Cardinals Among the New Spring Leaves
Hot Springs National Park Dead Chief Male Cardinal
Clouds cover the sun this morning, it is a gray day. The gray skies make the greens seem greener and today makes a Male Cardinal an amazing Red. As I step closer he looks right at me but does not move, I feel blessed to be so close and hear his song. A little White-Throated Sparrow joins us as the sky darkens and rain seem eminent. The trail sparkles with the new spring growth in lovely light green and red. On the Short Cut Trail I find a wonderful Rock that is an orange red color with black Mold and green Lichen.
Up top on the Hot Springs Mountain Trail I discover several new patches of Spiderwort, their colors are always striking. As I am setting up to photograph the Wildflowers a Mourning Dove lands next to me. I step closer and it looks over it’s wing at me and does not fly away. The Mourning Doves are usually on high alert and I have never been able to get close enough for a clear shot.
Moving down the trail I see a lovely Female Cardinal in the distance. Her lovely red and olive coloring is always a spectacular site on the Trails. The Chipmunks are still on high alert, their chirping echoes throughout the forest. I do not see the Falcon anywhere but do hear it’s call later when I am further along on the trail.
Each trail is being decorated with baby leaves and blossoms. The hike back toward home is a fantastic world among the twinkling leaves with wildflowers in purple, blue, white, pink and yellow. Nature has painted an exquisite forest for me to visit each day, I am humbled by her artistry.
Breathe Nature in!
Love to You All,
Lee
PS Rick and I had a lovely stroll along the Promenade this evening. A squirrel greeted us from a tree as we headed up Fountain Street and a Northern Mockingbird exchanged musical notes with Rick. It was a perfect night out.
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- Hot Springs National Park Dead Chief Male Cardinal
