#the other one is indigo bunting

[jollysnail4394]

Grian!!!

[soshadysoquiet]

If TUA had bird wings indulge me:

What birds do you think TUA crew would be if they had wings of the species that best matched the combo of their personality, powers, physiology and birth country? (Just dealing with the OG 7 here)

I'm thinking:

Luther - A strong bird obvs / powerful, more known for strength than agility, maybe a Condor / Vulture - both are fairly social birds which I feel is where Luther should have been able to thrive / truly wants to be. (Also why then he would have been messed up further as a kid if the birdy-bit of him wanted to bond and was limited in this). Both species can be monogamous which fits with him and Sloane. *Then I remembered he's from Sweden and looked up Swedish birds and the biggest is the White-Tailed Sea Eagle.. Potentially could he be an Albatross?

Diego - Gotta be a bird of prey, right? I think he'd suit an ornery bird species, ideally one that's agile - I found there's a species called a Laughing Falcon and as he's always teasing and testing his siblings that sounded fun. They're typically very solitary though (fits the lone wolf vibe he rocks in S1 but are they enough of a mummy's bird for him?) The Caracara sounds like an interesting option too though and is agile and more social though less high-flying. Or should he be a water bird - the Neotropic Cormorant?

Allison - I wondered about birds that could mimic other sounds to suit her abilities in a way - like a Mockingbird, or are capable of some form of manipulation / cunning / 'acting' in a way like a Raven, Magpie or a Cuckoo (apparently American birds aren't allowed to act btw? Also never knew that there is an extinct Carolina Parakeet). But I'd also like a flashy-plumaged bird for her in a way to signify that aspect of her interests.

Klaus - Again we need a mischievous bird / and the obvious choice would be one associated with death. I do quite like a Crow for Klaus, because they're cawing often sounds like cackling laughter and humour is very much a go-to defence for him, they're also (I believe) typically smaller than say Ravens and I feel he has a less powerful build and more a nimble one. However Magpie would work well too and I worry that a 'death bird' is too obvious a choice; he could be a more flashy bird to show off his personality - the Baltimore Oriole, Indigo Bunting, or Blue Jay could be fun for him (Plus I feel Reggie would look down on frivolous birds)

Five - I feel this is a good opportunity to use an Owl species - known for their silent hunting style which works for someone who can appear and disappear at will along with his potential for being an assassin. Also they're methodical and pair / family-orientated rather than colony birds typically. The barn owl is the one that screams which lets be honest kinda fits. But they're not the most intelligent species and most Corvids would fit him well too. (Could also poke fun at him by making him a tiny aggressive bird like a Robin, or a Seagull - also with the screaming).

Ben - Loons live in Korea which I didn't know before today - and they can have a very unsettling cry if you don't know it's a bird (a sound that's often used in horror films) so that could work. Albatross is also here, and the migratory nature of them makes them feel other-worldly to me. Heron; because they lurk. Or potentially a Crane -they have elaborate courtship dances, which links nicely to the romantic /artistic side of Ben's personality.

Viktor - I kinda wanna say a Goose because you don't fuck with Geese. But then maybe a more musical bird - the Eurasian Blackcap is meant to have a beautiful song. A Bullfinch could be quite fun for Viktor because the male has bright bold colours and the female is more subdued in colouring; which could signify his confidence and happiness increasing following his transition. (Transgender peeps feel free to advise on whether this would be appropriate or not I do not mean to harm anyone)

Any other bird offerings please to say!

[idcbabyialreadylostmymind]

Drunken Confessions

Pairing- Tarsem x reader

Summary- You didn't your self pity away and the new Olo'eyktan who may or may not have been ine if the reasons you drank finds you in your drunken state.

A/N- i found another one I'm in the bunt down for Tarsem gifs/photos 😫

You run over what happened today over and over again replaying every horrible part twice and then back again for good measure.

First a healer in training poured boiling water in the bowl you hand was in and not the one with the rocks for a hot rock foot treatment. So now you had a really ugly bandage on it, not to mention the pain.

And you stubbed your toes so many times you lost count, because of the coming flu that just had to show up in the most busiest time of the year, so you gad to be a cook, a healer, and a hunter.

Your body hurt just as much as your mind.

Tarsem, thats who hurt your mind. He took over the Olo'eyktan from JakeSully. He mesmerized you as if he was some kind of angel sent from Eywa just for you to look at. Now the insecurities of him shutting you out forever for the need to find a Tsahik and not needing, what you thought of yourself as a burden.

So you did what the best solutions to ignoring your emotions, you drank.

After cleaning the communal hall you grabbed six cups that were untouched. The cups held against your chest because they were so many, maybe it was to much but you needed it.

Going into the woods, you sat in front of the flowing water and started to drown in your own pity and alcohol.

You begun to pour the nectar from cup five to the empty cup four that was in your hand. "Just to top her off." You whisper to yourself before gulping down the drink. Three other emptied cups lay discarded on the ground next to you seeing as you just drank. Throwing the empty cups that were in your hand to the side, now holding the sixth one before the sound of the ground crunching got you on alert.

