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Babies Emerge From Saguaro Homes

 I have had an exceptionally busy last few weeks.  I know that I am not alone in this however I have a rather nasty habit of giving up the very thing that makes me happiest and healthiest when I get very busy.  Some people might skip the gym or yoga class while others might eat much more fast food to save time.  I tend to skip my outings into nature.  As I talked about before, nature not only helps me find peace and focus but also helps me to feel more creative, connected to myself, and happier in general.  Earlier this week, I really didn't have the time but I took just one hour to venture into the wilderness and was rewarded by the continuation of nesting season and some babies beginning to emerge.


Duck Nest Behind Grass

I first stopped by a local lake and was treated to the sight of several ducks sitting on their nests.  They both had fantastic hiding places and each year I am struck by how very patient birds are.  These ducks will likely sit on their nests for weeks until their babies hatch. 

White Duck on Nest

 I know that some birds have partners who will take turns sitting on the nest which gives each a break here and there but I don't believe that is the case with ducks though please correct me if I am wrong.  I am basing that assumption on the fact that along with the ducks sitting on their nests, I also saw lots of male ducks floating on the water and foraging for food while the ladies were patiently waiting.


Baby Gila Woodpecker on Saguaro

I then headed into the desert and was rewarded with two birds who reacted to being out of their saguaro homes in opposite ways.  This little Gila woodpecker puffed himself up and clung to the side of the saguaro just outside his home.  His home was pretty much directly in front of him as another woodpecker family had a nest in the hole clearly seen in the photo.  He looked rather scared yet curious at the same time.  His head was the only thing on his entire rigid body that moved.  I watched for some time until he very slowly decided to make his way back into the nest likely for a nice long nap.



This starling on the other hand was heard before seen.  He was making such a commotion that I believe it would have been impossible for me not to notice him.  He was screaming, screeching, and otherwise making his feelings known probably to the parent in the nest.  He didn't want to be outside and wanted all to hear.  To his credit, he not only clung to the side of the saguaro cactus and made noise but he also tried to flap.  His flapping wasn't going to get him anywhere since he only seemed to flap one wing at a time but he tried.  One time it appeared that he was going to duck back into his cozy nest but whoever was inside felt otherwise and he remained clinging to the outside.  I watched for some time rooting him on and hoping I would see his first flight but he never got both wings coordinated and I moved on wishing him luck as I left.


After my short venture this past week, I felt happy, peaceful, and returned feeling creative and ready to tackle the rest of my day.  Each week, I remind myself that these journeys are needed for my mental health and each week it is one of the first things to be removed from my schedule.  Will I ever learn?  I certainly hope so.

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