When I am on Dataw Island morning wake ups are such a delight. I start the day on the porch with a mug of coffee in one hand and my camera in the other. I never know what the morning visitors will be, but I want to be ready to snap a photo or two.
The first thing to greet me are bird songs and thanks to an app called Merlin I’m able to identify them by their sounds. The results are far better than my efforts to photo a bird before it flies away! Every now and then, however, I do manage.
I’m especially happy when a bird I actually recognize poses! I’m still wondering if this cardinal has one leg tucked up under him or if he’s lost one.
A regular visitor is a great blue heron. Now I can’t swear it’s the same one several times a week, but no matter, I find it fascinating to watch.
The neck stretches are entertainment enough, but what really gets me is how long it can stand stark still once it senses my presence. I try to outlast the heron, but so far that hasn’t happened.
Birds aren’t the only visitors. There are cute fuzzy bunnies that come to munch on grass. I’d like them to take out a few weeks as well.
Squirrels flit from one tree to another and sometimes take time out to find a buried treasure.
Small creatures are not the only ones that make themselves at home in the yard. Fortunately, the deer don’t snack on anything other than grasses and vines, at least not yet!
Taking it all in with watchful eyes, doing nothing but adding their color are the geckos. So long as they don’t find their way inside, I’m OK with them!
So go my morning moments, and I am so grateful for what nature offers each day.
Lulu's Musings 
I thought the reptile was something edible but then I saw the eyes.
I don’t think it would be very tasty.
Probably not. I must have been hungry and mistook the reptile’s shape and color as a delicacy.
It’s so nice to be able to sit with coffee in hand and start the morning slow like that…
Love the birdies!
Mornings are my special time.
Loved hearing about your enjoyment of nature in the mornings. I felt like I was there sharing it.
We are in Iceland and have been fortunate to have two bright sunny days.
I know you are enjoying Iceland. We didn’t see too many birds there, but there were other fascinating subjects.
Thank you for sharing your mornings visitors with us!
My pleasure!
Beautiful!
I’ve just come back from Greece and enjoyed seeing the birdlife and brightly coloured butterflies there, and so many little geckos.
Lucky you to have visited Greece. That was our last planned trip but thanks to Covid it didn’t happen.
I’m sorry you had to cancel your trip. Hope you can postpone it. Whereabouts in Greece were you planning to go? We went to Corfu and it was beautiful, I would recommend it.
We were doing a small boat cruise among the islands.
That sounds wonderful, must have been such a disappointment to have to cancel. I hope you can still do it. I’m in the UK so travel to Europe is much easier now, not sure how it works for international visitors though.
Looking at today’s news, travel to Europe sounds iffy.
Oh dear. Is that due to Covid? Things seemed to be operating as normal in Greece (with the exception of masks being mandatory indoors and on public transport, including flights). I haven’t seen any warnings in the UK news, so I’m wondering how it is presented internationally.
No, it’s because of flight cancellations and airport issues.
Wow Linda! Beautiful photos! Can’t wait to see you.
Mary Jo Brink Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks, MJ. We get back to Maine Wednesday.
What delightful mornings! My mother used to write stories of imaginary conversations with the nature she encountered. (The birds and animals were always wise!)
Your Aperol pillow reminds me of your kind gift which I have enjoyed for new concoctions – especially during Covid, and I imagine for you it is fond memories of Italy. Thanks for sharing, Linda!
I love the thought of your mother’s imaginary conversations. I talk to the animals/birds whenever they appear. Aperol….still a favorite.
Wish I could join y’
all with my mug of coffee and enjoy nature at its finest!
Can’t respond on your site.. keep getting error messages! Great Photos… SC is so beautiful. I thought you would be in Rockport now-?? John has back surgery tomorrow… thought his pain was due to sciatica but apparently a piece of one of his discs broke off and has to be removed as it is pressing the nerve that is causing his pain. So this this a good thing bec. It can be fixed. He won’t be able to lift anything heavier than 10 lbs or to twist for about 6 weeks, but hell, I am usually the lifter in the house anyway… so that won’t be such a stretch. He has been in such pain, this surgery is most welcome!! Take care… hope all is well. Your way
If you want to go fast, go alone; If you want to go far, go Together (African proverb) Sue Porretto . . . Identify, Select, Manage & Develop Talent Provident Enterprises http://www.providententerprises.net
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You just responded!😉
Lovely captures~ I do think it is probably the same blue heron, we used to have one that frequently visited our beach house, perching on the same favorite spots and drinking from the pool…I haven’t seen him since Hurricane Sally 2 years ago, sadly…
Jenna
I like to think it’s the same heron returning for a morning visit. I always welcome it.
Wonderful photos to enjoy! We have many night visitors and all day visitors. Bear are in our vicinity, so far the trail cams haven’t shown one. Happy Sunday!
Now a bear I haven’t seen, but alligators are a different story.
Thanks, Linda😀 You made my morning coffee special too!😘
I love experiencing different scenes. This is different from squirrels and doves that are my morning visitors in Houston.
Gnats….you got got to mention the gnats 😊. Thanks for the idea of getting the Merlin app.
Omigosh, the no seeums are gone to be replaced by thousands of little white gnats. They make opening doors a challenge.