The Return of the Black Skimmers

When I left early this morning, I was pretty sure it was going to be - once again - one of those super-cloudy mornings that would feature no spectacular sunrise, just a gradual diminishing of darkness. I almost talked myself out of going, but I keep telling myself that, even without a glorious sunrise, it is still well worth the effort to go and walk along the beach. The sound of the waves, the pleasure of being able to get some exercise with my feet in the sand, the seagulls and other waders, the occasional heron, and whatever else might happen to show up. And I was so glad I went!

I was so enthralled with the black skimmers that I first became acquainted with at the SPI Birding Center a few months back, but I was beginning to wonder if I would ever see them again. Well, today was the day! 

Only this time I got to see them, not over the bay, but over the ocean waves, and it made my day. I love watching them fly back and forth over the water with all the grace and synchrony of a perfectly matching figure-skating duo. 

I hope they will be back soon!

Prickly Poppies at QM

 

I came across these lovely Mexican prickly poppies at Quinta Mazatlan.

Just beautiful! 

Lovely, towering trees were all around.

And some other shady spots . . .

A Pretty Spot

 

Today is a rather melancholy day for me. Memories. But this little garden spot at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is a pleasant distraction.

I was hoping to find some pretty little songbirds, but they all flew away as I walked up. I guess I'll have to learn to walk more softly. But it makes a pretty background. Maybe someday I can use it to practice composites - taking some birds with plain backgrounds and transplanting them in this beautiful space.