Your ear perk, usually you would get your dagger and in attack mide, but the drinks took effect you could care less. The stepping got close as you took another drink. You finally recognize the person when he sits next to you space made by the empty cup, it was Tarsem.

You laugh covering you mouth, the love of you life who doesn't know he is the love of you life sat in front of you as you drank it was like so cruel joke.

He took his garb that rested on his shoulders who showing his bare chest which you shamelessly goggled at until you took another sip of your drink, you were way iver you limit as you finished to sixth cup of the fermented nectar. Putting it with the others you look at Tarsem glazed eyes going over everyone of his features twice. "Did you drink all of these?" He asked and you had a lazy smiled and that answered his question.

You feel the effects of the drinks in your feet as you lie on the grass. "Are you okay?" He asked and you looked around at the plants in awe. "Ecstatic." You say wiggling your toes, you blink slowly as he chuckles. "I have been watching you-

"watching me." You repeat before giggling.

"Yes, watching you, and I see the stress you've been under. So I'm asking if my dear friend is okay." He said and that word, friend clawed at your brain. "I am fine, perfext even I want to go home, bed." You say as you struggle getting up he laughs gently before getting up and helping you up. You hands rested on his chest, his features in the nighttime of Pandora where shown more with the light bioluminescent freckles that were scattered across his face.

"Y'know wha- Tarsem," you say smiling hugely and her listened in closely as you spoke small. "I alway thought you are th' prettiest person around." Your slurred confession quickly made its way to his ears and you giggled at his reaction, as his ears perked, eyes widened, and cheeks deepened to a shade of indigo. "Y-you think I'm pretty?" He asked smiling back at you as he helps you walk. "The prettiest." You repeat looking around eyes slit ready for bed. He helps you up to your kelku.

He waits a minute till you turn around flashing him one more drunken smile before flopping down onto your cot curling your tail around yourself.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The next morning you awoke, your head was pounding, and your body begged for rest. But forcing yourself out of bed trying to remeber what happened last night and then it all flooded back. The six cups, the barely being able to walk back, Tarsem.

Your eyes widen Tarsem. And then you groaned as you remember your drunken Confession you made about him being pretty.

You sat in the woods, it was clear opening, safe not many people knew about it just you and Tarsem.

Speaking of him he stepped into veia making your face burn bright looking away playing with some leaf yiu found on the ground. He sat next to you and it was silent for a while before he spoke.

"So you think I'm pretty?" He asked an you look at the ground eyes clenched as you internally cringe.

"I think your pretty too." He says and you look at him shocked as he took your chin between his finger and place a kiss on your lips and you melt into.

Tags- @avatarbyamara

[butcherlarry]

Exercise Fic Recs 21

Sorry I’m a bit late posting this, I just got back from watching ATSV.  It’s just as good and everyone has been shouting about and I don’t know why it took me so long to getting around to watching the movies.  Anyway, on to the fics!

The Only by pasdecoeur  (Superbat, complete.  Felt like being a little sad, so I read this fic again.  Bittersweet, read the tags.)

how many roads less traveled? by TopHat  (Superwonderbat, complete.  Polyamory negotiations between the trinity.  Very sweet, features ace Bruce.)

be my kryptonite by renecdote  (Superbat, complete.  Clark has a sensory overload, Bruce helps.)

Courage by LemonadeGarden  (Batfam, complete.  Bruce has a run in with fear toxin and Dick helps him deal with it.)

Stuck in the Middle (With You) by TheResurrectionist  (Superbat and Batfam, complete.  A re(re)read for me, I needed some good humor.  Damian gets stuck and Dick calls for help.  Shenanigans ensue.)

Just a Formality by FabulaRasa  (Superbat, complete.  Bruce and Clark get married for work reasons, and Clark has So Many Feeling About This.)

misty by TheResurrectionist  (Superbat, wip.  Different first meeting.  Bruce crash lands on a cold, barren planet and Clark finds him.)

Patchwork Pod by Ktkat9  (Superbat, wip.  Another merbruce fic update!)

Midnight Hour by BisforBread  (Superbat, wip.  Medieval/fantasy au.  Clark is a prince and Bruce is a knight and they have Feelings for each other.)   

a world in repair by Batbirdies  (Barfam, wip.  Part of the Emotional Motion Sickness series.  Jason and Damian go on a trip together, but not everything goes according to plan.)

Veritas by Anonymous  (Batfam, complete.  Batman gets hit with truth serum and talks about how he loves his kids SO MUCH.)

Jesus Is Not A Zombie by Sadsnail  (uuuuhhhhh, bible fic?  I blame @beachcat0772 , she posted this in our friend server and told me to read it.  It’s just crack fic, but GOOD crack fic 😆)

They had a pastry with lemon curd on it, I couldn’t resist!

It was so rainy this morning!  It pretty much rained the entire time I was birding.  Got so cool pictures though!

