I needed to get my hike in today before the heat comes. I grabbed my Rad Joy banner and set out to hear the birds. For the first half of my hike, I heard very few. So, I focused more attention to finding some materials to use. I just scope the woods to see what calls my attention.

I saw some large leaved plants with giant flowers at the top. I used my iNaturlist app to determine they were hogwarts. They are fairly abundant here. I also chose some small woodland flowers that are abundant. At a distance, I saw a beautiful hollowed out log and decided it would be a great place to put my art piece together.

I carefully arranged the giant leaves first, followed by the flowers. I took some pictures, paused to notice the place and then proceeded on my hike.

As I was walking back, I noticed a pile of feathers from what appeared to be the devoured carcass of a turkey. I gathered up some leaves and decided to rearrange my art piece to include my newly discovered feathers. It felt like a nice way to honor the bird.

In between the time that I left the art and when I returned, I started to hear more birds singing. I quickly opened my Merlin app to identify the birds present. Over a span of about 15 minutes, the app identified Veery, American Goldfinch, Great Crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Sedge Wren, Hairy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Cedar Waxwing and Hermit Thrush. The birds had arrived and I was grateful for their presence.

I enjoyed being focused on nature and my interactions there, despite hearing plenty of human presence in the distance. Even on the hard days, I am blessed.

By Michelle Doerr