Summer Ramblings. #1

Hi everyone! I sure hope you are having a great Friday! Today the sun is shining, though there is a bit of cloud around too. We may get some showers or thunderstorms later today, but the high is supposed to be 79F (26C), but it will feel more like 86F (30C) due to the humidity. In other words, a nice day to be outside since it won’t be too hot. I do love summer, but you all know that anyway.

This is part of a small bay on a lake not too far from here.

I like it to be a bit warmer than today if possible. Most people up here in the north find today’s temperatures much too hot. Very strange really. I love summer. Time by a lake to just enjoy a swim in the warm water. Relaxing in the shade of some pine trees.

Broad-Winged Hawk watching me.

Perhaps spending some time on the lake in a boat going in and out around the many islands. Not doing anything in particular while boating, just enjoying the sights. Or heading out to one of our smaller lakes along the highway, like my friend and I did about 3 weeks ago.

I enjoy these smaller lakes, much more private and quiet. Great places if you are looking for solitude. I do like solitude. It is good to get away once in a while and enjoy the peace and tranquility of a smaller lake with waves lapping gently against the rocky shoreline, or even sometimes along a small, sandy beach. I should call them wavelets, not waves since they are very small.

Damselfly.

But the sound of those wavelets lapping the shore is something wonderful indeed. Sitting, looking out across the lake, listening to all the birds singing, with butterflies floating past and so many dragonflies and damselflies too.

Mallard Duck, male.

Mallard Duck, female.

Plus the ducks swimming slowly past along the shore, not paying attention to me. And, of course, the pelicans, definitely one of my favorite summer birds to photograph.

White Pelican.

I could easily spend a whole day taking pictures of these huge, magnificent birds! They can be seen singly swimming past, or several will sit on some rock outcropping by the shore so they can enjoy the warm sunshine and preen their feathers.

Larger flock of White Pelicans.

And at other times there can be dozens of these pelicans sitting on the rocky shoreline of the river. Walking barefoot through that lush, green grass. Ouch! Watch out for thistles though. Summertime, a perfect time of year. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and God bless!

Steve and Muffin.

©2024 Steve McLeod.