We returned there a couple of weeks back. Being an early riser, I did a short walk around the place at sunrise. Here is how it looked like that morning to an early birder
I could hear birds greeting the day everywhere. The house sits on a small knoll overlooking a prairie like area and the trees following a small river. Don has mowed trails throughout. Looking back over my shoulder I watched as 
the sun rose above the treeline. I saw numerous birds emerging from their houses and nests. Curious about a lack activity near a bluebird abode I approached more closely 
There were no bluebirds but instead a pair of feisty tree swallows who emerged looking for a fight. They began dive bombing me furiously, barely skimming the top of my hat. Discretion being the better part of valor I beat a hasty retreat.
the sun rose above the treeline. I saw numerous birds emerging from their houses and nests. Curious about a lack activity near a bluebird abode I approached more closely 
There were no bluebirds but instead a pair of feisty tree swallows who emerged looking for a fight. They began dive bombing me furiously, barely skimming the top of my hat. Discretion being the better part of valor I beat a hasty retreat. Later that day, while the ladies were doing their shopping thing, Don and I visited Minneopa State Park for some more birding. 
The park had a beautiful waterfall, and some thick woods, where several varieties of rare owls were known to nest. Also an extensive restored prarie. By the end of the day my total count was well over thirty birds, including a rare (for southern Minnesota) hooded warbler.
The park had a beautiful waterfall, and some thick woods, where several varieties of rare owls were known to nest. Also an extensive restored prarie. By the end of the day my total count was well over thirty birds, including a rare (for southern Minnesota) hooded warbler. 
Your kisses take me to Shangri-la Each kiss is magic That makes my little world a Shangri-la A land of bluebirds and fountains And nothing to do But cling to an angel that looks like you And when you hold me How warm you are Be mine my darling And spend your life with me in Shangri-la For anywhere you are is Shangri-la How warm you are And spend your life with me in Shangri-la For anywhere you are is Shangri-la
Been on vacation, so HAD to look at several post on down.
ReplyDeleteLike the photograph of the small tunnel.
Really like the waterfall in this post.
Nice post TB! Really like the waterfall too. Looks like a great place to be.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a lovely place. I wouldn't trade my place in the country for a penthouse or a McMansion in the burbs.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
I love Mineopa for both its natural beauty and sentimental reasons. And I think I've camped there. You were bird-lucky!
ReplyDeleteWanted you to see this: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/06/08/pawlenty-us-to-sign-vermillion-land-deal/
Sorry is isn't clickable. It's about the new state park.
Thanks for sharing your Shangri-la!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place. No wonder you call it Shangri-La. The waterfall's really cool, too. (BTW, I think you mean feisty tree swallows, rather than sparrows.)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place! You and Mrs. Troutbirder must have had a wonderful time!! :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, TB--your recent posts are terrific! I have been browsing and catching up since my last visit and find your reflections and photos truly inspiring and thought-provoking. I could go on and on commenting on various individual pix and ideas, but instead will just say, "Thank you!"
ReplyDeleteWow, romantic poetry--now I KNOW you need to go fishing. Seriously, it's a beautiful place. I find that oftentimes the swallows seem to alternate with the bluebirds when there is a string of boxes on the fenceline.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine living in a home and environment like this! Someday! :)
ReplyDelete