The baby geese, they are growing up!  They are looking more and more like adult geese everyday:

Wasn’t able to get a good picture of this guy, but it’s a brown thrasher!  This is the second time I’ve seen him running around the area:

Look at this funky lil’ guy!  A grackle!  They were so fun to watch:

There were SO MANY swallows out flying around.  They kept flying around me, they were so much fun to watch!  And they’re SO PRETTY too.  I tried to take some pictures of them in flight, but it’s SO HARD.  This one is ok, I need to practice more.  This guy is a barn swallow:

A red-winged black bird chilling in the rain:

This is also a red-winged blackbird, but a female!  She caught breakfast!  This is probably my favorite picture I took today:

A robin!

When I got to the arboretum, some tree swallows were flying around!  Here are the best pictures I got of them midflight:

A titmouse grabbing a snack in the middle of the rain:

There’s also a big flock of goldfinches that hangout here too!  I thought this guy looked handsome:

This white-breasted nuthatch was having fun hopping around on this tree:

OMG.  I didn’t realize this until I got home, but these are juvenile eastern bluebirds!!  Wow!!!

This has a parent and a baby!!  Holy moly!!

An indigo bunting in the rain.  I think my lens was starting to fog up:

A downy woodpecker.  I like how it looks like they’re peaking around:

A black-capped chickadee!  They snagged a treat:

An indigo bunting again:

I love this picture of a female cardinal:

Now onto some scenery!

ngl, the rain made everything look prettier.

[balconybirds]

Sunday Birding 7/30/23

I had a lot of fun birding yesterday!  Saw some of my favorite birds and a few new ones!!

I didn’t see as many around the pond, but I still saw my favorite funky lil’ guy, the green heron:

You can also see a frog in the left hand corner!

Some juvenile red-winged blackbirds:

A mourning dove:

I’ve been spotted!

At the arboretum, had to take some pictures of some pretty flowers:

some water lilies:

you can see another frog in this one!

A wild Kansas sunflower:

Big flower:

A turtle, relaxing out of the water:

Another big flower:

A butterfly!  So pretty:

I saw so many of these guys out yesterday!  A male northern cardinal:

I saw some more snowberry clearwings too:

Another male cardinal:

A wood pewee.  There were two of these guys out, flying around, getting some bugs to eat:

A downy woodpeck, perched on top of a feeder:

A female cardinal, grabbing a treat:

A male indigo bunting!  I met and helped a really nice older couple find this guy too.  He was at the very top of the tree:

Some hummingbirds!

A male indigo bunting again, singing his little heart out:

Some pretty yellow flowers:

Some neat purple ones:

I thought this was a cool picture, an indigo bunting and an eastern bluebird:

I was SHOCKED when I saw this guy!  A blue grosbeak!!!  I almost confused him for an indigo bunting, but he’s too big, and you can see the brownish-red on his wings:

Some more water lily flowers:

Other neat flowers I saw:

A bee getting some pollen:

one last hummingbird:

[justabirdy]

From the Feeder 5/10 - 5/16

It's been a busy week for both me and the birds. While I've been at work, the spring migration has been well underway. With that means some of our regular visitors have largely moved on while other new visitors are coming around. 

One of this week's newest visitors that I was able to photograph was a Brown Thrasher. This is a bird I've never seen before, so it was an exciting visit for me at least!

Brown Thrasher

Of course we had other new visitors to the feeder, finally had a House Finch, though I wasn't able to photograph it before it flew away. We also had a wild turkey stop by on its trot over to the woods past my house. That I actually caught on film! Maybe next time it will come all the way up to the feeder or birdbath itself. 

And of course we had some of our regulars! I'll add those to the bottom of this post. 

It's hard to imagine it has only been 3 weeks since starting this project. It's already come a long way and I've really enjoyed spending the time putting it all together and making things work. We've even managed to maker the stream interactive, allowing people to zoom in or even pull up audio ID features which is still amazing to me!

Where we started: 4/23/24

Where we are now: 5/16/24

I'm thrilled to keep working on this project and I'm hoping to keep developing improvements and creative ideas in the coming weeks and months. Even though I only have a small following, I'm still thrilled you are all here, and I hope you will stick around to watch, learn, and maybe even support this project financially or just by sharing your own ideas. Someone recently called this "Twitch Plays Birdwatching" and you know what, I'm here for it, lets watch birds together and lets make it fun to do!

- Birdy

White-breasted Nuthatch

Common Grackle

American Crow

White-crowned Sparrow

Downy Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Indigo Bunting

Red-winged Blackbird

Baltimore Oriole

American Goldfinch

Northern Cardinal

[boatemboys]

the simple bird doodles ANSWERS!!!!!!!!

bleeding heart dove

black capped chickadee

java sparrow but like. this one specifically

american goldfinch

indigo bunting. i lost the reference for the other one but its just a fat pigeon these ones are the ones i tried the least on

european robin

eurasian tree sparrow

blue tit

please keep in mind i glanced at the references like once for each of them. and did not put effort into them. i did it for the roundness

[paradiseshards]

Welcome to Para dumps its favourite niche AU in a blender with it’s current hyperfixation, and rambles about the results!

