Last week we saw the male Hooded Merganser in the small creek near this pond. Today he was hanging out with his date in the pond. It is spring, so perhaps they are nesting nearby .. or just on a hot date.
~ Rick
That’s Different
Teresa captured this photo of this male Downy Woodpecker while hiking earlier this week. Now that the weather is mild and temperatures on increasing we are seeing less of them. This one is not climbing a big tree.
~ Rick
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Pelicans On A Blue Sky
We drove up to Grand Lake St Marys this week to see what kind of birds we could find. It was not super productive. We did see a few eagles, and this pari of American White Pelican. They sure stand ou aginst the blue sky.
~ Rick
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Hope And Renewal
What a beautiful Northern Cardinal. I always get excited to see a cardinal. They are so beautiful.
Grok, an AI, told me this about the cardinal:
Cardinal symbolism varies across cultures and contexts, often carrying rich spiritual, emotional, and natural meanings. Here’s a breakdown of the most common interpretations:
- Spiritual Messenger: In many traditions, particularly among Native American and Christian beliefs, cardinals are seen as messengers from the spirit world or the divine. Their bright red color is thought to represent vitality and a connection to the life force. Some believe that seeing a cardinal is a sign that a deceased loved one is visiting or sending a message of comfort and reassurance.
- Hope and Renewal: The cardinal’s vivid red hue symbolizes energy, passion, and hope. In winter, when other birds are less visible, the cardinal’s striking appearance against a snowy or bare landscape is often interpreted as a sign of renewal, resilience, and the promise of brighter days ahead.
- Love and Relationships: The cardinal is sometimes associated with love and devotion, partly because they mate for life. In romantic contexts, spotting a cardinal might be seen as a symbol of fidelity or a reminder to cherish relationships.
- Courage and Confidence: The bold color and confident demeanor of the cardinal inspire symbolism related to courage and self-assurance. It’s often viewed as an encouragement to stand out and embrace one’s unique qualities.
- Seasonal Significance: In North America, where the northern cardinal is native, its presence during winter months (when it doesn’t migrate) ties it to endurance and adaptability. This has led to its association with perseverance through challenging times.
In popular culture, cardinals are also state birds (e.g., Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia) and are celebrated in art and literature for their beauty. Whether viewed through a spiritual lens or as a natural symbol, the cardinal often evokes a sense of joy and inspiration.
~ Rick
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“I’m Here For The Goodies”
I can just hear this Red-bellied Woodpecker: "I'm here for the goodies" ...
~ Rick
Check out my vlog, which includes more of my photography and videography: tales.photos (on YouTube). Remember to like, comment and subscribe!
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