Over the past few weeks, I have developed into an amateur bird chaser. Like the paparazzi chasing Lindsay Lohan, I am running in all sorts of directions, hiding in odd places and cursing like a sailor when I miss the perfect shot. Here are a few I managed to snap quickly today:
I have no idea what types of birds these are, but will research them and continue to build my mental library.
But this is not my tale for today.
The tale is where these birds led me.
I live on about three acres of land in rural NJ (yes that does exist) and about 1/3 of the land is “wild” or “wooded”. Here is the view out of the back door:
It is my own little nature preserve. For reasons unknown, I have ignored this gem since we moved in about six years ago. Maybe it is the poison ivy or the ticks, but the truth is, I have been so focused on the “man made” aspect of my gardens that I have ignored this beauty that nature has provided free of charge.
Well that all changed today as I chased down the birds like a scorned lover. They led me to the back of the property and when I got there it all hit me like a ton of bricks. Dude, you dumb ass, how have you not taken the time to enjoy this? Enough of your perfect little OCD driven garden beds, soak this all in and realize it was all here before you arrived and will be here long after you’re gone. So I did:
I don’t know the botanical name or the preferred conditions of any of these. And that felt good. It is pure visual enjoyment, and I loved how it all comes together in beautiful, perfect chaos.
And even better, are all of the creatures that live amongst it all. I could hear a bunch of unidentified animals scurrying about as I approached (most likely birds and rabbits) but also know there are snakes, deer and the occasional fox back there. Some more photos:
I even spotted this American flag while on my travels:
OK, I may be pouring it on a little thick with that, but I felt deeply moved today and hope I can take that feeling and energy to my own gardens. Enjoy what nature has provided and let chaos reign when it wants to.
Finally, just as I was ending my foray into the wild (well, my backyard) and as if on cue, the dark and ominous clouds approached and a nice storm has arrived just as I am writing this post:
Good day mates
ONG
What a view from your back deck! You are so very fortunate. Wonderful photos as always.
Its fun to enjoy the wild side of nature.I was out stalking birds with my camera today & my cat saw me and got into his stalking pose with me.
If you want some chaos, come to my garden.
I love this blog post. So much to enjoy!
Hi Mr. Neurotic Gardener. 🙂 Saw that you signed on to follow my blog and I just wanted to say hi and thanks! Your place is beautiful. I’m so glad the beauty finally hit you. We live in a regular neighborhood but right at the edge of the woods. I sit and stare in awe at the beauty! We see rabbits, birds, opossums, racoons, coyotes, and bobcats. Bet you have all of the same. Take your coffee or tea out there and just soak it in!
Wow, that is in your backyard??? It’s Gorgeous! Lucky you! We have woods next to our yard too but it’s full of scary looking weeds. Nothing as pretty as what you have!
I love the shots of wildlife you got. Very inspiring.
What a fun adventure you had. You are certainly blessed to have such a beautiful nature preserve in your backyard. I can only imagine what else you may discover as you explore it further 🙂
I’m surprised it took you this long to travel into your distant backyard.. What a beautiful sight it is filled with all sorts of mother nature growing wild! Great shots as usual too! Of course, I can’t say too much since I live on two acres and the only time I’ve been deep into my backyard was riding on my quad and that was for the sheer thrill of the ride, of course, I did get my fill of the nature while it slapped me across the face barreling through brush! I hope you wore long sleeves and pants as not to get any poison ivy or ticks!
WOWWWW…This is relly a mindblowing blog. I am also a passionate nature lover. I hope I will own a blog of this type.
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What a wonderful backyard to wander in! Wild flowers are amazing, and the feathers off the wild grasses this time of the year are something to see too! I recently enjoyed (while driving) some beautiful wildflower meadows. I have to get back out there by foot with a camera. Nature is beautiful all on its own!
I love this post! The birds and the plants are beautiful. You have a real treasure there and thanks for sharing so we can all appreciate and enjoy it!
Beth
Lovely, lovely, lovely. I would love to see that much nature everyday. I hope you can ID your birds. I recognize the dark bird (the one among the butterfly photos) as the catbird. I have a few of those in my backyard and love their little “mews”.