Magnolia Berries And The Return Of Ground Birds

As I write tonight’s post the katydids are already chirping outside in the humid night air. Thus the last half of summer has begun. It also signals that the mountain magnolia has fruited. While technically it’s not ripe it has changed color. It’s highly visible follicetum can be seen in in a whirl of giant leaves that gives my mountain a tropical look. The berries are not toxic but they’re also not pleasantly flavored for humans. They are however a favorite food of the Eastern Towhee. The elusive ground dwelling songbird that has pretty much escaped my lens since early Spring. In the thick understory of summer he’s all but invisible. I only know that he’s still around because I hear him singing occasionally and see the branches and twigs move when he changes location. But, “Lord willing and the creeks don’t rise” as the old timers say I’ll have my chance when the Magnolia drops its fruit. The pinkish cluster will turn black with brilliant red berries and then the little Towhee will have a feast! The Magnolia is spread by ground dwelling birds and I think that the Towhee might have a little competition this fall. For a sound that I’ve not heard since I was a kid rang out through my yard today. The call of a Bob White quail! I realize that in some parts of North America this is a common everyday experience but in the early eighties they just seemed to go away here. They left along with the grouse, whip-poor-will and nighthawk. Some say that it was the rise in the coyote population that caused the decline in ground birds and others say it’s the fault of pesticides. I think it’s probably a little of both but I was thrilled to hear the little guy’s voice calling out “Bob Bob White!” over and over this evening. I hope this means that the other birds are also on their way home to my mountain.

Good night friends and be blessed throughout your days.

Announcement 2.0

For those who have been following me on Facebook and know of the struggle content providers have to get circulation from big tech I’ve been recommending for people to adopt MeWe as a social media platform. One of the problems I’ve run into on MeWe is that people don’t know how to navigate the platform. So to help with that I’ve created a permanent page on my website as a basic Basic Beginner’s Guide To MeWe I’ve tried to anticipate all basic questions there and You can bookmark the page to have as a reference and if you have any questions or suggestions don’t hesitate to contact me. I do still have a day job and I help admin several pages on both platforms so replies might be a little slow but I will answer you.

We also have the Lloyd’s Lens Photography Discussion Group on MeWe that is set up as a fully functional community. There you’ll not only be able to see and connect with me but you can also make your own posts and interact with each other.

I want you to join my group on MeWe: https://mewe.com/join/lloydslensphotographydiscussiongroup

Click the link below to jump to the Basic Beginner’s Guide To MeWe.https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/guide-to-mewe/embed/#?secret=GJGnIQEVHc

Hey Friends! Just a quick reminder that Lloyds Lens Photography is available for portraits!

To book me simply reach out using the Contact Page and we’ll set a date. If you’re within a 50 mile radius of Summersville West Virginia all travel fees are waived.

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WELCOME TO LLOYD’S LENS PHOTOGRAPHY

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Have you checked out the Zazzle Store?

I’m now using Zazzle to fulfil orders. What this means for you is a secure way to place an order, discount codes & a broader product selection! Simply use the contact form on my websiteand tell me which image you want and I’ll reply with a direct link to where you can place the order.