While working the VC today, I got to thinking that April is surely one of my favorite months. It seems to be the time of new beginnings.
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The wildflowers start blooming, the temperature begins to rise, and those spring storms give a fresh crispness to early mornings. We’ve had 4.5” of rain here on the refuge this week, but today dawned cloudless, cooler, and the humidity was in the comfortable level.
Gone were the billowing clouds of yesterday evening on the savannah. Instead, the light northerly winds brought the promise of a possible fallout of spring bird migrants.
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While this Gulf Coast Toad doesn’t have any feathers, I was pleased to have it brighten up my day this morning. It had plunked itself down just outside the back doors of the VC. On a day like today, any creature I can observe makes it easier to spend the working time inside. You know I’d much rather be out and about. I didn’t pick it up since I didn’t want to get any warts, don’t-cha know. 
One of the things I enjoy most about this refuge is being able to see and photograph carnivorous plants. The pitcher plants are especially interesting to me. But today their competition arrived to grasp my interest and affection.
As Emma and I took up our usual late afternoon vigil outside, the first hummingbird of the season arrived at my feeder.
I’m sure this little girl was as happy finding the feeder as I was being able to see her. I truly admire these little dynamos!
Can you imagine something this small making an 18+ hour nonstop flight over the Gulf of Mexico from their wintering grounds in Central America? I think it is truly astounding.
So, this year’s journey to get the quintessential hummingbird photo begins. I’ve been on this quest for several years now. Yep, April is definitely a time of new beginnings…
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
You want a better picture than these? WOW! I'd be thrilled with the ones in this blog. That bird is moving her wings and your picture is crystal clear. But that's what a good photographer with a good camera can do. Wish it were me. :-)
ReplyDeleteLove the hummingbird photos. Hummingbirds are so amazing! Great toad shots too and, of course, flowers.
ReplyDeletehttp://travelinglongdogs.blogspot.com
I can't imagine being able to take pictures of hummingbirds like you do. They are just incredible. The toad I could maybe capture on a picture because he might sit still long enough. WOW.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was young I had a couple of pet toads. Kept them in a terrarium. Finally released them in a garden.
ReplyDeleteI think those hummer pictures are just about perfect!!! And isn't that toad just the most lovely fellow???
ReplyDeleteWow, astounding! Great hummer photos! I must come steal your camera! NOW! ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou are right, April is a great month. I played with a snapping turtle today...
I agree Judy. April is all about renewal....renewal of life and energy. God has been so good to us to let us enjoy the hummers, frogs and the plant life He created. And every year, we continue to be blessed. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful pictures. They have brightened my long, long day.
ReplyDeleteThe hummingbird photos are beautiful. I can never get a clear picture of one. I have a few, but not nearly as many as I had last year in my apartment. I wonder if they will come back when I return to keep the feeder going.
ReplyDeletegreat pictures of the hummingbirds!!..sister in law in Keremeos is the 'hummingbird queen' in our family!..everything on the orchard/ranch stops when the feeders are empty!
ReplyDeleteGreat hummingbird pictures! I am so jealous:)
ReplyDeleteFABULOUS photos. I about jumped back when your page loaded on the computer. What a subject to pick for the header picture...haha. What a hoot! Enjoy April! ~wheresweaver
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how these beautiful little birds can fly thos great distances. Mother Nature sure is incredible. :c)
ReplyDeleteIncredible shots of those hummingbirds! I could watch them for hours. Love your header photo too.
ReplyDeleteThat birds migrate such distances is a constant source of wonder. Really like your hummers, but I have to say the toad in your footer is just great.
ReplyDeleteWe have seen a couple of hummers here in west Texas as well. I love to watch them.
ReplyDeleteWhisper into the tympanic membrane of the Hummer,,"Illinois is nice this time of year"...that term popped into my brain left over from Biology Class...am I right??? Birds don't have ears, but tympanic membranes??. I not, I will go to the back of the class and resume my nap..
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots of the Hummingbird. Not so liking the frog/toad ones!! ;)
ReplyDeleteToo cold for hummingbirds up here yet, I too could sit and watch the little guys for hours.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots! What kind of hummer is she? I always have to get out the field guides for the area I'm currently in even to know what's around. Loved the toad, too!
ReplyDeleteWe are here at Lake Texoma COE park on the Texas/Oklahoma border. I put out our hummingbird feeder last night. Waiting to see if we will have any visitors to it. We've been treated to the wildflower display of Texas for the last several weeks. It makes me think back to my home area in NJ where there would have been first crocus then tulips and daffodils. How I miss then.
ReplyDeleteYou are the queen of photography with that camera but we have yet to see those Mississippi spotted squirrels.
ReplyDeleteYou should have warned me! The toad photo freaked me out. I am so afraid of frogs and toads.
DeleteLove the hummer photo though.
I loved April when we lived in Georgia. Loved the spring blooms and watching the birds starting their nests.. It's not the same here in Florida.
I loved this entire post, from the amazing toad to the spectacular hummer. I feel the same way about April. Happy Spring!
ReplyDeleteI love hummingbirds. We saw a couple on our hike here and I have been wanting a feeder so yesterday when we went to home depot we found one and John is getting it ready. Yahoo!!! Thanks for the photos, they always make me happy. :)
ReplyDeleteAmazing hummingbird photos!
ReplyDeleteI love your toad header too!
Teri
markteri.blogspot.com
April and October are the best months in the south, IMO. Ol' Mr Toad looks a little sluggish or sleepy? Maybe, like most folks, he was just ready to see the sun! He's a looker, for sure! Great shots of the hummer, Judy.
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