I woke early and sat outside on the screened porch. I'm at the end of a summer cold, and the heat and humidity were comforting. Perspectives change! Before the cold, being outdoors felt too hot, miserably hot.
I noticed how still and quiet it was at first, though in reflection, that feeling was there because I had not yet settled into being, noticing my breath and sitting with life as it was. Because a few minutes later, I noticed a stirring in the orange Ixoria. Two Carolina Wrens flitted about! Maybe they'll build a nest.
I closed my eyes and heard: Pileated and Red-bellied woodpeckers, Fish Crows, Northern Mockingbird, Northern Cardinal and Grey Gnatcatcher chirps. A Tri-Colored Heron flew in. Noisily. With a guttural, nasal call. It sounds like this.
When I opened my eyes, I looked across the pond to the Southern Live Oak. A Wood Duck hen was leading 5 chicks to the pond. I saw the hen and 5 chicks again today, Monday.
