To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter… to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring – these are some of the rewards of the simple life. –John Burroughs
I submitted my grades today and closed the book on Spring 2018. As I looked outside my window yesterday and today, the beautiful weather beckoned me and provided the motivation to push to completion. The sky was filled with so many cumulus clouds that I couldn’t resist taking a few minutes to photograph them. Today was just as gorgeous, so I sent grades for my final class and grabbed my camera for more photos. [I’ll share those later–maybe, tomorrow].
After today’s session, my hubby and I visited a Killdeer that was nesting at the back of the yard. Although we cautiously approached, the bird left the nest to protect its brood. This gave me a good look at the eggs and a shot I liked [above].
Just before evening, we visited again with our little one. By this time, our feathered friend was a little more comfortable and remained on the nest, wary and watching. [Click an image for a closer look].
It stirred only when I changed my vantage point for a different shot.
The bird has been nesting for quite some time. In fact, my hubby told me about it some time ago–when I was too crazy-busy to take a look. It stood its ground and protected the precious cargo through lawn mowings and thunderstorms.
I appreciate its tenacity and courage.
And I’m grateful for the time I was able to spend with it. This felt like a gift–a reward–for maintaining my sanity once again through the crazy last half of the semester.
For more information about Killdeer, see the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birdwatching.
Pics and Posts 
How cool is that to have a Killdeer nesting in your yard? These are great photos too Chandra – thank you so much for sharing
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It was pretty cool. Thank for your compliment. I hope you’re having an “artful” week. 🙂
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What a lovely bird. 🙂
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He was pretty kind!
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So there are no cats around in your neighbourhood? Birds on ground-nests are always in danger of becoming prey to cats.
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We don’t have many stray cats. We have LOTS of birds though. They stand guard. I’m sure they’d give any predator a reason to stay away.
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Well, a single couple of blackbirds was enough for my then cat to be scared away from the garden (blackbirds are not ground breeding, I know) so you are probably right.
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What a gift. So glad you got a lovely surprise at the end of it all. Great photos. Breathe a big lung full anf let it go
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I’ll take the deep breath, but I still have loads of work…meetings and a course design.
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Great photo! How fortunate you are to have the feathered guests.
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It was a wonderful gift! Now, I’m using the experience to write haiku. 🙂
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I love the photos. Taking the time just to enjoy nature is really precious. And thanks for introducing me to a bird I never knew existed!
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Thanks! The bird is pretty common in our neighborhood. I’ll send some your way. 😀
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Love the pics! Thanks for sharing this rare find with us.
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Thanks, Janet! The eggs have hatched and they moved on very quickly. I think it’s cool how they’re born “ready to go.”
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