Some of you will no doubt recall a post some time ago (here) when a charming little girl in a pink hat captivated me, and I suspect many others out for a walk in the park that day.
Her name is Sasha.
Who could not be taken in by that impish smile? I arranged with her mom, Megha, to take her for a walk along the Mill Race to hand feed a chickadee or two.
Sasha brought along her friend, Idhikaa, to join in the fun.
And so, one evening, we set off to see some birds and coax the chickadees to get to know Sasha. Unbelievably, I don't think I have ever had a slower evening of birding in this location, and despite our best efforts and a copious supply of sunflower seed, we barely heard or saw a chickadee, let alone fed one.
We had a great time together, however, and Sasha seemed quite happy to load up each chipmunk hole with seed; the chipmunks certainly benefitted from the lack of birds.
Idhikaa was a delightful companion and we were very happy that Megha had brought her along.
There were trees to climb and the girls needed no encouragement to test their skills.
Took me right back to my own childhood!
Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus) nodded in the background.
This flower is in the genus Anemonastratum but I am not sure of the exact species.
A Philadelphia Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus) seemed reluctant to open up.
What secrets lurk inside this old stump, we wondered?
This is a female damselfly (suborder Zygoptera), perhaps waiting for a suitor to come along.
It is always a pleasure to see Red Clover (Trifolium pratense).
Water droplets on leaves are scintillating.
This handsome little fellow is a Green Immigrant Leaf Weevil (Polydrusus formosus).
Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifola) is a signature plant along the Mill Race.
Water Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis scorpioides) is found alongside the water's edge.
Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) was an object of delight for the girls.
It wasn't always easy to find a flat stone to skim on the water, but it's fun to throw a stone and watch the ripples anyway.
Dusk was descending as we meandered back to our cars.
We hadn't been able to feed a chickadee but we'd had a very enjoyable time together anyway. Let's do it again soon!
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...talk about a million dollar smile.
ReplyDeleteYep. Sunny personality, too.
DeleteThe girl in the pink hat looks lovely, David. What a beautiful smile!
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
How very delightful! The girls will always remember that walk, and perhaps you've sown a seed that will sprout into at least, a nature lover, perhaps a scientist or biologist.
ReplyDeleteThat would be wonderful. At the very least they will have an appreciation of nature.
DeleteSuch a sweet and beautiful gal! These days kids spend so much time online, so it's really cool that young generation wants to learn more about the nature.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. Good parents are key, too.
DeleteLovely face expressions of the girl. Great to see she and her mom were enjoying that beautiful natural environment. I like that path through grees trees and the Eastern Chipmunk.
ReplyDeleteJoy in a smiling face !
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures !
Anna
I remember that little girl. Lovely smile and the plants are lovely to see too.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing like sharing the joy of nature with a child. We will be feeding the birds with our grandson this afternoon. Such fun!
ReplyDeleteGreat outing David with these two girls. I am sure next time the birds will not let you down.
ReplyDeleteWarm regards,
Roos
Wonderful photos David. And those smiles! Melted my heart. I am sure you planted a seed there with your love of nature.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
I think the seed may have already been planted, but perhaps I watered it a little!
DeleteBeautiful photos, David. Both nature and people. She is a delightful 😊 girl and has a beautiful and infectious smile.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the girls had a fine time even sans chickadees.
ReplyDeleteTiene una encantadora sonrisa, muy parecida a la que tiene su madre.
ReplyDeleteSaludos.
Con seguridad.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteSpending time with the young is a restorative thing for we of longer years - and I'm sure they appreciated the day every bit as much! YAM xx
What a happy little girl and great she and the others are so interested in nature. You can teach them a lot and hopefully they can pass it on too :-D
ReplyDeleteMy dad was so good at skimming stones, I really couldn't do it and still can't! He would take me out into nature and we'd walk in the forest and explore. I miss those days but so grateful for that time spent with him. <3
My daughter and I spent countless hours together when she was little.
DeleteAww a lovely post.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful smiles :)
All the best Jan
Happy faces and beautiful smiles. Nature sure can bring out the best in people if they're interested. Nice that you arranged to take them on a walk, that's something they will always remember.
ReplyDeleteQue bien nos has transmitido la alegría y felicidad que se refleja en sus caras. Pasar el día disfrutando de la naturaleza es una gozada. Sasha es una niña feliz. Gracias por compartir ese día estupendo.
ReplyDeleteBuena semana.
Un abrazo.
Even though that chickadee feeding didn't happen, what a great time to introduce an adorable little girl to nature. And her friend too. That's the most important things because if they have fun, they will probably develop a lifelong love of nature. Let's hope that happens! hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful outing. You are planting the seeds for these girls to enjoy nature!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle, but Sasha’s mom, Megha, deserves a lot of credit too.
DeleteWhat a charming little girl. The best that human nature has to offer.
ReplyDeleteSounds like the little girls went fun companions on your walk. I love the trees that made the look of a tunnel. Must be nice and cool to walk through them. Too bad you didn't see any chickadees but as you said, the chipmunks benefited. I love the way you tell the story on your blog. You always make it interesting.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteHi dear friend o`mine, how r u!
