Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Bird Break

Find some quiet, private time.  Allow yourself to slow down and relax.  Find nature, meditate, or do nothing.  Take a mental break.  You'll gain the benefits of a quiet mind.
Tom Giaquinto

Sometimes you just need to breathe and be in the moment.
Bird watching does that for me.
And it's the only time I use my Canon which has a fantastic zoom.
Unfortunately, I never remember to look at or even post all the pictures I take.  I enjoy the moment and then go about my business and the pictures are forgotten.
I haven't posted since Friday (due to the fact that I'm packing and organizing for our trip to the States), so thought this would be an excellent opportunity to take a little break and share some of those photos with you.  That way you can do a little armchair birdwatching.
 Mynas (below) are sometimes considered pests but I love listening to their amazing birdsong.  They have quite the repertoire which gives them the amazing ability to mimic language and sounds.



 This past week our temperature soared to about 125 degrees.  My poor scented geranium bit the dust some time back, but this little dove on the left didn't mind as it made the perfect perch.  Common purslane is growing freely in the same pot and makes a nice snack for the birds.
It's close to midnight here so time for me to call it a night.
Hope you find some time for you own mental break today.
Best wishes,
at

38 comments:

  1. CreateologyJuly 9, 2015 at 6:04 AM

    Very nice bird break. I love to watch the birds we have here and listen to their songs and chatter. My Grandma actually raised Mynah birds and of course my mother had one in a cage. I hated having to feed, water and clean the cage because the bird always bit me...my fear showed. Safe Travels Dear...

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  2. Draffin BearsJuly 9, 2015 at 6:49 AM

    Hi Tammy,

    Your birds are lovely and isn't it handy having a zoom lens.
    Hope you are enjoying the week
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  3. Teresa KasnerJuly 9, 2015 at 7:34 AM

    I hope you keep water out for those thirsty little birds. We made it to Corning, California and are settled in a hotel for the night. 4 hours to Lake Tahoe tomorrow! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  4. Gracie SaylorJuly 9, 2015 at 9:06 AM

    Thanks for sharing your break, Tammy! I loved my armchair view of your sweet photos. This post reminds me of the verse, "Be still and know that I am God." Ps. 46:10. My thinking can be very agitated and unruly! I need to stop, and refocus! Wishing you orderly packing and a safe joyful journey as you head to and from the US. :)

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  5. PradeepaJuly 9, 2015 at 12:45 PM

    Lovely bird photos. Enjoy your trip!

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  6. podsoJuly 9, 2015 at 1:05 PM

    How completely true, and so nice to see your photos. Here in the west, or at least where I live, it's hard to slow down and just enjoy quiet, but how important to do so. I hope you have a wonderful trip home this summer.

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  7. September VioletsJuly 9, 2015 at 2:52 PM

    Today's quote was perfect, and I did just that on our recent camping trip :) Love your little bird shots, even the ordinary sparrows have a sweetness about them. I remember seeing myna birds in pet stores here when I was young. I would stand in front of their cage and just listen to their crazy singing. A shame that they're considered a pest. I had about 11 goldfinches eating from my feeders before I left for camping, but now I've only seen a couple. I think the resident hawk has been trolling for snacks in my yard. I know you've left for the States now, but I do hope you have safe travels and enjoy your time 'back home'. Hugs,
    Wendy

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  8. LindaJuly 9, 2015 at 3:53 PM

    I love bird watching. It's one of my favorite things to do.
    Hope your trip goes well - lots of fun and relaxation (and cooler temps!) It's like fall here many day this summer - crazy weather. I read that Alaska is having its hottest summer and yet here in Illinois, it's only in the 60s this morning. We're off for Colorado early Saturday morning.

    Kind regards,
    Linda

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  9. LaurieJuly 9, 2015 at 5:02 PM

    Sweet birds! Hope you have a safe trip and a great time in CO.

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  10. AnaJuly 9, 2015 at 5:02 PM

    Oh Tammy, these are beautiful pictures. So glad you decided to share. Wishing you a safe trip.

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

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  11. ClaudiaJuly 9, 2015 at 5:03 PM

    I feel the same way about bird watching. It makes me very happy! Love your photos, Tammy.

    xo
    Claudia

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  12. Helen PhilippsJuly 9, 2015 at 5:14 PM

    Wonderful bird pictures, Tammy. It does sound so hot and dry there! Good luck with your packing for the States.....how exciting to be going on your trip so soon!
    Helen xox

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  13. DianeJuly 9, 2015 at 5:33 PM

    I love your bird pictures, Tammy. Nature is so healing and calming. (((hugs)))Diane

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  14. WandaJuly 10, 2015 at 2:47 AM

    Tammy your birds are just outstanding... You really are one with that camera, and need to share more with us. I do love birds and have my coffee on the balcony and love to listen to the singing of the birds. I don't have a very good camera so can't get those extraordinary shote. More please....

