four feathers

virginia rail

saint paul, minnesota

i have oceans of green sea glass.  rivers of white. lakes of lovely blue-green.  but I only have one tiny shard of red beach glass, more precious than all the rest combined.

grand marais harbor on lake superior, grand marais, minnesota

these diminutive shells caught my attention one day as I walked along the beach on north captiva island in florida. while picking a small hatful, I thought to myself how much they looked like cat’s paws. later that day I learned, with some delight, what they are called: cat’s paws.

north captiva island, gulf coast of florida

it has only been a week since i introduced you to our girls.  as you can see, they are getting wing feathers already.  and they are loving trying them out.  this one is effie.  she was the first to escape the brooder.  she pretty much comes and goes as she pleases now.  and it is only week two.  we are in so much trouble.

golden buff (aka cinnamon comet) chicks

saint paul, minnesota

this stem has been sitting in a ball jar on my table since last summer.  it is has held up impressively well for something meant to disperse with the wind.

goat’s beard seed cluster

saint paul, minnesota