The above was taken a couple weeks ago...I think in Illinois. The rest were taken at the strip pits this evening..
Every fall I look forward to the birds gathering together...even though I look forward to it there is an element of sadness about it for me. I don't know why. And every time I see them, I think 'a gathering of spirits.' They also make me think of that Norman Rockwell's The Gossips....chattering back and forth and getting all excited over nothing.
They came and went from this dead little tree as long as I sat there...which was only 5 minutes or so...but were still coming and go when I left.
As I was about to leave the place, down the road there was another gathering...a big gathering. Even if you enlarge it, I don't know if you will realize they are having a great time in a mud puddle! That is what the mist is....
They would leave in waves and come back in waves...so much fun to watch.Now the photos below definitely have to be enlarged...not because they are so good, but because there were two bald eagles out there! I saw one from a distance and flew down the road to try to arrive at the strip pit it was headed for but before I got there I saw another one fly up from the pond...and if you haven't guess by now I did not make it in time to get a shot while they were close to the road.
The one I first saw was not even flapping its wings....he was just gliding for the strip pit....I was flying down the road with the dust boiling behind me--I know I had to be going 50-60 mph...just thankful nobody else was out there. Still, by the time I got there and got slowed down they were at the far end and circling and rising to move on out.
But I did get proof that I saw them...I drove around a while hoping they would come back...I did see them way, far away but they never came back near me. Such a thrill to see them!
**********************I leave you with the song A Gathering of Spirits by Carrie Newcomer...it is where I got the phrase a gathering of spirts....
I love seeing the swarms of birds, too. I like that first shot! At least you got photos of the eagles you saw....better than I did :-)
ReplyDeleteI believe I've heard this song before, but didn't know what it was. I have never seen a bald eagle! How very exciting that must have been. And those birds DO look just like the Norman Rockwell painting, I think the house sparrows are especially chatty! Well, they are called sparrows but are actually a type of finch.
ReplyDeleteI love to sit and watch the birds swoop and play.Good catch on the eagles. I love the photo of the birds playing in the mud. What is a strip pit? Never heard of that before is it like a gravel pit?
ReplyDeleteLove the fifth shot of the birds over the fence and field and oh so envious of the eagle sighting!
ReplyDeleteWow that is a lot of birds playing in mud. It must have been wonderful to see those eagles.
ReplyDeleteyesterday there were swarms of birds in our sky above the house, but don't know why, other than it was really windy?
ReplyDeleteWhat a thrill it must be to see bald eagles.......
Gill
I clicked on the images to see if I could determine what kind of birds they are. At first looked to me like Cowbirds, but when looked again it seemed like they are Starlings.
ReplyDeleteThrilling to see a Bald Eagle! The first time I saw one soaring high above, I thought it was a big bird missing it's head.
a really beautiful song. the photos are truly truly really awesome. I love the first few where they are stacked up on the sticks. and the flocks lifting off, wow.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful series! Just love it.
ReplyDeleteLove that song ---and that makes your title have so much meaning. Great photos of the flock of birds... Like you said: like gossips just a chattering... ha
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
When all those birds start gathering, you know fall isn't far behind. Nice series.
ReplyDeleteA fine "bird" series of the densely packed birds. The phrase "chattering back and forth and getting all excited over nothing" reminds me of my coffee group who gather over cups of coffee! :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the Eagle, we are just starting to have a few sightings in our area, and each time it is an exciting sight! I enjoy watching the birds, on the lines, in the trees and especially at our feeders, just something interesting about each and everyone! Like people, their own personalities! Have a great week, hugs for Lorelei!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of all the birds gathering together. I would be thrilled to see two bald eagles too!
ReplyDeleteCarrie Newcomer has a GREAT voice!
reminds me of alfred hitchcoks the birds
ReplyDelete