On daemons and (roughly three and a half) Empires

-Pixlriffs is immortal, because we love that headcanon here. This has interesting effects on his daemon, Winchester. Originally an indigo bunting, a symbol of wisdom turned inward, according to one google search. As implied, though, Winchester is very much not an indigo bunting anymore. When your alive for a good ten centuries, give or take, you change. Several wise people once said something along the lines of, ‘You are a mosaic of everyone you have loved’, and that influence becomes clear when you’ve been around and met and loved enough people to start visibly changing your soul. Lighter blue feathers, a few inches here and there. A larger, more curved beak and smaller wings. A creature lost to time, as Winchester and Pix both very much are, as well as a patchwork of hundreds of thousands of other people.

-Jimmy’s soul used to be a canary, an omen of death permanently stitched into his heart. She changed when he changed, though. A strong and powerful golden eagle, not a creature to be taken lightly. And maybe, it was a bit convenient too, being small enough to cling to her feathers and fly, or get snatched up in her talons if they need a quick getaway. (With all the jokes of being a toy, and quite literally shrinking into one at the will of a god, Jimmy would die before sharing that his daemon was named Jessie.)

-Joel’s odd cloud moose is probably the least inconspicuous daemon. And you never forget the sight of a flying moose, once you’ve seen her floating along with him. She is elegant everywhere he is clumsy, compassionate when he shows no mercy. Their humor is exactly the same though, and their differences bring up the question: how much of him is a facade, how much of his actions are just for show?

-Scott’s daemon is… completely expected. Of course she’d be a llama, and of course her pristine wool would be stained by any number of colors on most days. For a good long while, though, Scott had everyone convinced she was actually magical, and could change colors like a chameleon. It only took a little bribing, in order to get the local witch to help with some special effects, really cementing Arcus’s supposed chameleon wool from fiction to ‘fact’.

[crowcryptid]

first day in Minneapolis is done. Cool place. Heard many birds, didn’t see that many. I did see an indigo bunting and a pileated woodpecker though.

Also I saw this in a bathroom 🫡

One thing I have noticed though, and I noticed this throughout texas as well, other places are so.. clean? Very little trash on the side of the road and they have people cleaning up the litter. It might seem basic but Miami doesn’t do this and there’s trash all over as a result

[flickeringflame216]

For the book asks: indigo?

So, at first I was kinda up in the air and nothing was clicking. Then I thought of two books, and both were very out of left field from what I was thinking previously.

First, Psalms. I wasn't sure why at first, but I think it's because Psalms is not just one feeling--it's a whole rollercoaster of them. It's praise and joy and thanksgiving and confidence and promises and "oh, help" and despair and hope through despair and so much more!

Secondly, Silver On the Tree by Susan Cooper, the last of the Dark is Rising sequence. I'm not equating it to Psalms, but there is a certain similarity in just the feelings it evokes. While it is the completion of the series, the undercurrent is one of deep longing. It is a journey unlike all the others and yet connected and completing them too, and the ending is at once heartrending and lovely, like the blue Welsh sea itself.

That's why indigo. Because indigo is all these things too. It's deep, soft velvet on a gorgeous gown, it's reflective and hard as lapis lazuli, it's the dreamy deep center of an iris, it's the shimmering plumes of buntings and peacocks, it's the messy sapphire-stained fingers of dyers laughing together over their work. It is noble longing--for good to triumph over evil, for Christ to come and come again, for King Arthur and the Pendragon to set things right. Above all, it is hope. Hope that these longed-for things will come to pass. Hope, both in the sense of a feeling of expectation, of The hope is always here, always alive, but only your fierce caring can fan it into a fire to warm the world. So sparkling water becomes dazzling flame. So light overcomes darkness. So may our hope be. May your unfailing love rest upon us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

[ravousisfamous]

FUN FACTS! about these specific birds @cloudsovercoffee when a blue jay is resting or feeding peacefully with other jays, the crest on its head lies flat. also, the pattern of the black bridle on their heads varies across jays and is thought to help them recognize each other. orioles and even some warblers (not just hummingbirds) eat nectar, and help to pollinate flowers. swallows are super agile, which helps to catch prey. tree swallows tend to nest in tree hollows, but a pair of barn swallows would actually build their nests out of mud. american redstarts are actually a type of warbler. i didn't know this. i really like warblers, because they have an interesting variety of songs. the ruby-throated hummingbird's feet are actually TOO small to allow it to hop or walk, though they can perch. still, they can use their feet to groom their feathers and scratch themselves :) hummingbirds are honestly really crazy... i could talk about them for so long. they are weird lil birds. they're the only vertebrate capable of hovering during flight. they flap their wings like 70 times a second. they drink nectar... they basically evolved to become bugs. they're bugs. rose-breasted grosbeaks can actually hybridize with their close relative, black-headed grosbeaks. additionally, they are one of many birds with flimsy/thin nests. when you look up at one of their nests, you can see their eggs through the bottom most indigo buntings are actually brown! only breeding males show full blue plumage, a stark contrast to females and immature males. indigo buntings also migrate at night, and use the stars to guide them. a lot of warblers have yellow feathers (like most of them,) but the yellow warbler has the most of any warbler in north america. SO yellow. love that for him. the name given to the northern cardinal actually refers to the cardinals of the roman catholic church, bc of their bright red plumage. something interesting about cardinal colors is that the color of their plumage actually comes from their diet! they eat berries, insects, etc that contain carotenoids. what's REALLY interesting is that this is made possible by a gene that they possess that converts yellow carotenoids into red ones. and in some cases, cardinals can be born without this gene, and will appear yellow. these cardinals are EXTREMELY rare, a lot like a shiny pokemon!

