Hike Our Planet - @HikeOurPlanet

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I love birds and it is blessing to have  diverse migrating, nesting, wintering and breeding species in Hot Springs National Park.  One species elusive to being captured by my lens had been the tiny (tiny like a hummingbird) Kinglet.  It was a joy not only to see one but two types on a single hike.  Sheltered in the autumn leaves I spotted a Golden-Crowned Kinglet and a few feet further a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet on the Upper Dogwood Trail.

I have often read about Downy Woodpeckers using their tail feathers for balance.  Usually seeing them on the side of  big trees I have not always had a clear view of the mechanics of their tail alignment.  It was wonderful to see a Downy Woodpecker looking for breakfast on the smaller branches of the Tree above me.  His lovely tail acrobatics in full view in the diminishing autumn leaves revealed what I had up till now only see in photographs taken by others.

Above the vibrant canopy of red, orange and gold was in spectacular contrast against a perfect Hot Springs blue sky.  Below on the edges of the trails Wildflowers of purple, pink and blue create a decorative border of vibrant color.  As always it has been a perfect morning in the autumn Forest.

Love to ALL!
Lee