20 March, 2026
I should have been a little more observant when I took this picture. Theodore is barely visible on the back row (see his orange hat). Next time we'll have him move forward a little.
Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) were oblivious to our presence.
The ranks of the stay-at-home winter birds have been swelled by migrants passing through on their way farther north and it was rare that we did not hear their familiar honking call.
This was our first time together at this location, so I arrived early and stood by the road so that people would know where to park. A couple of Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) went about their business on a nearby fence.
An American Robin (Turdus migratorius) perched in a tree, serenading us from time to time.
What could be better than to go exploring in the woods?
You will notice that the children are carrying their water bottles. You will never see plastic with these environmentally conscientious youngsters, all with responsible parents.
Male Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) were in full voice in their quest to attract a female.
A tree is a magnet for curious, adventuresome children, and many gathered to enjoy the moment.
Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) were singing incessantly, as males recently arrived from the south, guarded their newly established territory in anticipation of females returning at any time.
The children learn a good deal on these excursions and many of them ask probing questions. Even the smallest among them find things that stimulate their curiosity and bring them to me to identify. Rarely are they content with mere identification, but ask questions about what they have found or observed.
As much as acquiring knowledge, however, it is important that the kids have fun.
And they always do. The bigger children are always there to help the littler ones, and it is a joy to see them interact.
On the way back to the parking lots we passed a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) patiently working a shallow pond, secluded from the rapid flow of the river, swollen by snow melt.
What a handsome fellow he is, resplendent in full nuptial attire.
It was a fitting end to a very pleasant morning.
And we'll do it all again!
Lovely birds, pictures and smiling faces David !
ReplyDeleteHave a cozy day ! We have 20ºc today ;)
Bisous
Anna
Twenty degrees C. We can only dream!
DeleteIsn't it great that the children go along to see the birds too, or what birds can be seen.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos and of course it's a beautiful photo of the Northern Cardinal...male.
Los cardenales, los mirlos, todos me parecen preciosos.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo, David.
Yo celebrando la primavera en mi ventana.
It looks like you had a great time together, David. School children are so curious and eager to learn. It must be fun for you too to have them on your trip in the woods. The Mourning Doves are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
It is always a pleasure to be with them, Marit.
Delete...Theodore needed a box to stand on!
ReplyDeleteHe’s a good height for his age. We just need to locate him nearer the front.
DeleteYou can be a good teacher if you can introduce and make children love what you also love. One of the secrets of teaching, besides knowledge, is personality.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw pictures of the children on your blog, they were all smiling, and it wasn't just for the camera. They are also interested, and the older ones help the younger ones. It sets a good example for me too
My favorite picture is of the bird with the orange spot on its wing.:)
Thanks and enjoy your day! Éva
Sounds like you enjoy these outings as much as they do. You are right- can't see Theodore- I always love seeing a male cardinal - so beautiful. My grandkids all carry water bottles too. They should do away with the plastic water bottles. I see people buying them by the case every week. Now that is irresponsible. Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteThe younger generation plays a crucial role in protecting nature, don't they! And what's better than learning from you, David?
ReplyDeleteWe have not left them a lot of pristine nature, and can you even imagine with all the wars in the world, currently happening and expanding, what we are doing to destroy more of it?
DeleteNuptial Attire! SMILE! I wish I could take the hike with you and this group and see them with my own eyes. I drifted off last night listening to our mourning doves cooing. Remembering my grandmothers sights and sounds from her front porch. 70 and 80 years ago there were millions of doves here in Florida, they were almost as loud as the red wing black birds are, but much easier on the ears.
ReplyDeleteI was delighted to see a small group of Canada geese stopping on their flight north in a pasture across the street from my son's house in East Texas last week. My granddaughter was able to get a good photo and we enjoyed hearing a lot of honking as the geese browsed the field for food.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy those CANADA Geese, Deb.
DeleteI've always enjoyed taking kids on hikes and mini expeditions. I love it that you can do this and provide so much fun for them while they can also learn!
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteYour posts shared with this group always bring a degree of joy multiplied, David! YAM xx
Glad to hear that, YAM.
DeleteDavid, you make people happy. This is truly a gift that you give to so many. Me included. Thank you for this lovely post.
ReplyDeleteThank you for these kind words, Nicole.
DeleteThe cardinal is such a handsome and well-named bird, and the red-winged blackbird is equally striking. It's a joy to see young children enjoying Nature and learning at the same time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely outing and how special for the children.
ReplyDeleteThe other day I saw a robin and a male cardinal sitting in the same tree. It gave me quite a thrill.
What a wonderful picture of those precious children! Future ornithologists perhaps?
ReplyDeleteI hope so, Dorothy.
DeleteThere should be many more trips like that. All over the world.
ReplyDeleteA fine morning well spent, nothing better than children learning out in the fresh air. I admire how curious they are, asking questions and really taking an interest in the natural world. Reminds me of simpler days when a walk in the woods was the best kind of classroom.
ReplyDeleteIn many way it still is, Melody.
