 hours with my cameras which is a major accomplishment for me. To walk around in Paradise for that long ….. ahhhhhhh…….
      Happy Easter to you and your loved ones. Much love to you! xoxo

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      1. Very amazing ❣️ Happy Easter 🐰🐣 to you and your family have a very gorgeous day gf lots of love 💕 back ((hugs)) xox 💁🏻‍♀️❣️ Stay safe Stacy Anne

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  13. The colour of the lake is just stunning, a blue so refreshing, reflecting off the sunshine, sparkling and the birds! Oh how I envy you but I feel equally glad to see Nature through your eyes! And a beaver, could I have asked for more! 🙂

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    1. Bless you for your incredibly kind and enthusiastic words, Parikhit! I love sharing what I see when I go out with my cameras. Yes a beaver! I was stunned, truth be told. I just accepted I wouldn’t see a beaver even though this park has many damns, because I am not in that park toward dusk. Lo and behold! When least expected, I spotted a beaver! Have a great day today!! xo

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      1. Doesn’t it prove that happiness is found in the least expected of places 🙂 And I think I speak for everyone when I tell you this that you are sharing happiness with each of us here by sharing the beautiful captures 🙂

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    1. So happy you stopped by to see what my eyes saw, Irene!! It is so exciting to me whenever I step out my door I don’t know what I will experience. It is an adventure and it is such bliss to step into this world that I love so much!!
      Much love to you!! BIG (((HUGS))) xo

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    1. THANK YOU, Kamal! What a glorious comment! I love going to this nature preserve and regardless of what the crazy world is doing, I still am going and will continue going. This is paradise to me. This is where I can breathe and relax and merge with Mother effortlessly. The joy!! Bless you for sharing my love of all things Nature with me!! Much love to you!! xo

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    1. Thank you, Jude. When you are given a Talent and use that Talent, you excel. I’ve come a long ways and I shall continue to go even further, excelling even more. Bless you for commenting. Have a great day! xo

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  18. Good job, Amy. I’ve taken lots of photos of ducks and geese, both swimming and sitting on the bank, but I’ve never seen, nor photographed, a loon. I think I saw a beaver’s nest once at “my” park, but no beavers. One thing I do know, however – it’s not easy taking photographs of swimming critters on a sunny day; that sunlight makes the water all kinds of weird colors sometimes. Your photos came out well, however. (BTW, I’ve heard the parks have been overwhelmed with people lately – is that still true?)

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    1. Thank you regarding my photographs, CM! I’ve not seen a Common Loon before … this day was my first. That is why I took about 500 frames of him, not knowing if I would ever see a Loon again.
      Reflections …. they were troublesome and it would seem I was not standing in the optimal direction with the sun behind me. Still I managed. (smile)
      Once again the news exaggerates and twists the truth, CM. No the parks ( the ones I have frequented) are not “overwhelmed” with people. That word is very strong and it makes someone think people are literally crawling all over the place. Hmmmm …. no. Yes there are a lot more people visiting parks but for the most part, they are very respectful of the social distancing. That and people from my experience are not right on top of each other. So you see, even though the parks may be getting more people visiting, parks are large so it really doesn’t seem crowded.
      Happy Easter!! xoxo

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      2. It was actually warm today, CM. It felt so good. Even though yesterday was chilly and windy I did go to Reinstein. The sun was out darn it and I was not about to miss it. SMILE!

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      3. You’re right, it was warm today. Hubby told me it was. I didn’t go out except to take Cody into the yard first thing in the morning. We did get out yesterday for that walk around the school, but other than the closed road, there wasn’t much to photograph.

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      4. Good to know you are getting outside a bit, CM. Fresh air and sunshine are so so good for us. I’m hoping that road crews repair the roads now that traffic is way down. One can hope, now can’t one? (smile)

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    1. THANK YOU so much for such a wonderful comment! I do my best to get the clearest possible picture, something at times is not possible due to the huge distance between me and what I am shooting at. And thank you again regarding the beaver. I never expected to see a beaver at 1pm in the afternoon. I couldn’t believe my eyes! Hope you are having a truly blessed Easter! xo

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  20. Nice crop of images, Amy. The loon is an extra treat, we seldom see them here. Beavers are generally nocturnal, so it’s rare to see them in the daytime. Lucky you! This one might have hungry babies at home, so had to make a foraging run. 🙂

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    1. Thank you, Eliza! This is my first sighting of both the Common Loon and the beaver, both in the very same day! What excitement! I have no idea why this beaver was swimming at a time when he normally is not. What a thrill for me! Hope you are having a truly wonderful Easter! xo

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  21. Hi Amy Rose,
    Thank you for sharing your uplifting post.
    I love birds , most of which I don’t know the names but I can see & hear the difference in them.
    I live in the centre of a small semi rural market town in north west England . The nearby country park is just around the corner. This has been my haven in last few years & fortunately I still have access during lockdown.
    I always love taking photos of war memorial, sensory garden, trees, flowers, lake, fountain, ducks, swans, birds & majestic Astley Hall. Nowadays
    I do miss taking photos as it is quite difficult to combine with social distancing.
    Happy Easter ❤️🙏🐣🐇

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    1. You are welcome, Margaret! Thank YOU for stopping by and not only viewing my post but leaving such a wonderful comment for me! I don’t know why you are having difficulties taking pictures. People are really being respectful of the social distancing, at least in all the parks I go to. Even though there are more people coming to visit parks, there is more then enough room for everyone to get around one another safely. I hope you can work something out for yourself. It is mandatory for me to go to parks and forests. I need that like I need air to breathe!
      Happy Easter to you as well!! xo

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  23. Love seeing the Loon, I have not seen one in years. I lived in northern Minnesota years ago and saw them all the time. I love the call of the Loons. Wonderful photos Amy. Have a great day.

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    1. I’ve been trying to figure out if the Loon is one of the migratory birds that normally come here, Sandra. I’ve had conflicting information. All I know is when I saw this guy I made sure I had a LOT of frames shot. I honestly don’t know if I will ever see a Loon again. What a thrill! I did not hear his call … he was too busy fishing. LOL You have a great day too!! I know I will! Much love to you! xo

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  24. Love this. “May all that is unfolding in man’s world today make everyone think deeply and hard how we can together change our ways in order to get back into rhythm with Mother, the natural world we are privileged to live with.”
    Thank you for your photos. Keep shining your light.

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    1. SO happy you stopped by again, Julie, to enjoy what Mother has been allowing me to see. I keep walking into Wonder and believe me, the awe I feel and the immense gratitude is infinite. May your day be a great one today!! Much love to you! xo

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    1. Chris, it is like an adventure that is just SO exciting! I am treasuring my every moment in this nature preserve, with SO much gratitude in my heart that I can go. May your Sunday be a great one today!!! Much love to you! xo

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  27. Yay! for the beaver! We were über pleased to find a beaver dam in our favorite preserve. That means there are beavers somewhere in there. Hopefully, we’ll get o see them once the “sheltering in place” ends.

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    1. I’m not sure where you live, but if the parks are still open where you do, why are you not going? I am staying mostly at home yet following the safety precautions, I am walking in one park while going to another with my cameras. When I saw this beaver, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I honestly didn’t think I ever would see one. You never know! xo

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      1. When we went to our favorite Land Trust a few weeks ago, it became pretty crowded, so we had to leave. Not sure what things are like now since there’s been an official stay-at-home order. But we’ll get there. I’m patient. Plus, the nature posts help.

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