Beth of Wandering Dawgs, provides a thought-provoking challenge this week with a stanza from Mary Oliver’s Poem, Sometimes. There is so much in life that I find astonishing: sunsets, dawn light, full moons, vistas, mountains, waves and waterfalls, magnificent trees – the list goes on and on. As I thought about the challenge, I decided to focus on one element of nature that amazes me: birds.
I find birds astonishing, first of all because most birds can fly! They come in many different sizes, shapes & colors, and are found in all kinds of environments around the world.
Each species has its own language, and some even have regional variations.
Birds raise families. Some species (like Bald Eagles) take several years to mature, while others (like Mallards) are ready to paddle and feed themselves when they emerge from the egg. I rejoice in their diversity!
Birds are smart – do not believe that crass put-down “birdbrain.” Birds are observant, inquisitive, able to use tools and to engage in collective endeavors.
Birds have specialized behaviors that allow them to survive, like the Killdeer (above lower right). They build their nest and nurture their young on the ground. To dissuade predators from their chicks, adult Killdeer perform a broken wing dance to draw the threatening critter away.
Birds have adapted to their environment; their feather colors, their beaks and bills, claws and feet, what and how they eat, how they fly, paddle, dive and soar demonstrates that birds are in harmony with their world.
In addition to being astonishing, I find birds to be a pleasure to hear, and fascinating to watch.
Lindy Low LeCoq 
Lindy, your bird collection is fantastic. I loved all your photos and share your enthusiasm about birds. I recently spotted a blue heron sunning in exactly the same way you showed in the photo. Birds are truly astonishing.
Thank you,Egidio. This was fun to put together!
Lindy, it was a great idea to focus on one subject for this challenge. Your collection of bird photos are varied and amazing.
Thank you, Anne. The more I looked through my archives, the more obvious it was!
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Great naturalist photos of the birds! they are amazing indeed.
Thank you. I never tire of watching birds, and trying to get good shots of them!
Great selection…but I rather like the the Turnstone struut
Ooops cimment vanished before finished. Turnstone strutting its stuff along the shore. 😅
Thank you, David. That’s one of my favorite “attitude in action” shots!
Lindy, I like the way you focused on birds for the challenge. I’m a bird lover, too. I love your beautiful bird galleries and your explanations about how they astonish you. I’ve see a mama Killdeer do the broken wing dance when we were near her nest. Thanks for this wonderful response to the challenge.
Thank you, Beth. This one was great fun for me!
Fantastic idea for the week Lindy, and so beautifully shown!! Way too many favorites to mention but knowing how difficult it is to get those images I must say VERY impressive!!