Thursday Thoughts – Colours of Spring, so far…

Thursday Thoughts – A Hope of Spring

As March is here, maybe winter is letting go of its grip. A sunny walk by the lakes was envigorating and I found that the ice was almost gone. At least out in the open spaces. Not many birds around, but – they will soon arrive.

The leaves frozen in ice, reflecting the blue sky – there’s hope for a spring to arrive.

Cee’s B&W Photo Challenge: Liquid

Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Liquid

Morning heron – as liquid as he can be.

 

Snow and Mist – Magle Wetlands

I left Hovdala in the best of moods, heading for Magle, the water and the birds. I imagined the strong cold and the water would make some grand mist.

Driving down the narrow road I saw the sun throwing diamonds my way…

…so, I stopped to collect them…

…and I became very rich…

And, richer I would be, further along the road – at Magle.

The mist had risen from some parts of the ponds, but at the far end – it hadn’t yet. It took me some time to get there though, as only the footprints of one single person were there before mine.

I certainly was richly rewarded. As the sun slowly warmed up the air – unveiling the ducks, swans and cormorants. A heron gliding low in the mist.

The mute swans were showing off their beauty, while the ducks seemed busy just staying warm.

I was looking for the whooper swans, but they were not there. Following the path further on, I finally found them.

Three of them were balancing on the thin ice – while finishing their morning toilet.

The bench where I usually rest, birdwatching,  was not very useful today…

Looking back a last time, I realized this was the finest winter day this year. Hopefully there will be some more diamonds to collect this winter… I enjoy being rich.

 

Thursday Thoughts – Late

Slowing down means that I can have late, soft mornings if I like…but, I can also use the early mornings for hiking and reflecting.

Earlier this week there was an opportunity for a chilly, but sunny morning with no wind. I left my son at his job and went on to the wetlands I usually visit a couple of times each season.

The air was clear and cold, no wind, no sound.

I wondered if the birds had gone south all of them, or some would, like me, try to survive the harsh winter months. And…there they were…

When the fog lifted, I saw the cormorants – like old statues – sitting there, silently waiting.

When I was a child I was very fascinated by these spectacular birds…and I still am.

They are unreal, living statues…drying their wings.

Fascination. If you no longer can feel fascination or curiosity, I guess your life is… over.

When you look closer, but still cannot perceive the fog lifting or the morning light sifting through the leaves…

…when your first thought, walking through this morning forest no longer is: ”Why, this looks like powder snow!”…

…when you no longer stop to admire nature’s master weavers…

…or other little inhabitants on this Earth…

Then you are in danger of losing yourself…Your Self. I am so grateful I listened to my body and soul, realized where I was heading and took the consequences.

Think about it…Find your Self, do not lose yourself – if you have the possibility to choose.

Just think…this morning might not have been… mine.

# 280 Spegelblank – As Smooth as a Mirror (291/365)

# 328 Upphittat – Found (288/365)

WPC: Half-and-Half

This week we are requested to divide a photo into halves or layers. My entry is from this spring and an early morning by the lake. More entries here.

# 49 Djupdykning – Deep diving (136/365)

Vårpromenad i Magle – Spring walk in Magle Wetlands

Idag har varit den varmaste dagen i år hos oss – 23 grader C visade vår termometer i eftermiddag. Hundpromenaden förlades till Magle våtmark.

Today was the warmest day so far this year – 23 degrees C. The dog walk had to be at Magle wetlands.

En solig promenad med ljumma vindar – både vi och fåglarna trivdes alldeles utmärkt.

More than me and Totti were out walking today…

Färgerna är fortfarande bleka, men vårljusa och harmoniska.

The colours are still pale, but ”springy” in harmony.

Grågässen hade parkerat mitt på gångstigen, men lyfte snyggt så att vi kunde passera. Ingen reaktion på hunden alls.

The greylag geese had parked in the middle of the path, but soared lightly away when we passed.

Kanadagässen betraktade oss uppmärksamt på avstånd. Inte min förtjusning dessa gäster, men ganska vackra att se på. Smutsar dock ner kolossalt.

The Canadians (!) watched us attentively from a distance. Not my favourites these, but rather beautiful birds to look at. Unfortunately they leave so much of unpleasant things on the paths and close to the water.

Denna praktfulla padda stelnade i steget och lät mig fotografera från flera håll. När jag var klar klev han lugnt vidare över gången mot vattnet.

This beauty froze in this position for minutes – for me to photograph him, surely. And,  when I was finished, he slowly crawled down to the water. Maybe I should have given him a kiss?

A gallery from the rest of the walk! No swans today – they are always here in the early morning, but not now.