Cute birds appreciation post

[asprinterandamarathon]

BOTR - Day 3 - June 17, 2024

From our vantage point (no boat, no desire to swim in a lake) our campgrounds didn’t have a lot to offer so we got up early, showered, ate breakfast, and headed out for the day.

We took secondary roads for the first 50 miles of so, passing through busy small towns like Sesser ($3.49 for gas but homemade cookies at the gas station), Pinckneyville (county seat), and Marissa. Years ago (2000-ish) we had done a cross-country trip with the kids and a lot of the small towns were dead for a number of reasons. On the positive side, the small farming towns we drove through today were thriving.

A little whimsy along the way.

Our campgrounds were at Arrow Rock Historic Site, in Arrow Rock, MO. We first pulled into our camp for the night and saw that it was nearly empty! Mondays are a great day to check in to any campgrounds. Knowing that there was an historic town (actually on the national historic register) associated with the campground, we continued through the park to find downtown.

The Santa Fe trail originated from here when a settler made the first successful westward crossing from this point in the early 1800s. The town built up to support the pioneers. Several of the original buildings have survived and have been preserved to tell the story. Unfortunately, history shuts down on Mondays so none of the shops, museums, or galleries were open.

View of Main St, Arrow Rock.

We did see a gent just strolling through the streets. He had a ukulele in a case on his back. When we asked if he was a local, he said he was from Chicago but knew the town well. He was one of the performers at the local playhouse. They had just wrapped up a run of 42nd St. (one of 6 shows this year). Actors from all over (including one from Chapel Hill) come to Arrow Rock to perform in their theater.

We walked the town and of course the oldest building was originally a pub. Other preserved buildings included a jail, courthouse, girls boarding school, Masonic Lodge, and more. If only we could have toured them.

To fill our time, we drove over to Marshall, 20 minutes away, for groceries and to check out the town. Again, it was a farming town with huge grain elevators and farm equipment sales lots. The downtown square had a variety of stores and farm financing businesses. In general, it seemed to be thriving although no restaurants were open (on Monday).

Marshall with a facade problem…

Back at camp, it was steak and salad for dinner! Diane hunted down a few birds including Summer Tanagers, Northern Parula, Indigo Buntings, and a good look at a Dickcissel singing! Then early to bed and a good night’s sleep!

Fantastic. Done to perfection!

Cheep, cheep!

[northamericanbirder]

Birding Hotspot: Shelby Park and Bottoms, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Links: [illustrated eBird hotspot page]

[Nashville.gov - Shelby Park]

[Google Maps]  

  Another prime birding spot in the Nashville urban expanse, the Shelby area is a large greenspace (1200 square acres) along the Cumberland River. Effectively split in two by a railroad bridge, the Shelby Park side contains picnic shelters, baseball fields, and a man-made lake, and up the hill there is a community center, basketball and tennis courts, a playground, and dog park; the Bottoms features a greenway (very popular with joggers and bicyclists), and unpaved nature trails.

The Shelby area comprises 9 separate eBird hotspots, and for data precision, it's best to select the one closest to you when starting off. The most popular ones are Shelby Bottoms Nature Center (which contains the observation field, Froggy Bottoms, and Hidden Pond), Sevier Lake, and Cornelia Fort Airpark.

Hotspot amenities: The Bottoms is where you'll find the nature center. There are restrooms (the ones in the building itself are kept very clean), and there is plenty of parking all around, though the occasional 5k run or baseball tournament will take place and things can get quite busy. Next to the nature center is a sandy play area for kids.

There is a one-mile loop trail that takes you from the nature center and around to the observation deck. The path is paved, and the deck is wheelchair accessible. The paved greenway continues northward for a few miles toward the other areas of the park.  

  Observation Field - In the summertime, this is a vibrant location, as wildflowers have taken over the field, drawing butterflies, bees, dragonflies, and plenty of wedding photographers. Various warblers (especially Common Yellowthroats), Eastern Bluebirds, American Goldfinch, Indigo Buntings, Summer Tanagers, and Orchard Orioles are all common at this time of year. Over the winter, the Red-Shouldered Hawks remain, typically holding fort in the trees lining the field, and occasionally American Kestrel and Wild Turkeys will show up. Look up above you, and you'll definitely see Black Vultures circling around—sometimes they'll gather in the nearby electrical towers by the dozens.

