Category: Wildlife

On The Parker River Path

February 9, 2012

In the midst of my imposed immobility, I occasionally get sprung from the sanctuary that I call home, and I am whisked away for drive through the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

The winter days have been so unseasonably warm over the past few weeks and my soul craves the sun and fresh air, not to mention some good bird sightings as well.

On my most recent excursion to the Refuge, which truly is the most marvelous stronghold for my soul, we were lucky to find a lovely White Egret sunning near two Mute Swans. Suddenly the White Egret took to flight and it was spectacular to witness it’s ascent into the skies.

I wish my camera did better justice to the majesty of watching this lovely bird in flight… I’m was filled with gratitude with the blessing of just quietly witnessing it’s presence.

(Photo: White Egret in Flight ~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2012)

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Name That Bear

February 3, 2012

Oh my goodness what a gift this baby polar bear is!

Born at the Toronto Zoo, the staff has “nurtured him carefully from just a pound a half in weight to his current healthy 37 pound-plus.”

They gave him plenty of tender loving care until, at 90 days, he began to walk.

But one thing they didn’t give him was a name. They’re throwing that to the public, in the form of a contest that will be open until March 16. The winning moniker will be announced March 31.

Learn more about the polar bear cub here, and learn how you can enter the naming contest here.

You gotta just smile to see this little bear! He’s pure inspiration…

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On The Parker River Path

January 31, 2012

It’s been three and a half weeks since I last walked On The Parker River Path. The beaver dam pictured above was a familiar sight as we hiked Hellcat Swamp at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

I learned while walking the Parker River Path to watch for nature’s changes each hike, as nature’s changes were life’s changes.

Sometimes we build a dam around us for protection. Sometimes we soar over the trees filled with joy. There are days when our lives are filled with turbulent winds and days when we light up like the sun.

I keep the lessons of the Parker River Path close to my heart right now, until I can walk that path again. The lessons of the Parker River Path give me faith that the Great Mother Goddess is always with us. She is the primal heartbeat within us all.

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On The Parker River Path: In Flight

January 27, 2012

Taken earlier this month at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge… A Rough Legged Hawk in flight…

Sitting at my desk today, watching the rain pour down on the Merrimack River, I wish I could be like this lovely raptor, in flight.

(Photo: Rough Legged Hawk in Flight ~~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2012)

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On The Parker River Path

January 17, 2012

A few weeks ago I joined the ranks of the unemployed and took to walking 3 – 5 days a week with a dear friend, to clear my head and get grounded. There’s nothing better for freeing your mind than a brisk walk in the cool winter air.

Most of my walks were spent exploring the many trails and pathways at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The Hellcat Swamps trails have become a favorite, from the observation tower on the Parker River side to the 50 foot dune on the ocean side.

My hikes abruptly stopped on January 8, after a fall in my driveway left me with abrasions, bruises and a badly sprained foot. The following day I ended up with a cast on my right foot which needless to say has kept me from the hikes and trails. The cast is scheduled to come off on January 23 and I am hoping to get the okay from the doctor to start hiking again.