…they opened their wings
softly and stepped
over every dark thing.
Mary Oliver
Sitting at the top of a tree near the lagoon, this lone egret seems deep in thought and as bewildered as I am about the time change; like why is it almost dark at 5pm?
Same, egret, same.
It’s a bird I’ve never before seen and I’m sooo happy he chose to visit the gardens at Casa de Enchanted Seashells!
The Black-headed Grosbeak is a migratory bird, with nesting grounds from southwestern British Columbia through the western half of the United States and into central Mexico.
I think this is a male; black head, black wings and tail with prominent white patches. Its breast is dark to tawny orange in color, more like the color of cinnamon.
The black-headed grosbeak eats pine and other seeds, berries, insects, spiders, and fruit. I didn’t hear him sing, however, his voice is a rich warble similar to that of an American robin, but more fluent, faster, softer, sweeter, and mellow with rising and falling passages that make the song much longer than the robin’s. The note is a sharp ik or eek. Both the male and female sing, but have different songs.
Its symbolism includes a message to live in harmony with yourself. to forgive yourself, trust your instincts, meditate more, and be kinder to yourself. When this bird flies into your life, it also prompts you to practice contentment. Alternatively, a Grosbeak meaning suggest being supportive of those around you who are struggling.
What an amazing garden visitor!
The waves weren’t great, more of a shore break, but there’s still a lineup of hopeful surfers. No whales, though, so that was a disappointment.
I peeked through the trees and thought I saw a swan in the artificial pond near the lagoon, but…
…it was a lovely white egret.
I’m not sure why he’s there, as the actual saltwater lagoon is steps away, but maybe he knows something I don’t.
I wish they’d return for another visit to Casa de Enchanted Seashells. That was so cool!
As long as there are bluebirds, there will be miracles and a way to find happiness.
Quote curated from Pinterest: Credit to the writer.
Art by Ida Rentoul Outwaite
It’s not often that a hummingbird will be able to stop moving long enough to take a picture that’s not blurry, but yesterday I got lucky. This little one darted from one monkey flower to another and my phone did a pretty good job of capturing her colorful exuberance. The nectar must have been sweet and delicious.
“She’s little and I love her too much for words to say.” –Leon Russell
The lyrics to Hummingbird, another Leon Russell masterpiece, were swirling around in my head while I was snapping these pics. (This is Set 2 / Live At The Fillmore East/3/27/70 · Leon Russell Mad Dogs & Englishmen)
I’m beyond ecstatic to report this awesome news that for the first time ever a California Scrub Jay momma is building her nest here at Casa de Enchanted Seashells.
I’ve been feeding a Scrub Jay family for a long time and they’ve become so trusting that they eat out of my hand, but I’ve never before had one take up residence. The birdhouse is in a fruit-bearing mulberry tree and it’s going crazy this year. Sometimes I harvest all the fruit and make jam and cobblers; haven’t decided if I’ll do it again this season.
I can’t wait to hear and see the babies! Scrub Jays are known for their high intelligence, particularly their abilities in memory, problem-solving, and social cognition. They excel at hiding and remembering food caches, learn new tasks by applying general rules, and even appear to understand the perspective of other jays when deciding where to hide their food.
If that wasn’t awesome enough, check out this (uncommon) Common Yellowthroat OR American Goldfinch–I can’t identify it for sure. I was able to snap a few pictures as they snacked on spent lavender blooms.
What an auspicious start to summer!
Happy June!
Have you ever felt as if you were being spied upon? Some kind of spidey sense that you’re being watched? Have you ever been out in public and turned around quickly because you felt the weight of someone’s gaze?
Yesterday I was working in the garden ‘cos there’s always a lot to do. This particular project involved a lot of weeding as well as fertilizing fruit trees and the veggie garden.
At one point I was sitting on the ground on the rocky dry river bed weeding around the rose bushes that I had successfully propagated (yay for me!).
It was quite a zen moment, totally and blissfully silent except for birdsong, but I felt as if I wasn’t alone, as if I was being watched.
Some force compelled me to turn around and look up. There he was right above me in the ash tree; this gorgeous hawk. It seemed as if his hawk eyes were boring a hole in my soul. He didn’t move an inch when I ran inside the house to get my camera. He simply followed my every move.