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  15. UnknownJuly 10, 2015 at 2:51 AM

    Sweet birds. Aren't you glad you hadn't uprooted the geranium - AND allowed the purslane to continue? A haven in that heat is your porch ...

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  16. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJuly 10, 2015 at 2:59 AM

    Dearest Tammy,
    Oh what a lovely post about our feathered friends and how could anyone call such a beautiful and talented bird call a pest?
    Wishing you all a wonderful summer break and safe travels.
    Hugs and blessings,
    Mariette

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  17. LorrieJuly 10, 2015 at 6:46 AM

    It's so true that nature calms and restores. I'm trying to take the moments where I can. Photography helps. Your bird photos are lovely. I can't imagine 125 degree heat. I hope your packing goes well.

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  18. MiniJuly 10, 2015 at 11:44 AM

    Lovely birds. Enjoy your trip Tammy.

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  19. kathyinozarksJuly 10, 2015 at 5:19 PM

    beautiful photos Tammy-I love them, and thanks for sharing with us. Enjoy your trip to the states! Kathy

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  20. Daniela @Frugal Aint CheapJuly 10, 2015 at 11:57 PM

    beautiful pictures. Wow 125° it's definitely hot

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  21. SusanJuly 14, 2015 at 5:06 AM

    Great bird photos, Tammy. Just like looking at a National Geographic Magazine! Loved them. Susan

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  22. DagmarJuly 14, 2015 at 4:50 PM

    Wonderful that you find time for yourself. Great photos of the birds.:)
    Xo
    Dagmar

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  23. Yesteryear EmbroideriesJuly 14, 2015 at 10:22 PM

    Such a beautiful post! The birds are so beautiful!

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  24. AnonymousJuly 14, 2015 at 10:23 PM

    Wonderful photos! I so agree with you opening statement!

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  25. PKBrandonJuly 15, 2015 at 4:34 AM

    I've been a bird watcher since I was a little girl and still love watching and observing them. They are beautiful creatures and work so hard for their survival.

    I love the pictures - thanks so much for sharing!

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  26. handmade by amaliaJuly 16, 2015 at 2:58 AM

    A quiet mind - something worth aspiring for. Lovely photos.
    Amalia
    xo

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  27. Jen KershnerJuly 16, 2015 at 4:46 PM

    Those are spectacular pictures of beautiful birds! It's always good to hit the pause button.

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  28. JaniceJuly 17, 2015 at 1:18 AM

    Lovely bird photos...I really enjoyed them!

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  29. MelanieJuly 17, 2015 at 11:04 PM

    I'm taking a mental (and physical) break right now by reading blogs. Then I'm back to housework. It's too hot outside today to be doing anything out there. Certainly not as hot as what you mentioned though - "only" in the 90's here (with heat index up to 109). I can't even fathom 125. Does the death toll climb when the temps are like that? Your bird photos are gorgeous. Enjoy your time back here in the States!

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  30. MeredithJuly 18, 2015 at 3:12 PM

    I wish you a wonderful, wonderful trip to the States. You will be so much more relaxed this year knowing when you return you do not have to go back to work.

    Enjoy your time away Tammy.
    Meredith

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  31. KitJuly 19, 2015 at 12:29 AM

    Great pics! I just love birds. 125 degrees? Yikes! I hope it is alot cooler here in the states when you get here. Safe travels! Kit

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  32. handmade by amaliaJuly 20, 2015 at 7:16 PM

    Great photos! I wonder if birds ever have a headache and refuse to sing.
    Amalia
    xo

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  33. Lizzy DJuly 21, 2015 at 1:51 AM

    I love seeing your birds, Tammy. 125! It s ''only'' 88* here and we re getting ''heat alert'' warnings. I can imagine the heat you experience there. Time to stay in, crochet?
    Hope you have fun---and cool weather, when you visit the Staes.

    lizzy

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  34. CherylJuly 21, 2015 at 6:05 PM

    You have a very good eye for taking photos missy.... you make it look effortless yet, I am sure if I were to try it, all you would see is a blob next to a plant lol
    big hugs,
    Cheryl

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  35. GratefulPrayerThankfulHeartJuly 22, 2015 at 3:44 AM

    I find great joy in bird watching too. Great photos! 125 degrees- that is hot! Not sure I'd know how to endure temps like that :)

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  36. LindaJuly 23, 2015 at 6:08 AM

    Hi Tammy, warm greetings from Montreal, Canada! Thank you so much for this beautiful post, the birds are gorgeous, and I love nature! I find it to be very therapeutic and soothing.

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  37. She loves to crochetJuly 24, 2015 at 11:35 PM

    Your photos are fantastic, I hope you have a good trip. Hx

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  38. A Colorful WorldAugust 13, 2015 at 11:38 PM

    Wonderful bird captures! Wow...you guys get the HEAT! I thought it was bad where I live!

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Thanks so much for stopping by my little corner of the world. Your comments are much appreciated. "Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart." ~Henry Clay