We have had one incredible October…. clear skies, no wind, spectacular foliage, perfect fall temps - wow! I love a frosty morning… I mean I really love a frosty morning… ! I obsessively check the weather forecast - I had my sights set on October 15th for an Edge Hill morning. Edge Hill is in Ashfield so not only would my outing be beautiful but the drive there would be as well. I love that it is a combination of fields, woods and wetlands. I was convinced that the wetland portion would have a good, hard frost. I was also hoping that some kind of fall migrating birds would be stopping by on their way south. I think it helps to hope… :)
I did have a beautiful ride. As soon as I stepped out of my car the silence instantly slowed my heart beat. A frosty morning does that for me. How could it not? It is as if the world has stopped spinning for a moment and everything freezes in its last postion… how beautiful is that? I knew I was in for a special morning… I just had no idea how special…
Once again I have asked my dear friend Brian to help me with a video for you because I had a morning when everything came together. For this post I have also added many of the still photos in order for you.
On this particular morning I did not have to think what settings I needed or what position I wanted to be in… it all just happened for me. When these mornings happen it is so special for me - it truly is something that I cannot put into words. It is as if I am totally in sync with our natural world - it is truly a gift when it happens.
I started my loop as usual going clockwise. I had been going to Edge Hill for several days in a row - I had learned when I could expect to hear,, and then see, bluebirds in their usual spot; then hear and see the white-throated sparrows in their usual spot. What a great way to start any morning…
Bluebird
White-throated Sparrow
As I continued along a quick flutter caught my eye to my right. I put down my tripod and set up and scanned the trees to my right. Who was hiding on me? No one was singing… and then this Hermit Thrush jumped onto this branch from behind some leaves! Absolutely Incredible!
After I saw the Hermit Thrust I hustled over to a spot that I love that overlooks beautiful farm fields. From this spot straight ahead the wetlands are down and to my right. Just as I had hoped - a very hard frost in this area - looked like snow - bingo! And the cows were out… a dream! I love that the fields still have so much green this late into the year - it made the scene seem not real at all….
And then Billy was very curious about me and came my way…
And then he was even more curious… how can you not smile?
I hated to leave the cows but I decided that I had to because the sun had just made its way over the hills in front of me… so I knew that it was time to turn around. Seriously… how stunning is this?
I then looked to my left… the frosty wetland grasses were just filled with glorious spectrums of light in the ice crystals…. you know that I love this…
All of a sudden there were shadows above me - there was a huge flock of something! I turned and looked over my right shoulder to see the most remarkable sight… Finch and Yellow-rumped warblers literally landing everywhere! Yellow-rumps were clearly migrating through and hungry - score! I quickly left the gorgeous ice crystals behind me and slowly and quietly walked down about 15 yards and set up and hoped they would come my way. In no time everyone was comfortable with me and put on a show around me that I will never forget! Precious…
Clearly tired from their travels… one precious Finch fed the other on this glorious morning.
I looked up just in time to see this stunning Cardinal tuck into these berry bushes…
I looked to my right just in time to get a very quick glimpse of a Golden-crowned Kinglet!
Looking behind me and to my left… a beautiful Finch…
I heard this Bluebird before I spotted him -
Are you kidding me? A Palm Warbler was in the mix, too!
He then landed so close to me I almost could have touched him….
Not to be outdone by the Palm Warbler a Yellow-Rumped Warbler landed right in front of me to my right… so close… :)
I love Savannah Sparrows… it was nice that he came to the party, too…
Sweet Yellow-Rumped Warbler
I will stop with the still photos for now. If you want to see everything that unfolded on this special morning - please sit back, relax, and view the video which has all of the photos. Brian, once again thank you for all of your help to make this video possible - it would never happen without you.
Music Credits -
River Flows in You - Yiruma
Happy Hour - Michael Broenig
Thank you for those of you who text, email, post, and leave VM’s for me. I so appreciate hearing from you and knowing what touches you.
It is truly incredible when there is so much beauty all in one morning…