Look at his talons!
I said hello as I always do, took some photos, and continued to weed under his watchful gaze.
This went on for more than an hour. I thought he’d fly away if I moved to another spot in the garden, but he didn’t — he just turned his body on the branch to continue to monitor my every move.
He wasn’t bothered by my presence and I was in awe of him. I struck up a one way conversation, thanking him for his diligence in keeping the yard rodent-free, asked about his family, and told him how much I appreciated his visit. I hoped he would get used to the sound of my voice and we could have another chat if he returns.
The action of a hawk watching you is a symbol of divine guidance. It often signifies a messenger from the spirit realm, a call to pay attention, or an indication that you are being guided and protected. Hawks are also associated with clear vision, focus, and the need to tap into divine wisdom.
The hawk is a messenger bird. Usually when we see a hawk it means to pay attention because a message is coming to you. Hawks represent clear sightedness, being observant, our far memory, and guardianship. They also bring courage, wisdom, illumination, creativity and truth. Hawks give us the ability to see the larger picture in life.
He hasn’t returned today, but it was a special moment to treasure.
Come back, friend!
I found this incredibly beautiful hawk tail feather in my garden. Recently, I’ve heard a mated pair; maybe Cooper’s hawks, calling to each other from my backyard trees, so I assume it’s from one of them and that makes me very happy! It looks a bit bedraggled because we had some rain last night and it was lying on the ground.
A little research informed me something I didn’t know — that it’s illegal to pick up ANY feather, so I guess I’ll just leave it there. But in my own garden? Look, but do not touch? Did you know that?
I thought that this treasure was a sign from my spirit guides. A hawk tail feather is often seen as a symbol of power, courage, strength, and the ability to see things from a higher perspective.
I knew it was illegal to possess an eagle feather but I had no idea that the same law applied to hawks and other raptors.
Here’s what I learned:
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA): This act prohibits the possession, sale, purchase, or transfer of feathers of migratory birds, including hawks, without proper permits.
Broad Coverage: The MBTA protects over 800 bird species, making it a wide-reaching law.
No Exemptions: There are no exemptions for feathers that are naturally shed, or from birds killed by cars or other means, unless you have a permit.
Permits: Permits are required for activities like taxidermy, scientific research, or educational purposes.
Penalties: Violations of the MBTA can result in fines and imprisonment.
Exception for Native American Tribes: Federally recognized tribes may possess, carry, use, wear, give, loan, or exchange migratory bird feathers and parts without compensation among other Indians.
Still, finding a hawk’s feather is a profound event, rich with spiritual and cultural importance. Regarded as a divine symbol, it embodies strength, foresight, and can convey messages and blessings of divine guidance, reassuring physical health and decisiveness.
The white tip, often called the “tip of life,” represents spiritual focus and clarity. The intricate patterns, like those found in snowflakes, symbolize our unique life paths.
When a feather appears on your property, near your garden or home, it symbolizes comfort and protection. This occurrence is not just an incidental find but a key spiritual message. They’re believed to carry wisdom and the ability to see what is hidden.
But DO NOT pick it up, no matter what!
“Accustom yourself every morning to look for a moment at the sky and suddenly you will be aware of the air around you, the scent of morning freshness that is bestowed on you between sleep and labor.
You will find every day that the gable of every house has its own particular look, its own special lighting.
Pay it some heed…you will have for the rest of the day a remnant of satisfaction and a touch of coexistence with nature.
Gradually and without effort the eye trains itself to transmit many small delights.” –Hermann Hesse
The 1946 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to the German author Hermann Hesse.
Photos by Enchanted Seashells
It’s been raining but I was able to snap a few pictures between storms.
In one day, Casa de Enchanted Seashells was visited by a bevy of gorgeous birds.
I don’t think I’ve seen these guys before, but I’m so happy they stopped by! They look like an Eastern Bluebird, but that’s not likely here in SoCal. I’m pretty sure they’re not a Scrub-Jay because they’re too small. Whoever you are, welcome! The rain droplets on the mulberry’s bare branches look super cool.
A bunch of yellow finches love to eat the sumac seeds.
I didn’t post the video, but this guy was calling out to his mate, and he’s VERY loud!
Enchanted Seashells | Princess Rosebud 