Thursday, October 16, 2014

Fall in the Woods














Last week, I wrote a little about my thoughts on the difference between rhythm and schedule. The post focused more so on our daily rhythm, but I briefly mentioned that we also have a weekly, monthly and yearly rhythm. It is all of these rhythms together that create the foundation by which we live. Within our weekly rhythm we have a dedicated day for nature adventures. We do spend time in nature every day, but on nature adventure day we meet some friends, pack some snacks, and head off to explore for a few hours together. Nature adventure day is Wednesday.

Yesterday, for various reasons, all of our friends had to cancel on us. We woke up to a rainy, grey and damp day, and if I am being honest, curling up on the sofa with a cup of tea, and my little man snuggled next to me while we read On the Banks of Plum Creek was sounding like a great way to spend the day. But, he knew it was nature adventure day. He wanted to get out there, and was ready to explore and see what he could find. So, I grabbed the backpack, filled it up with snacks and water, and we headed to one of our favourite spots to feed our feathered friends.

Mother Nature was one our side, as we drove, the rain stopped and we hit the trail with just the slightest drizzle coming down. We started out, birdseed in hand and were quickly bombarded by chickadees. I know I have shared many photos of us feeding the chickadees, but goodness, it is always so wonderful when they land in your hand to feed. It is pure magic every single time.

We fed the birds, we left seed in the feeders, and we explored a trail that was closed for most of the summer for upgrades. As we headed back to the car, a red tailed hawk swooped down right in front of us trying desperately to capture a black squirrel. It didn't succeed, but flew up to rest for a moment on the railing. We stood quietly, in awe of this beautiful bird. As he flew off, we looked over the water, and there in the distance a great blue heron, walking slowly in the water, searching for lunch.

Days in the woods like this one remind me just how absolutely amazing Mother Nature is, and how wonderful it is that I am fortunate enough to be able to share this all with Reece.

Joining Country Kids

29 comments:

  1. Beautiful post Kim. Love the bird shots, you got so close to the hawk and l can't believe that a wild bird will come down and feed from your hand. Amazing!
    Really appreciate your thoughts on the rhythm and schedule, it got me thinking about our days and how we live them. And you know l completely agree about the time in nature, there is nothing better!
    Be well friend. xx

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    1. Thank you Chrisy. I couldn't believe how close we got, it was amazing! We sometimes see a hawk in the trees, but never so up close and personal. The chickadees are amazing at this particular conservation area, we are very fortunate to be able to visit often. Every time they land in your hand is like the first time. So exciting!

      I knew you would agree with me about time in nature :)

      Hope you have a wonderful day. xo

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  2. Wonderful bird images Kim...what an adventurous day you two had. I can just smell the dampness in the air the fallen leaves- you live in a lovely spot. Can't believe you can feed the birds like that- really special.
    Enjoy the rest of the week.
    xo

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    1. Thank you Camilla. It was a great day. And yes, there was that smell of fall dampness, and it is so wonderful.

      It is very special, and always so exciting for all of us. Thank you, you too! xo

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  3. so nice that the rain turned to drizzle and you could get outside. I know that restores you and gives you happiness. I was inside most of yesterday and I tried to appreciate the rain. Really I did :)

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    1. It does, nature is a balm for us, and we need to connect with her daily. Haha, you are too funny. xo

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  4. For whatever reason, I have been delaying going to the mountains lately. But your post has surely inspired me. Today is the day!

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    1. Always happy to inspire. Hope you enjoyed your time in the mountains.

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  5. These pictures are really beautiful! I love when days turn out that way. The hawk is amazing.

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    1. Thanks Carlin, it was a pretty awesome day.

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  6. Mother Nature is amazing and from your photos it's easy to see you are getting some spectacular views, wow!
    Hey, we are 67 degrees right now, at noon! I am overjoyed.

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    1. We were very lucky yesterday :) Yay for fall weather, enjoy it Tracey. xo

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  7. Beautiful Kim! Wish I were there with you! It would be so fun to get together and have the kids walk together! Sending you love from not too far away.

    Tiffany

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    1. Thanks Tiffany. Wouldn't that be wonderful? I think we would have much to talk about as the kiddos ran and played in the woods. Maybe one day....
      xo

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  8. I scanned your post and after seeing those photos, called my two oldest to come see. What a beautiful moment to capture - little birds feeding right from his hand! I am in awe.

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    1. You know, this lovely little spot isn't too far from you, maybe 45 minutes east on the 401. If you ever want to drive out this way, let me know, we can meet you there :)

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  9. Love the birds, looks like a fun day! In the end I bet you were glad you went out on a dreary day!

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  10. Hawks are so big aren't they? We had a hawk at the old house that would come and land on our fence looking for rabbits. I loved seeing him or her. Kind of magical.

    So either it's quite warm in Canada right now you all are impervious to the cold. :) We desert dwellers are such weaklings when it comes to cold.

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    1. They are, and so very magical. Although it did startle me as it swooped down :)

      We are in a bit of a warm spell right now. The last few days have been around 15 degrees, spring like for us. We are enjoying it, temperatures are suppose to drop on the weekend.

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  11. If I found birds that would eat out of my hand like that, I would take a million pictures too! (And probably forget to breath for fear of scaring them away and ending the moment.)

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  12. When things like these happens, It always feel blessed by Mother Nature. It's like receiving a gift from a close friends, who chose to please us with sometingh unique and unreapetable.

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    1. So blessed, and yes, you describe it perfectly...it is a gift.

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  13. Such a beautiful place and that red tailed hawk; what an amazing sight!

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    1. It certainly is a beautiful spot, and we felt so blessed to see that hawk.

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  14. I could happily look at your chickadee pictures every day of the week. Such a wonderful place to visit.

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    1. That is good to know :) I will definitely post some more.

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