Gray sky, false promises.

The world barely breathes. 

I see colors fading, petals drying, feel my spirit sagging.

And then

  DSC_0134

there's a flash of blue.

A Mystery Bird, bringing excitement, color… and therefore, hope.

  DSC_0132

I know.  A little melodramatic. But that morning I really did feel very blah. The air was still and oppressive. The sky was gray, but I knew those thin clouds held no rain. 

And then there was a flash of blue – more blue than the Mexican Jay who like to hang around. It seemed to have a crest, but I knew it wasn't a regular BlueJay. I was even more intrigued when I saw the image on my computer – I've never seen one of these before.

"What is this?" I asked Mr. Google.

"A Blue Grosbeak!" he answered. The bird in the photo he showed me didn't have the little crest this one has, but maybe mine uses feather-gel to get that puffy look. Who knows. But I'm sure Mr. Google is right again. It's a Blue Grosbeak, right here in Long Hollow.

Made my day.

So thank you to all who are responsible for the beautiful blue of that creature, for the split-second synchronized timing of our paths crossing, for the way the breeze picked up and the sun broke through the clouds soon after… 

…For the way the world seemed a little brighter after that flash of blue.


 

 

 

Posted in , , , ,

20 responses to “Flash of Blue”

  1. Dan Archer Avatar
    Dan Archer

    Wow.. keen eye.. never seen one … nice to know they are in the neighborhood..

    Like

  2. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Lucky eye is more like it!

    Like

  3. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Lucky eye is more like it!

    Like

  4. Lissa @ lafcustomdesigns Avatar

    Lovely, Barbara–both the bird and the poetry. Made me smile. Love your reference to Mr. Google!!

    Like

  5. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thanks, Lissa!! Glad to make you smile!! Hope you have a beautiful weekend!

    Like

  6. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thanks, Lissa!! Glad to make you smile!! Hope you have a beautiful weekend!

    Like

  7. brian miller Avatar

    hey a splash of color always helps raise the spirits…very cool capture…hope you have a lovely weekend

    Like

  8. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I agree on the color! Especially if it's unexpected! Thanks, Brian. Hope you have a great weekend, too!

    Like

  9. Lady Fi Avatar

    Oh wow – how gorgeous! Great timing with your camera too.

    Like

  10. Juana Avatar

    What an interesting looking bird this is. It would have brighten my day if I got to see him too! Such a pretty blue color and then that little black bandit mask of his and the punk crest makes him altogether adorable. I agree with Fi, great timing. Hugs.

    Like

  11. Gail Avatar

    I’ll bet that was a God thing. He knew your spirits were sagging and wanted to brighten your day. What a lovely capture and find! I long to see more colorful birds, but rarely do. Have a great weekend!

    Like

  12. lisleman Avatar

    Mother nature is nice to us when colorful visitors share a view with us. Blue is more unusual animal color around our neighborhood. Reds, yellows, browns, mostly.

    Like

  13. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    We mostly have yellows and browns right now, with an occasional flash of a red cardinal, so this blue really caught my eye!

    Like

  14. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    We mostly have yellows and browns right now, with an occasional flash of a red cardinal, so this blue really caught my eye!

    Like

  15. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    We mostly have yellows and browns right now, with an occasional flash of a red cardinal, so this blue really caught my eye!

    Like

  16. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I know you're right – it was such a random sighting! I hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

    Like

  17. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I think he looks like a Beanie Baby, so cute and cuddly!! I'm so glad God put him in my path. Hugs to you, too, sweet friend!

    Like

  18. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Remembering all of the shots I've missed for one reason or another, I'm so grateful I was able to get this one!

    Like

  19. Wolf Pascoe Avatar

    What always amazes me is that these feathery little creatures were once dinosaurs.

    Like

  20. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    If you watch them right after you watch Jurassic Park, it's easier to believe!! 🙂 Except for the size thing, of course.

    Like

Leave a comment