Yesterday, my window was open. It was a rainy, dreary day, and I found myself inexplicably feeling down. I heard the distinctive calls of a Downy Woodpecker. It occurred to me that it was the first day in I don’t know how long that I had chosen to wear socks and hiking boots, opting for them over my usual hiking sandals. My feet were chilly without them.
Immature Downy Woodpecker male in Arkansas – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 1600, Canon RF 100-500mm at 428mm, natural light
Another season is about to begin. I really don’t know where this year went. I spent quite a bit of time back East with my mom before she passed away and I also spent time recovering in Texas, and in Arkansas.
Things just haven’t seemed “normal” for me since early spring. It is already September and snow flew in the high country yesterday. Termination dust on the 4th of September.
While I was in Arkansas, whenever I called my mom, I sat outside on the deck of my dear friend, Steve Creek, so that my mother could hear the birds in his yard from her hospice bed. Mom recognized the calls of the jays, cardinals, and this Downy Woodpecker.
Yesterday marked exactly two months since my mom left us. I didn’t realize it until around 1 p.m. and that was probably why I had been feeling down. Hearing the Downy Woodpecker’s call until almost dusk helped me get through the day. I miss her dearly, but she is with me in the calls of the birds, the whispers of the wind, and the embrace of nature.
I’m missing my mom’s hugs. It’s hard. Thankfully, I have the help of loving friends and family to help me navigate through this difficult time.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Downy Woodpecker photos plus facts and information about this species.
Today I’ll hoist a cold one to your Mom and to you for sharing this beautiful pic. Thanks Mia.
Mom would love knowing you are hoisting a cold one for her, Pepe!
Hugs. I am glad that you have the support of family and friends.
And thank you for sharing this beauty. As you so often do.
‘Termination dust’ was a phrase new to me. I love it.
Hugs! Your mom will always be with you!
A beautiful expression of your love for your Mom. Our son was disabled and confined to a wheel chair. He loved sitting under the Live Oak tree in our Dallas back yard. He noticed the cardinals which sang and often approached him closely. After he passed at 23 years of age the cardinals often lingered under that tree. Seeing a cardinal brings back poignant memories of our dear Glen.
I would love to hear a recording of that bird! <3
Dennis, in addition to the call linked above here is another that includes the whinny call of this species that I was hearing yesterday.
https://xeno-canto.org/293009