Hike Our Planet - @HikeOurPlanet

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I went in search of the last delicate pink Cherry Blossoms of 2014 in the Historic District of Hot Springs, Arkansas.  Recent storms battered the pink blooms and buds before they were all completely open. What I discovered instead was a lovely dance of life.

The city is nestled in the middle of Hot Springs National Park so the urban Wildlife often migrates between Tree lined streets and Forest trails.  Beautiful House Sparrows have nests in many of the historic building near the double row of the glorious Japanese Cherry Trees.

Searching the storm ravaged Trees for the last of their spring blossoms I discovered a female Sparrow among the sparse pink.  As I was taking her photograph she bowed slightly and a male landed on her back.  The balance did not hold and he flew to another branch.  Seconds later he again landed on her back and they performed a successful “cloacal kiss” (How Birds Mate).  I witnessed at least 5 successful attempts before he flew off to his own branch higher within the Tree.  Their mating was a beautiful acrobatic coupling (see youtube posting below that includes both stills and video).  Witnessing the creation of life is always a wonderful way to begin spring.

Love to ALL!
Lee