ReplyDeletewhat a delightful walk... I`m happy to return to your beautiful site. Sasha's smile is so sweet, the squirrels and dragonflies are so grateful, the magic was there every moment. I remember Sasha perfectly and i loved seeing her again. She's probably thrilled to have spent such an unforgettable day with my dear friend and professor David, to whom I send a big hug full of love and affection.
Welcome back, Carolina!
DeleteShasha's photos brought me joy...I could see her face so young ... so joyful! What a great outting.
ReplyDeleteIt’s always good to share in the exuberance of children.
DeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteI think you gave these two girls a wonderful day; their beaming faces leave no doubt.
Greetings, Frank
How wonderful that you brought the girls along; they had a wonderful time, it's such a shame the tits weren't there.
ReplyDeleteThey'll definitely be nature lovers, it's better than always being on their phones.
I wish you a beautiful Wednesday.
Greetings Irma
¡Qué suerte tienes, David!
ReplyDeleteQué bonito lo que nos cuentas.
Un saludo.
Hi David, beautiful photos of that sweet girl and her mom, the flowers and the chipmunk. I think I missed some posts. Have a nice day.
ReplyDeleteIt was very generous of you to offer your time and share your knowledge with these two youngsters, David. Perhaps next time the chickadees will cooperate.
ReplyDeleteAs we get into fall and they are starting to cache food for the winter they will be anxious to take seeds from us.
DeleteSasha is adorable and I'm betting she will grow up loving and wanting to protect and preserve Nature.
ReplyDeleteDavid, what a special day for these girls and for you too. They will never forget this and perhaps they will become ladies that help protect our world. Thank you for a wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteShe has a beautiful smile. I'm sure you have created some inspiration in her young mind..memories made!
ReplyDeleteI am not back to blogging, just wanted you to know I saw this precious little smiling girl and your post did lift my spirits and I did smile. will be back soon hopefully with a smile on face and in heart...
ReplyDeleteThanks for getting in touch, Sandra. I hope that all is well.
DeleteWell, I'm sure they had a great time, regardless.
ReplyDeleteI am sure they did, Graham.
DeleteSimply wondrous, David. I'm smiling:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful walk with new friends. It must have been chilly with everyone in long pants and long sleeves and a pink hat!
ReplyDeleteThe pink hat is identified with Sasha, and she likes to wear it. Long pants and long sleeves are excellent protection against biting insects. It was not exceptionally chilly.
DeleteThe birds were shy, the seeds untouched,
ReplyDeleteYet joy was sown with every clutch—
Of tiny hands and cheerful chatter,
Where chickadees, it didn’t matter.
Two girls in pink brought light and glee,
To trails and stumps and clover bee.
Chipmunks feasted, trees were climbed,
And ripples danced where stones were timed.
The flowers bowed with grace and hue,
The world felt fresh, and friendships new.
Though feathered friends stayed out of sight,
The day was still a pure delight.
Thanks, David, for this gentle view—
Of wonder shared, and skies so blue.
John 😊
Thank you, John, for your always delightful verse.
DeleteThank you for sharing such a delightful story! It’s wonderful she has an interest in nature. Maybe one day down the road, she will pass on what she learned from you and take a curious child for a walk along that same path.
ReplyDeleteTime with children can be so restorative, and rewarding! Just their smiles graced my morning. What lovely little ladies.
ReplyDeleteA delightful little girl and such a lovely memory you have given her. Her smile is infectious, one she has passed on to me as I leave smiling. Thank you David!
ReplyDeleteSasha is such a little darling! She's cute as a button and I'll be she had a fabulous time with you!
ReplyDeleteIt's always wonderful to do bird walks with David. My daughter Sasha, the girl in the pink hat, loves them! She learnt and enjoyed so much! Thank you David for everything!! :)
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Megha.
DeleteIn spite of the non-appearance of the chickadees, it looks like everyone had a great time. And I love Sasha's hat :-)
ReplyDeleteI first had to look up what "impish" means - yes, I completely agree, that is an impish smile. What a wonderful evening you were able to enjoy in such lovely company. Kids open our own eyes to things that seem "common" to see in a new light. I'm sure the girls have learned a lot about nature that evening while having fun at the same time. I really love that you took them out on this little adventure. Big hugs - Carola
ReplyDeleteIt’s true. Kids can make you re-examine even things that you know well. It is refreshing to be around bright, inquisitive children.
DeleteHow delightful! And I love the damselfly!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great outing you all had! One of the things I like most about being a Texas Master Naturalist is getting the opportunity to share with others, especially kids, the things I've learned as a naturalist.
ReplyDeleteThey have this Master Naturalist certification here, but it seems to lack widespread enthusiasm. I know of only one person who has completed the programme. I hope this doesn't sound egotistical, but I could probably teach most of it. I have never felt the need to take it.
DeleteSe ven felices, me encantó el paseo. Besos.
ReplyDeleteMłoda urzekająca dziewczyna! Na pewno miło się z nią spędza czas. Dzieci rosną, trzeba wykorzystać ten czas!
ReplyDeleteThat is so true, Ludmila.
DeleteA beautiful and pleasant time. It's an example of how sometimes seemingly simple things can bring the most joy. Such occasions always remind me of my moments spent on summer days, somewhere in the grass, in the garden, observing nature and its smallest inhabitants.
ReplyDeleteWishing you beautiful days, greetings to you girls, full of joy and smiles.