There is a one-mile loop trail that takes you from the nature center and around to the observation deck. The path is paved, and the deck is wheelchair accessible. The paved greenway continues northward for a few miles toward the other areas of the park.  

  Froggy Bottoms (zig-zag bridge) - Not too far from the observation deck (and part of the one-mile loop) is an area of swampland created by local beavers (the trails used to follow around a stream, but that was blocked up and the area flooded). The dead trees host woodpeckers (most commonly Northern Flickers). Wood Ducks and Blue-Winged Teal are known to nest here, and you might see them swim by with ducklings in tow.  

  Hidden Pond - Adjacent to the observation field, this is a beaver pond that can be at dramatically different levels based on the season; summers have been quite dry the last few years as we've seen drought, and the pond nearly dries up; in wintertime it will be full. Ducks, Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, Belted Kingfishers, Pied-Billed Grebe, and the occasional small shorebird will make an appearance. Sparrows will also be plentiful. You'll see plenty of evidence of beavers—their lodges, and trees they've chopped down—and possibly the beavers themselves (including pups).  

  Sevier Lake - This is a small man-made lake on the Park side that is stocked for fishing. Phoebes and Swallows will be seen darting out over the lake, you'll catch a decent variety of ducks, often a Double-Crested Cormorant, almost always a Great Blue Heron, along with resident populations of Mallards and Canada Geese (and over the last 2 years or so, a resident population of Fish Crows has developed). You may also see an Osprey hanging out in the sky above, especially after stocking. In the marshland at the end of the pond, you'll find Red-Shouldered Hawks. The hills on the community center side are known for warblers.  

  Cornelia Fort Airpark - At the North end of the Bottoms is an old municipal airfield that is no longer operational—its runways are now used by walkers, joggers, rollerbladers, bicyclists. In the grasses along the runway, Eastern Meadowlarks are likely hiding. Blue Jays will be occupying the trees. In recent year, Bald Eagles have been nesting (look up into the tallest tree at the corner of the farmer's field and you should see the nest; it's massive). Hawks are common, and the occasional Northern Harrier will scan the fields. Waterfowl (ducks, geese, herons, shorebirds) can be found in the ponds past the cow fencing.

[Update: The farm is no longer operational, electric fences have been removed, and the land is now available to the public. At the moment there are no restrictions to the area, but there may be an effort to restrict or buffer certain grassland, shore, and wooded areas for nature preservation purposes (e.g., nesting birds, including the Bald Eagles). Already, two sparrows very rare to the Nashville area have been sighted and photographed by birders—Henslow's Sparrow and the Grasshopper Sparrow (by me!).]  

  (all photos by @everydayesterday)

[garagegaterepair]

Exploring Houston's Natural Beauty: A Day At Willow Waterhole Greenway

https://localprogaragedoorrepair.com/

In the heart of the bustling metropolis of Houston, Texas lies an oasis of tranquillity and natural beauty - Willow Waterhole Greenway.

This green space, a part of the Greater Houston area's extensive park system, serves as a sanctuary for local flora and fauna whilst providing numerous recreational opportunities for its visitors.

Spanning nearly 300 acres in Westbury neighborhood, this urban wildlife habitat is celebrated for its preservation efforts and commitment to environmental sustainability.

The exploration of Willow Waterhole Greenway offers a unique insight into Houston's rich biodiversity, with dedicated areas for wildlife spotting and bird watching.

It also features an array of amenities that cater to diverse interests—be it leisurely strolls along well-maintained trails, engaging in sporting activities or simply unwinding amidst serene surroundings.

As one delves deeper into understanding this gem within the cityscape, it becomes evident how integral such spaces are in fostering a sense of community while promoting environmental awareness amongst residents.

Wildlife Spotting and Bird Watching at Willow Waterhole Greenway

At Willow Waterhole Greenway, a plethora of avian species can be observed in their natural habitat, making it a veritable paradise for bird watchers and providing an intriguing glimpse into the wildlife of yesteryears.

The 279-acre park is home to more than 200 species of birds, including raptors like the Red-tailed Hawk and migratory birds such as the Indigo Bunting. The Greenway's diverse ecosystem offers ample food sources and nesting areas which attract these birds year-round.

From the quiet rustle of wings to melodious bird calls echoing through the woods, every visit provides an immersive sensory experience that brings one closer to nature.

Being part of Houston's larger parks system, Willow Waterhole Greenway also serves as a sanctuary for various other forms of wildlife. On any given day, visitors may encounter rabbits darting across trails or turtles basking in sunlit ponds.

The dense vegetation lining pathways is often abuzz with dragonflies and butterflies adding vivid splashes of color against the green backdrop. This biodiversity not only enriches visitor experiences but plays a vital role in sustaining local ecosystems by facilitating pollination and serving as natural pest control.

Despite being nestled within an urban expanse, Willow Waterhole Greenway manages to preserve its wild charm effortlessly. Its peaceful ambiance allows visitors to disconnect from city life momentarily while fostering their sense of belongingness towards nature's grandeur.

