Always take a camera

Today is one of those days that just has to be taken advantage of. It is gorgeous here in Juneau; not to hot, not too cold. Sunny, with those fluffy white clouds that one wants to lay on the grass and define their shape. So, I went for a walk on the very well maintained trail by the Mendenhall River, Brotherhood Bridge trail I think is what everyone calls it, it's real name is in Tlingit and I can't remember it. As I'm walking through the trees, I can practically here them growing, the leaves sprouting and the fiddleheads stretching (sorry Grandpa, I didn't pick any, although they did look delicious!). Many birds flitted overhead and sung in the trees.

On my way back I took a little used side trail. As I'm walking along enjoying the shade and the smell of the pine trees, what should startle me but three red-breasted sapsuckers. Lovely things they were. Just my luck they land on a tree less than 8 feet away from me. I could see them very clearly, could have even taken a picture, but did I have my camera with me? No, of course not. The lighting was perfect even, in the shade and just a smattering of sun. Gosh it was a perfect moment for a picture. There were many different pictures that I wanted to take today, but this one I am really bummed I missed out on. Other birds that were flitting about, a couple robins and some swallows, not sure what kind due to them being a ways away and fast moving (needed binocs too I guess), stellar jays, and, of course, ravens. There were probably more, but that's all I saw on my walk. Had a few visitors in the yard too.

So, in light of todays wonderful springtime weather, I believe summer is almost here. I would say it's summertime now, but the leaves are still making their way into the world. Spring has been a slow time in coming. Hope you all are enjoying yours.