When our son and his wife bought their house, they discovered a treat that first autumn. Two large Butternut trees in the yard attracted Common Grackles in huge numbers. The birds covered the ground, breaking the outer covering to get at the nuts inside. Many were also in the tree. What a sight to behold! (There is no specific name for a group of grackles although they often travel in large flocks.) There are so many of them, their calls can be heard inside their house. This leads some to call the group a cacophony of grackles. They are so prevalent and bothersome in some areas they are called a plague of grackles. They are irridescent in the sun and I think they are beautiful.
Photograph from Wikipedia
This year Violet got to experience the wonder of the massive number of birds. She was mesmerized. I don't think the photographs need any words.
Here in the mountains we are receiving the last gasp of the latest tropical storm from the gulf. It is giving us high winds and heavy rains, stripping the colorful leaves from the trees. Attendance at Halloweenfest (our largest festival) is likely to be small and few vendors will set up tents for their lovely arts and crafts. What a shame for all concerned.
Today's quote comes from Rachel Carson:
"If a child is to keep the inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering within him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.
I have several busy weeks ahead, so I will nor post for a couple of weeks. Try to renew your sense od wonder in the world around you.
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK, EVERYONE
13 comments:
She does look in awe doesn't she? I use to get those cacophony (good description) of grackles when I lived in Fla. They raided my dogs automatic feeders. I was not amused.
We are cold and rainy and sadly this weekend was a major festival in a nearby town also. Sad as the locals count on the many visitors. Haven't checked but I'm sure it was a flop.
Her face says it all!! :)
Have a great weekend.
I love grackles and I LOVE Violet's expression!!!
Great to see Violet's awe, and to be reminded to keep a bit of that in our lives. Yes, we had a rainy "art show" day yesterday as well, but in looking at the parking and traffic, I'd say a lot of people came to town anyway. What else do tourists do when it rains!
I think grackles are lovely too. I think I shall call a group of them a Cackle of Grackles. Ha!
Love that last photo of Violet!
Ugh. Grackles and starlings are a plague around here. I submit a Dismay Of Grackles. Yes, they are an attractive bird, but their habits and numbers make them ugly to me.
Still, they should be admired (and awed by someone like Violet) for their place in Nature. It may well be that their commonness, like dandelions, add to their lack of charm.
I hope your time away has some time for enjoyment tucked in there, too. Be well.
Can she possibly get any cuter than she is now? She is entranced with everything that crosses her path … a wonderful age.
Awww such fabulous photographs of Violet :)
All the best Jan
From what you've written, Violet's parents seem to be the companions who share a sense of wonder -- and you, too, of course. I think being around children and witnessing their wonder keeps me open to the wonders as well. There are so many, and we often take them for granted. Children can bring that alive for us adults.
I have no info on Grackles -- they are completely unknown to me. I like Nance's description of them as a "Dismay of Gackles!"
Good luck with all you must do in the coming days!
Yes, the photos of Violet's amazement at the grackles needed no explanation. They can be quite annoying birds and they used to roost on a neighbor's chimney quite often. Too bad about Halloween-fest possibly being sidelined by the weather in your town. The city here doesn't have any planned activities. Hope your time away will have enjoyable moments for you. See you when you return.
Love seeing Violet's face while she is utterly amazed by the grackles. It's the best moment of a child's eye-opening grasp of the bigger world. Beautiful! Looking forward to your next post whenever you can do it.
Awe indeed. Nothing like a child discovering something amazing...!
We’ve been off the grid for a while but I’m glad at I could go back and see those awe filled photos of Violet. They are priceless!
I hope that your “busyness” is something fun!
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