Whether you are an ardent birder keen on ticking off new sightings from your list or someone seeking respite amidst lush greenery punctuated with vibrant wildlife, this verdant oasis has something unique to offer everyone who steps onto its welcoming paths.

Activities and Amenities at Willow Waterhole Greenway

Willow Waterhole Greenway offers a myriad of activities and amenities that cater to various interests and age groups.

The site is renowned for its extensive walking and biking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature while staying active.

Additionally, scenic picnic areas provide a serene backdrop for leisurely meals or gatherings, while an array of community events and programs foster a sense of camaraderie amongst park-goers.

Exploring the Walking and Biking Trails

Numerous walking and biking trails meander through the lush greeneries of Willow Waterhole Greenway, offering an immersive experience into Houston's vibrant natural landscape. These trails are a testament to the city's commitment to conserving its green spaces and providing recreational facilities for citizens and visitors alike.

The pathways, which vary from smooth paved surfaces ideal for cycling to more rugged routes perfect for hiking, provide opportunities not only for physical activities but also for appreciating the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit these areas. Birdwatchers will be delighted with sightings of local bird species, while joggers can enjoy the serene environment away from the city's hustle.

The grandeur of Willow Waterhole Greenway extends beyond its verdant landscapes as it serves as a gathering place that fosters community spirit and promotes environmental stewardship among Houstonians. As one traverses its winding trails, there is this profound sense of connection - not only with nature but also with fellow park-goers who share in their appreciation of this urban oasis.

The frequent encounters with cyclists signaling their approach or families engaging in outdoor picnics by the waterholes exemplify a shared sense of respect and love for this public space. This interconnectedness resonates deeply within those who visit Willow Waterhole Greenway, encouraging them to uphold its conservation efforts while creating meaningful experiences within its beautiful confines.

Enjoying the Scenic Picnic Areas

Scattered throughout the lush parkland are scenic picnic areas, ideal for those who wish to enjoy a meal amid nature's tranquility. These spaces offer a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Willow Waterhole Greenway while enjoying an alfresco lunch or dinner.

Carefully designed with visitor comfort and convenience in mind, these areas feature well-maintained tables, benches, and expansive grassy spots perfect for laying down a picnic blanket. Set against the backdrop of verdant foliage and blooming flowers, these facilities provide a picturesque setting that is sure to enhance any outdoor dining experience.

The strategic placement of these picnic spots allows visitors to appreciate Houston's diverse flora and fauna up close. The symphony of bird songs offers soothing background music while squirrels dart playfully amidst the trees nearby.

Furthermore, these locales often present prime views of Willow Waterhole's series of interconnected ponds – teeming with ducks, herons and turtles – providing not just an idyllic visual feast but also an engaging wildlife observation point.

Thus, spending time at Willow Waterhole's picnic areas is more than just about satisfying one's appetite; it presents opportunities for discovery, relaxation and bonding over shared experiences - all integral aspects that cultivate a sense of belonging within this urban oasis.

Participating in Community Events and Programs

Engaging in the various community events and programs is another enriching activity to partake in, further promoting unity and interaction among park-goers.

Willow Waterhole Greenway serves as an active hub for a multitude of local events that bring together Houston's diverse residents. These range from environmental conservation programs, bird-watching sessions, guided nature walks, to music festivals and art exhibits - all aimed at fostering a sense of community while encouraging appreciation for the park's natural beauty.

Particularly impressive is the annual 'MusicFest,' where local musicians provide riveting performances amidst the lush greenery.

Moreover, educational initiatives offered at Willow Waterhole Greenway are instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of urban green spaces and wildlife preservation. These involve interactive workshops and presentations conducted by experienced conservationists who share their extensive knowledge about Houston's unique biodiversity.

Additionally, volunteer opportunities abound for those interested in contributing more actively towards maintaining this urban oasis.

By participating in these community-centered activities, not only do visitors gain valuable insights into Houston's environment but they also experience a deep sense of belonging within this vibrant community that appreciates and preserves its natural surroundings.

[butcherlarry]

Exercise Fic Recs 19

Happy Pride!  Have some fanfic recs ✨🌈🦄🏳‍🌈✨🌈👽💖🦇

bloodletting by TheResurrectionist   (Superbat, wip.  Star Wars/Mandalorain cross over)

Sweat it Out by supermanstoddlerleash  (Superbat, complete.  Short fic about Clark being fascinated by Bruce’s body as he works out)

Save fae-ce by oliviaandersonisntmyrealnamelol  (Batfam, wip.  Continuation of fae Bruce and his fae children, Tim edition)

Cigarettes and Hypocrites by minnow_doodle_doo  (Batfam, complete.  Outsider prospective.  Bruce and smoking and dealing with grief)

Roadtrip Vigilantes series by Beabasball (beabaseball)  (Batfam, wip.  Bruce stays with the League of Shadows, but then decides to leave after meeting Dick.)

All Roads by ChrisLeon  (Superbat, complete.  Kal-el comes to Earth as an adult, becomes a superhero, and befriends Batman.  Then become more than friends (if you know what I mean *wiggles eyebrows*)).  

