"In wilderness, I sense the miracle of life
and behind it, our scientific accomplishments
fade to trivia."
~ Charles A. Lindbergh
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Today's painting's reference photo was taken on March 26th at the Palmyra Cove Nature Center at the foot of the Tacony-Palmyra bridge on the Delaware River. There I witnessed a very rare occurrence - A young Rufous Hummingbird that wintered here in Southern NJ! She showed up at the nature center shortly after Superstorm Sandy and it was believed she may have been blown off course because of the storm. ( In the olden days, they weren't even seen east of the Mississippi.) I thought it was a hoax and had to go see for myself! So at the spur of the moment, I took a field trip over there. She hangs out around the center. I spent some time visiting and shooting her. What a ham! She is quite famous. She was very used to people and seemed to like my company. What fun!
Yesterday I visited the nature center again, as I had an appointment with the gallery curator about having a solo show of my work there in April of 2014. After my meeting, I watched and waited, but was disappointed that I didn't see the little Rufous Hummingbird again. Perhaps she has moved on and will resume her 'normal' migration habits from here on in. I will keep her in my thoughts and wish her well on her arduous journeys.
The weather here has been totally crazy. It was almost 85 degrees here the past two days! Good thing my horse groomer came on Monday to give my wooly 33 yr. old horse, Rudy, a body clip! He's much cooler (in more ways than one) now. He looks and feels 20 years younger and it seems, just in the nick of time for summer!
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| Rembrandt, aka: Rudy - after his full body clip 4-8-13 |
In other news: On Saturday afternoon, I was enjoying a beautiful day here in the pines with my horses, Rita
and Rudy
. They both got a grooming, lots of TLC and a ride. It was all really nice except for two old WWII biplanes that kept circling again and again directly overhead, zooming in really low. Amazingly, it bothered me more than the horses. The pilots had been at it for hours and it was really getting annoying. They fly real low, just above the tree line and those old things are so loud, everything seems to vibrate.
Anyway, thanks for hanging in there and reading my newsy post. I hope all is well in your world and you are enjoying this winter/spring/summer weather. As always, I really appreciate your comments.
What a great painting you have done of this gorgeous little bird. Hopefully the little chap will be okay and wing his way on course again one day...perhaps he was in the neighbourhood when you visited, you just didn't spot him.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, that fire sounds scary...I just can't imagine...well, at least it was put out! phew!!
Hi Ann - Yes the fire was very scary. I've lived here for 35 years and that was the closest call I've ever had. It was less than a mile away. Thanks for your note and complimenting my work! I too hope the little hummingbird finds her way safely!
DeleteOh my gosh! That sounds kind of frightening! I hope everything is under control now. Did you lose a lot of forest trees? I love the little survivor bird! You did a beautiful job portraying it's spirit and courage and will to persevere. The quote by Charles LIndbergh is a good one. Is he the Lindbergh that was married to Anne Morrow Lindbergh? ( I like her books)
ReplyDeleteAs I said to Ann, it was in the woods about a mile away. When you are talking about fire, that is too close for comfort. Yikes! It was off the road, so I don't know how extensive the damage was. We can still smell the smoke five days later. As always, thanks for your friendship and kind comments, Katherine. I'm not sure if this is the Lindbergh that was married to the author, Ann Morrow or not, but I am assuming it is - the American aviator, one in the same.
DeleteHi Sandy. Your little lady is very striking and beautiful. What an amazing story of her stay up north.
ReplyDeleteTell Rudy I think he looks SOOO handsome with his summer clip! :)
Thank you, Kathryn. :-D I'm smitten and think she is adorable, myself. Rudy already knows he's handsome. I'll tell him you said so. He's been pretty spunky since the clip. :-D
DeleteMy resonance with Hummingbird has me humming a happy tune with this beautiful painting Sandy! She's quite gorgeous and I bet she is a hearty one after being blown off course! I'm astounded she survived and is doing so well. I'm sure she was just busy the day you visited last. :) You know how they are, lol.
ReplyDeleteYour Rudy is quite striking...very handsome indeed. :) He's got swagger, lol!!
I'm soooo glad all turned out well as far as the forest fire goes...gosh...that was too close for comfort. How did it get started? With all the windy days we've had this spring I can only imagine. We have to be so careful don't we? I can only imagine your angst as the planes were flying over and around you again and again and then especially once you found out why they were there...
Stay well, be safe and know you are cherished Dear Sandy and Jerry!
xoxoxo
Thanks for your SWEET and thoughtful comments, Akasa. As far as the fire ... Around here the forest service does routine burns in certain areas to cut down on the underbrush and help control potential forest fires. This incident was controlled burning that got out of control. Sometimes I think they are not as careful or watchful as they should be. You are in my thoughts as you prepare for your move. Stay well and keep your inner light shining bright! Hugs, Sandy xo
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