Dual Phoebes

My friend in Solway, just outside of Knoxville, has a phoebe nest right above her front door. Two of the chicks popped up to see what I was all about. Of course, I'm all about the photo.

Worth Two in the Bush

I spied this wood thrush as I was walking around Worlds Fair Park downtown. Since I didn't have him (or her) in hand, I'll offer you a second secretive and rather blurry picture of one in a bush:

Early Birds

A flock of birds dots a lavender sky at sunrise. You can barely see a pale crescent moon to the right. Do you think any of these birds will get the worm?

Where Seagulls Dare

I will never understand how seagulls find their way this far inland - we're eight hours from the nearest coast - but there's another one soaring above the Gay Street Bridge.

I've been kind of scarce on the Internets these days again, I know - work, work, work. And glad that I have a job.

Mockingbird

This mockingbird perched by the railroad tracks at Worlds Fair Park looks like a young'un. And none to amused to see me either.

Grackle Redux

The sunrise gently colors the sky over Knoxville to reveal ... more grackles. What a surprise.

Work is crazy busy so I'm leaving you with few words and more birds.

Chaos Theory

Large flocks of grackles are moving through town right now. They come every year at about this time, stay for about a month or so, and then disperse to parts unknown. Every evening, large flocks circle the tall buildings downtown looking for places to roost for the night. They dive into the trees in Krutch Park and Market Square until the branches are seething with birds jostling for a perch. I love to watch this chaos theory in action as the flocks swoop and dive in their ancient aerial ballet. 

Many people are concerned about the mess all these birds leave on the sidewalks under the trees. I agree, don't walk under those trees without at least an open umbrella protecting your head from droppings.

But you know, it could be worse. They could be flying monkeys instead.

Birds on a Bench

Here's one last shot from Treble Clef Park for now. These little sparrows found something to like about the park: sunshine and bread crumbs.

Evil League of Pigeons

As I wander around downtown, I always look up, because some of the most interesting architectural details are to be found there. On my morning walk yesterday ( and hooray, I'm out and about again) I looked up at the Walnut Building and saw a flock of pigeons staring down at me with what I 'm sure was malevolent intent. Where's a Cooper's hawk when you need one? I retreated down Walnut Street, but not before I took a photo, like the brave photojournalist that I am.

What adventure did you have during your morning?

Great Blue

This great blue heron was kind enough to hold still long enough for me to focus and shoot. These birds are quite abundant in East Tennessee waterways and can often be spotted along the riverbanks. I also like the way the water looks. (kind of like the Stargate - come on, sci-fi fans, don't make me do this alone).

For Earth Day

What is the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?

-Henry David Thoreau