Sham-pagne by ChrisLeon  (Superbat, complete.  Superman and Bruce Wayne start “dating” after Superman was photographed flying to Wayne manor after being injured.  Shenanigans ensue.)

Fear Needs Hope by ChrisLeon  (Superbat, complete.  Identity porn shenanigans!)

Unreasonable Love by elizabethgee  (Superbat, wip.  ALIEN CLARK DEALING WITH ALIEN FEEEEEELINGS TOWARD BRUCE.  I was SO PUMPED when I saw this fic update, and the latest chapter is SO GOOD.  GO READ IT.  NOW.)

Dad’s New Boyfriend by TheClamBeforetheStorm  (Bruharvey/Twobats, wip.  The batkids are not happy about Bruce’s new boyfriend, but they each come to accept it after seeing how they make each other happy)

Croissant and latte (mudslide!)

This big guy was perched on top of my work’s roof when I got there.  I had to take a picture!

I love the green heron’s neck, it looks like a weird extension out of his body:

TORTLE ON TORTLE ROCK

A robin!  With his breakfast!

Babieessssss!  They’re getting so big!

Red-winged black bird:

House finch!

The blue heron decided to come down from the roof:

I think this is a northern rough-winged swallow:

Got to the arboretum and took some pictures of pretty flowers:

Butterfly!!!

I tried to get a picture of a cardinal in flight.  It kinda worked?  It looks like he’s zooming around like Superman!

An eastern phoebe?  I think?  Or some kind of flycatcher:

LOOK AT THIS COOL DRAGONFLY!  I GASPED WHEN I SAW THE PICTURE!

LOOK AT THIS BARRED OWL!!!  YOU CAN SEE AN INDIGO BUNTING TOOOOOOOO!!!!!

A white-tailed deer!  She was hongry:

white-breasted nuthatch!  

indigo bunting again:

I don’t know why, but this picture of a cardinal cracks me up!  It looks like he’s questioning all his life decisions:

The plant had so many butterflies on it!

MORE TORTS:

ngl, this guy looks pretty chill:

This is the second time in a row I’ve seen a ruby-throated hummingbird on the top of this tree!  Maybe they like the vantage point?

waterfalls!

TORTLE DETECTED.  He just poked his head out and then hid under the water:

More waterfalls!  This one is a new one!  I can’t wait for the construction to be done so I can see all the new areas:

a flycatcher (?) checking out the new area:

Bluejay!  He was a bit shy and didn’t want to show his face :(

More pretty flowers and scenery:

[whoslaurapalmer]

okay I have dug deep into my bird knowledge and googled a lot and came up with more birds bc I CANNOT stop thinking about birdelaires

So originally bea is a blue jay bc they are stylish and fancy, moderately violent, and good at mimicry (they will imitate hawks to scare away other blue jays so they get more food.)

Bertrand is a cat bird, very sleek and cute, also in the mockingbird family, they imitate the silliest little cat noise and it's so funny but they also have a very sweet natural bird call

The kids are dark eyed juncos, in the sparrow family and just very small and cute

Lemony is a mourning dove, they're EVERYWHERE and have one of the most identifiable calls especially when you don't always see them, and i think they sound very soft. I did consider a crow, BUT. //Mourning// dove.

The quagmires are indigo buntings -- tiny!!!! blue!!!!! Baby!!!!!

Carmelita is a whip-poor-whill -- have you ever heard a whip-poor-whill. they........are kind of irritating

Fiona is a varied thrush, because I always associate her with the color orange?

(Fernald is a townsend's solitaire, because they're in the thrush family, and i think the feet stand out and look a little, hook-y, although that's true of most birds, really)

Esme is a steller's jay -- vaguely similar to the blue jay, and INCREDIBLE to look at.

Kit and jacques are probably also mourning doves

Jerome is a regular pigeon. because. he's. a pigeon

Theodora is a western crowned pigeon, for the Hair of it all

the denouements are crows!!

Olaf, okay now I think it would be neat if he was a turkey vulture -- a scavenger, a hovering specter of death, but I think olaf disparages the good, sweet sweet name of the turkey vulture?? SO. He's a seagull because I think that's the funniest thing in the world. Angry. Nosy. Will steal all your possessions.

Widdershins is of COURSE an albatross.

Hector is a blackbird, especially because they look like they have such big, permanently 'aaaaaa??' eyes.

Josephine is a chickadee, as they're one of the birds most likely to call warnings

Monty is a spangled cotinga, a very cool very bright blue bird whose range includes part of peru!!

R and Olivia are hummingbirds, bc I always think of them together and they're very colorful (for r) and very hurried and a little frantic (for olivia)

Nero is a club-winged manakin, a bird that can hit its wings together to create a little noise that sounds like, no lie, a tinny little violin. They also look puffy and pompous.

Georgina is I think a great blue heron? stabby beak. very tall

the man with no hair/woman with hair are of course eagles

oh babybea!! babybea is a bluebird, since they represent hope.

@whoslaurapalmer birdelaires....