settling back in at home

After a long trip, it takes a while for me to get settled in at home again. With all of the spring rains we've had (a record breaking wet March in Portland!), the wetlands at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge were ... wet!

Red Wing Blackbirds were trying to outdo one another in the vocal part of the contest to win the females.

The geese were paired up, mostly in sets of two but every so often I saw a group of three and had to wonder about those guys. Wouldn't you?

Baby animals are always cute, even this little baby nutria. He was munching on the tender shoots that were just up after a few sunny days. Cute, yes, but destructive as all get out!

It seems that everywhere I look, beautiful abstract compositions call out to me. No wonder I love this place so much.

Even though I've been home now for a couple of weeks, I feel more settled now that I have been to the refuge. Ahh.

Thistle and Blackbirds

thistle sketch with watercolor

Red Wing Blackbird on thistle

Beginnings are always powerful! A little sunshine today was all the excuse I needed to visit the Refuge. I love the shape of the thistles, they remind me of Elizabethan collars. A delight to sketch their beauty. And the blackbirds, a treat any day.