Bailey Tract - spiritual Sunday connections

I love to go to the Bailey Tract before the crowd gets there - I find it extremely rewarding to just "be" with nature, this morning was especially sweet and it surprised me when I tallied up my species to arrive at 41 - wow - not a bad count for such a sleepy trail.

This time of the year brings morning fog and I love how it plays out with the spider webs in the vegetation - this sleeping tree looked like it was decorated with glowing candle vessels.

Also, the Yellow-rumped Warblers appear in large numbers.

The regulars tend to hang out in their usual corner - staying still - and if you're not paying attention, you might even miss their presence.

This Eastern Phoebe seemed to want to play peek-a-boo games with me.

One of the raptors that I spotted, behind a mess of twigs - almost escaping my eyes.

After several lens wiping (due to the foggy condition) - I finally got a clearer view, when I got home I confirmed its identity - a Sharp-shinned Hawk - thanks to the Stokes bird identification book.

And I don't know about you, but the Northern Cardinal is always a pretty sight to see.

The Tricolored was hanging out toward the back of the Ani Pond - I almost missed him.

My last loop today was along the Airplane Canal, a White-eyed Vireo sang to me as he moved from branches to branches - always eluding my camera eye.

The Anhinga was resting and most likely digesting its last meal - check his beautiful ruby eyes.

And, so, I felt as if my cup was filled to the brim and my spirit was singing - I am now ready for the rest of my day.

A Pileated Woodpecker sealed the day.

 My E-Bird List for today.