DeleteLovely photos David :-D
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, lovely birds. And lovely to see all those people in the nature.
ReplyDeleteA lovely outing.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your photographs especially the cardinal and robin.
All the best Jan
Everyone seemed to enjoy their outing and how lovely it is to introduce children to nature in all seasons.
ReplyDelete*.｡🍃｡･💛🌸🎀🌺🌷💛 🌸🎀🌺🌷
ReplyDelete* 🌷 ｡･ﾟ*.｡ ✨💛🌸🎀🌺🌷💛🌸🎀🌺🌷
* ✨ 🌷Q tal, qdo David! what a beautiful journey! i love how nature becomes both classroom and playground, those children add a special tenderness to the whole post.
Big kisses & big smackers 💛🌼💛🌷
You got that cardinal to look right into that camera!
ReplyDeleteErinomainen tutustumisretki lapsille - toki myös aikuisille. Retket luontoon ovat tärkeitä; huomasitte, miten lasten mielenkiinto heräsi. Te aikuiset vastasitte kysymyksiin sillä tavalla veitte eteenpäin heidän innostustaan.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful series of photos from the outing, and the children are enjoying it too, you are doing the right thing by taking them out into nature, David.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, we don't see male northern cardinals here in the Netherlands.
I wish you a lovely Wednesday.
All the best, Irma
The credit surely goes to their foresighted, dedicated parents, Irma.
DeleteSuch a wonderful learning experience for these kids (and their parents, no doubt!).
ReplyDeleteHello Dawid,
ReplyDeleteYou have wonderful nature-watching company. The little ones can observe nature closely, learning quickly while caring for our earth, and they're curious about everything...
I'm enchanted by this starling with its colorful wings, which is completely unheard of around here.
A beautiful trip, warm greetings and wishing you a good day...
What a fun day out. I went birding yesterday with a friend and we saw so many Canada geese. They seemed to be everywhere. But no McDonald's plastic cups yesterday. :) Grin. Have a super Wednesday. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteIs this the same group as before? If so, I love that they keep coming back periodically. It's so interesting to see all the changes through the seasons, both in the kinds of birds around, as well as the terrain.
ReplyDeleteThe same group, Jeanie. They have become part of my life.
DeleteFantastic walk in the woods. Oh that red-winged blackbird, stunning!! But I also love the male Northern Cardinal and the American Robbin. Birds I will never find in Europe.
ReplyDeleteMarianne asked me to see hello to you.
Greetings Maria
Then you just have to come to North America, Maria, and I will show you these birds!
DeleteIt's nice to see young kids interested in nature and birds. Lovely photos, David.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you do these outings with kids and I'm so glad that they all carry their water bottle with them that is not plastic. I remember that my daughter always liked these kinds of field trips (she wasn't home schooled, but she did some great field trips with the schools she visited) and I often participated as a chaperone - and learned a lot this way! This kind of hands-on learning (if I may call it that) is so important and I think it leaves a bigger impression than all the lectures in the classroom. My two cents. Big hugs - Carola
ReplyDeleteYou are a regular with this group. What's in store for the spring?
ReplyDeleteI had red winged blackbirds stop by last week. First time I'd seen them check out the feeder. Feeders empty now because of bears out of hibernation.
I always enjoy seeing this group out and about with you. Glad they are enjoying nature!
ReplyDeleteHow great that you take out these groups The children will love it. Beautiful photos again I love the Red-winged Blackbirds Gorgous and of course the Heron There was a big one on my neighbours house this morning.
ReplyDeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteIt is good that you pointed out to us that Theodore is wearing an orange hat. I immediately went looking for it in the photo hahahaha... nice.
Going on a discovery trip in the woods is always great fun. Here in the Netherlands, we have to be careful now because there are more and more wolves! Truly a number of stunning birds again.
Amazing.
Warm regards, Helma
A walk that will increase the joy of being followed by another.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great trip with the youngest generation!!.....they are eager to learn!!........Abrazotes, Marcela
ReplyDeleteTheodore looks awfully cute, peeking up over shoulders:)
ReplyDeleteHe is a great young fellow, and a real adventurer.
DeleteWe had a lot of Canada geese pass through several weeks ago..They certainly make their presence known...always stopping in the corn field behind us coming and going..Hugs
ReplyDeleteGood to see kids and parents out in 'the wild' - too much time indoors, even if it is cold outside, is not good for the brain! Both Sal and I commented on the number of fallen leaves in our garden yesterday, so I suspect that the seasons are turning.
ReplyDeletecheers - Stewart M
I have to get out and clean up the leaves from last fall. We leave them on the ground over the winter.
DeleteLooks like a great day!
ReplyDeleteEvery day with these kids is a great day!
Delete
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful field trip for the homeschooled and lucky to have such a great guide.
Gran reportaje querido amigo David, me encanta. Un abrazo.
ReplyDeleteSuch a good habit to take these young kids out; so they learn to enjoy nature.
ReplyDeleteAnd offcourse: I love this image of a northern cardinal. Soooo beautiful.
Best regards, Corrie