Juvenile mockingbird

All posts tagged Juvenile mockingbird

Late Summer Fledglings in the Trees

Posted by Lee Hiller on September 13, 2017
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As summer fades into autumn look up.  The final batch of fledglings are taking exploratory flights among trees.  There are several places in Hot Springs National Parch which are home to flight school for the youngsters.  You will likely find places near you to observe the feats of first flight.

Love to ALL!
Lee

 

Mockingbird Babies, Magnolias and May Looks Like August

Posted by Lee Hiller on May 21, 2012
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There are 10 days left in May and we are into our 2nd week of 90+ temperatures.  Spring Wildflowers barely had time to bloom in early April before the heat took over and they withered. Bird numbers appear to be lower in most areas in the park, but Lizard and Turtle numbers are up. Magnolia leaves are loosing their glossy deep green and now are olive or a toasted brown color.

Today I decided to try and get a few Southern Magnolia photographs before they all turn brown.  As I was hiking from Tree to Tree I noticed the park service was watering all the small decorative foliage in the groomed areas of the park.  This is not the first time I have seen them do this, but usually it happens late in the summer, not spring.  The usually lush spring green grasses have already dried and small Trees are loosing their Leaves.

The fragile delicate balance needs us to stop heating our planet Earth…  I am already planning my fire escape routes for every trail before I hike. We really need some rain to feed the Forest!

On a brighter note Nature still has wonderful surprises even on the hottest days.  I found a few lovely creamy Southern Magnolias and watched a lovely Mockingbird flight school for new offspring.  Nature calls to my Heart to come and see her beauty…

Love to ALL!
Lee

All the Little Mockingbirds Ruled the Park

Posted by Lee Hiller on July 3, 2011
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

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Rick’s ankles are nearly mended so we took a hike in the lower area of Hot Springs Mountain.  The temperature today reached 103 so I was happy we got out early as the heat was fierce by the time we headed home at 9:00 am.

The lovely little Squirrel with the bobbed tail was searching for her breakfast as we entered the park. I love a morning in the Forest that begins with seeing old friends. Further into the park another squirrel watched us closely from a  leafy Tree.  A female Cardinal surveyed the city from her perch in the park.

I had never seen so many Mockingbirds in a single day, they were everywhere.  A male Cardinal in a bush watched closely as two Mockingbird chicks navigated a ground takeoff. The adult Mockingbird with the hooked beak sang several melodies to us from the top of a favorite Tree.  Multiple Mockingbird chicks were flying back and forth testing out their winged skills and then chirping for help from mom or dad.  Juvenile Mockingbirds tried out their newly found song abilities, although it only came out as tweets and pips. It was a gift from Nature to see these beautiful families.

As we were leaving the park a young Squirrel kept peeking a me from behind a Tree and I took it’s photograph.  I was about to leave when it jumped to a closer Tree and again nut in mouth peeked at me.  As always it was a wonderful morning in the park.

Don’t forget to get put and play with your friends :o)
Love to ALL,
Lee

Playful Juvenile Mockingbirds In Autumn Leaves

Posted by Lee Hiller on October 14, 2010
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as always we welcome your comments

In the glow of the the first light of morning I head into the park for hike in the glorious Autumn Forest.  Heading up the Dead Chief and Short Cut Trails a breeze is blowing gently through the now dwindling leaves of the canopy above me.  The changing leaves twirl and twinkle casting dancing light ranging from gold to rose.  It is a glorious sunrise on the trail leading to the top of the mountain.

As I head down the Hot Springs Mountain Road I am struck how quickly the green has given way to to rust gold and brown. Even in the blue cast of  early morning light the colors of the Autumn Forest are a feast for the eyes.  On the Peak Trail I am dipped into a golden world of sparkling leaves.  Every hike I am witness to great changes on the many trails in the park. As I watch the changing leaves I am reminded of my first hike up to the top of the mountain on the Peak Trail.  It is hard to believe I will be celebrating my one year of anniversary of hiking in the park this November.

Nearing the promenade I can hear the chattering of juvenile Northern Mockingbirds battling for dominance.  When I arrive on the promenade they are diving and pushing each other off Tree limbs and rails.  It does not matter where I travel along the Promenade they are with me the entire journey.  I Love the passion of their new life in the park.  Today their  songs seem to mimic the workers whistling as they repair a nearby roof.  A young Squirrel is watching the antics perched on the side of a Tree with an acorn in it’s mouth.  A mid air tussle sends the Squirrel dashing across the grass to a bigger Tree.

Suddenly the Forest goes silent and the wildlife all vanishes.  I look up and see a large hawk surfing on a gentle breeze high above the park.  It is a spectacular end my beautiful autumn morning hike.   I Love the park.

Much Love to You ALL,
Lee