Say's Phoebe

 

"Tame birds sing of freedom. Wild birds fly."

~John Lennon

A short post today, just a lovely bird. Busy, busy, busy! The Sandhill Cranes are home, and it's the last day of summer! So, I have stuff to do!

A Western Kingbird In Late Summer

"The list total isn't important. The birds themselves are important. So the list is just a frivolous incentive for birding, but the birding itself is worthwhile."

~Kenny Kaufman

Kingbird Highway: The Biggest Year In The Life Of An Extreme Birder

This pic is from my last outing with the camera. I took it on August 29th. I am still not finding that many birds, it's been a difficult year, with the car and the overwhelming heat of the summer, but the Pacific Flyway is about to open, and I have a lot of hope that next year will be different. Although, I am a little concerned about finding my Sandhill Cranes over Woodbridge. They usually show up around the middle of September, but it looks like their numbers in California are quite low, at least among the banded ones. I am really looking forward to seeing them, I sure hope this won't be another disappointing year. I really need the connection to nature.

Winter's Autumn

 

"Life is like a wheel. Sooner or later it always comes around

 to where you started again."

~Stephen King

2026 has gotten off to a devastating start. I had such hope for a bright future this year, but it's been one dark event after another, with no sign of letting up. I am riding the days, and pushing myself to do birding, but I struggle with having the energy and will to do so. But all is not bad, there is still some autumn happening here and there. Leaves in big piles, orange kitties, and Sandhill Crane preening against the backdrop of dried reeds, all make me heart smile, as autumn reminds me that it hasn't died, it is just merely sleeping.

1, 43, 26

"Every bird, every tree, every flower reminds me

 what a blessing and privilege it is just to be alive."

~Marty Rubin

Yesterday was day 1 of our birding year. Yep, we begin on January 1st, and it's perfect, because we encounter more birders, then the annoying, rude, downright nasty and dangerous who speed right by us, as we enjoy the birds. You might think I am being nasty myself, but it gets a little old when you are standing on a narrow road, which also serves as a narrow street that runs through the preserve, and some guy in a truck whizzes by doing 60, when the posted speed limit is 35! 

aqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqwwwww.

By the way, the above sentence isn't me speaking in obscenities, it is, however, Tyler's take on things. Naughty kitty got on Mommies desk. Naughty Mommy forgot to turn her keyboard off before leaving to do errands.  LOL. We are having a good time in 2026, so far, and I am thinking more positive then ever, so to heck with speeding drivers, more naughty kittens is what we all need. And encountering birders on our travels. I have 43 new birds in my 2026 folder, and I am adding more tomorrow. My new favorite numbers are, 1, 43, and 26, so perhaps I should play the Lottery!

Through The Autumn Fog

 

"She decided to free herself, dance into the wind, create a new language.

 And birds fluttered around her, writing "Yes" on the sky."

~Monique Duval

There is so much wrong with this photograph, but at the same time there is something about it. Something really good. A kind of natural sadness to it. Or maybe not so much sadness or depression, but rather a pure melancholy that matches my current mood. Fog. Mist. Rain. Heavy thoughts. The kind of beauty that only comes from acknowledging all the moments, not just the good ones. Then letting them take flight, to make room for making new ones.  

Woodbridge Road In Autumn

 

Isenberg Sandhill Crane Preserve

Lodi, California

No sun... no moon!

No morn... no noon

No dawn...

No sky... no  earthy view...

No distance looking blue...

No road... no street... no "t"other side the way...

No end to any row...

No indications of familiar people...

No courtesies of familiar people... for showing 'em...

No knowing 'em...

No traveling at all... no notion...

"No go"... by land or ocean...

No mail... no post...

No news from any foreign coast...

No park... no ring... no afternoon gentility...

No comfortable feel in any member...

No shade... no shine... no butterflies... no bees

No fruits, no flowers no leaves, no birds, 

November!

~Thomas Hood

You can't really say Woodbridge road is nothing special, especially this time of year, in fact it can be downright charming. We have Sandhill Crane, and Belted Kingfishers, assorted ducks, burrowing owls, and hawks of all kinds! On clear days there is a striking view of the Sierras, especially in autumn and summer. In fact, you can feel, and see, the snow on the mountains! It can be magical watching the crane come in to rest for the evening at the, Isenberg Sandhill Carne Reserve. It's usually quite peaceful there, if you don't count the sound of cows mooing and farm work being done, but it's all good, those are pleasant in their own way. It's life on Woodbridge road, and I really wouldn't want it any other way!

The beautiful I have seen on Woodbridge in the last few years!

I love that road, and I am going to miss it very much after we move.

Autumn's Sandhill Crane

 

"Birds are the eyes of Heaven."

~Suzy Kassem

Rise Up And Salute The Sun: The Writings Of Suzy Kassam

These birds are so unbelievably beautiful, that you should believe me when I say, I will never be able to photograph them in such that will pay justice to their grace. All I can do is try, and try again, but personally I know it can never be done. These birds live in my heart.

Birds In Autumn

 

"A bird in autumn

sits outside

and quietly enjoys the rain

Dear bird

you and I

 are the same"

~Laura Jaworski

All the birds have their gorgeous winter plumage on right now. I look forward to that. I love how fluffy they become. Even the ones that don't really migrate, and who aren't so fluffy, adds to that autumn feeling of inner joy for me. The clear warm light in the middle of the day make them look bright and brings out all their colors, but by the late afternoon, the sunset turns their feathers a muted tone. I never realized how beautiful birds were, until I took up birding!

Autumn Symphonies

 

“Autumn colors remind us we are all one dancing in the wind.” 

 
~Lorin Morgan-Richards 

 

I heard a bunch of geese and cranes fly over my condo this morning, and you wouldn't believe how beautiful the sound was. It was a symphony. My beautiful autumn friends are here to heal the heart, help the ecosystem along, and bring me life. I can't imagine autumn not being God's favorite season as well!

 

The Sandhill Crane are such elegant birds. 

 

On A Warm Autumn Day

 

“I kick off sandals and feel the wet mud under my feet... I want to taste everything about Autumn when I am footloose.”

 
~Reena Doss,

  The Last Leaf Of Autumn: Barefoot and falling, infinity is a number that has none to end

 

Isn't that a gorgeous bird? I never get tired of photographing Sandhill Crane, especially while they are doing simple things, like just standing in the middle of a field, on a warm October day. I don't need big flyovers, although I love them, I just need a happy bird enjoying the day, to bring out the happy photographer in me. 

 

That's all.

 

 

It's All About The Autumn Peace

“If, of all the seasons, there is a season in which a person completely forgets himself and constantly watches the magical environment, it is undoubtedly autumn!”

 
~Mehmet Murat ildan 

 

You know it's autumn, a little before the calendar reflects it, when you hear the return of the various species of geese and Sandhill crane flying over. It's the beautiful return of the migrating birds to the San Joaquin Valley, Desmond road in particular. That small road has brought me so much happiness, over the last five years or so. It's about the autumn sun, it's about the turning of the oak trees, it's about the sounds, it's all about the peace.

 

Sandhill Cranes On Desmond Road

“Every story begins somewhere, some in the rain of forgotten yesterdays

 and some in the scent of autumn leaves...”

 
~Jayita Bhattacharjee 

 

 Finally! I spotted them on Desmond road yesterday, at 4:00 pm. My beautiful Sandhill Cranes are back! Well, actually, they have been back for over a week, but they are officially back for me now. They weren't making much noise, so I didn't hear that beautiful call and chatter of theirs, but soon they will be back in large numbers, and then good luck not hearing them! And I wouldn't want it any other way!

 

Here's where you can find them today!