Unlike many other birds I see the Carolina Wren often before I hear its call. Living among the lower branches and often perched on stumps this tiny being is always a lovely sight. They build their nest on branches 3-6 ft off the ground, in stumps and in tree holes. A thicket seems to be a perfect home for this little beauty.
Love to ALL, Lee
I am rarely able to get close to Carolina Wrens when hiking in Hot Springs National Park. Nature had a lovely surprise for me this morning on the fog draped trail. Two (maybe 3) Carolina Wrens were dancing on stumps, in snags and on limbs several yards ahead of me. A hop to face left, a hop to face right, sing and repeat. After a slow approach to see if I would be accepted into their space I had to stop. Not because they seemed ready to flee, but because they weren’t. Although it was clear by the direct eye contact I had been seen this foggy morning they did not fly away. I have on a few occasions had wild birds approach me, but never skittish Carolina Wrens. It was a beautiful gift to be this close.
Love to ALL!
Lee
Nature’s song of Love sings softly to those who listen with their Heart. ~ Lee Hiller
I was mesmerized watching this little Carolina Wren hanging off the lichen covered rock face. It dove under icicles, shoved its head into the snow and presses his beak into the cracks in the rock. My favorite maneuver by far was when the little sweetie laid on its side in the snow to reach behind an icicle.
Love to ALL!
Lee
Dreams are the canvas for our Soul to create new worlds. ~ Lee Hiller
I wasn’t the only one who was pleased with the temperature this morning. It was perfect hiking weather sunny in the low 70s and humidity was low too. Along the trail sweet bird song filled the air. A mixed flock of small birds landed in the Trees on either side of me. They were happily seeking food and nesting materials. Beautiful Life in the summer Forest.
A glorious summer morning to get out and play.
Love to ALL!
Lee
Heavy rain and strong winds battered the already damaged Forest following the Christmas Day Ice Snow storm. The past month I have not hiked as often in Hot Springs National Park as many trails had not been cleared. Yesterday I took a quick tour of the west side of Hot Springs Mountain and found some trails still had down Trees blocking access. In the distance I heard chainsaws on North Mountain during my hike. Today I headed up Hot Springs Mountain again and found the Peak, Dead Chief, Short Cut and the east side of HSM trail loop are cleared. On North Mountain the Upper and Lower Dogwood trails are now cleared as well. As I was coming down the now cleared North Mountain side of the Floral Trail I could see crews clearing the Hot Springs Mountain side.
We have more rain storms coming in over night so I will check West Mountain trails accessibility early next week. We might have to remind park management that they need to clear the Sunset Trail om Music and Sugarloaf Mountains plus the area in the old Fordyce Estate. If you have recently hiked Indian Mountain I would love to know how the trail fared.
I missed the Forest and am glad to be back out on the trails…
Love to ALL!
Lee
Hike Our Planet - @HikeOurPlanet 