Early June Delights

Posted on June 5, 2023 by Stephen Nielsen

This is probably a Mayflower or a Wood Anemone.

a winding trail for people as well as animals.

White lily buds. They will be blooming any day.

Seeing the moon through the trees.

Blue Jays and Black Birds

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Stephen Nielsen

It seems that Blue Jays have this favorite spot right outside my window in this little tree. It’s wonderful to see them–to see how colorful God has decorated them.

I was out for a walk when I saw this black bird. I had to walk around to the side of him in order to see his red wings–a delight to see God’s handiwork.

He looks around, but isn’t afraid of the camera–yet.

Wild Flowers along the Trail

Posted on May 31, 2023 by Stephen Nielsen

A Picture of the Blessings of God

Posted on May 21, 2023 by Stephen Nielsen

This beautiful full tree by this full creek gives us a picture of the blessings of God upon all who trust in Him. We can be blessed with all His goodness when we trust in Him. And we will fear nothing but will continue to enjoy the blessings of the Lord as long as we are nourished by His life.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord

And whose trust is the Lord.

8 “For he will be like a tree planted by the water,

That extends its roots by a stream

And will not fear when the heat comes;

But its leaves will be green,

And it will not be anxious in a year of drought

Nor cease to yield fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

After the Snow Melt

Posted on May 18, 2023 by Stephen Nielsen

After the Snow Melt

After the snow

all melted away,

the flood of water

brought not only greenery

but overflowing creeks

and the smell of swamp water.

Yet the beauty remains.

The Turtles are out!

Posted on May 5, 2023 by Stephen Nielsen

There are so many turtles in this little lake. They just love to bask in the sun.

Seeing Animals on the Trail

Posted on May 3, 2023 by Stephen Nielsen

I saw ducks through the trees.

I saw red-winged Black Birds.

I saw this small deer–quite friendly.

I saw this beautiful swan.

Spring Flooding

Posted on April 28, 2023 by Stephen Nielsen

It was impossible to walk along the shore of the Mississippi, as I usually do–see the flooding full river. The upper trail was nice and dry.

American Coot

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Stephen Nielsen

I saw this bird while walking on one of my favorite trails. I had to look it up. It is called an American Coot. Notice its white beak and long toes. Here is the description I found.

The waterborne American Coot is one good reminder that not everything that floats is a duck. A close look at a coot—that small head, those scrawny legs—reveals a different kind of bird entirely. Their dark bodies and white faces are common sights in nearly any open water across the continent, and they often mix with ducks. But they’re closer relatives of the gangly Sandhill Crane and the nearly invisible rails than of Mallards or teal.