Great Blue heron are spotted sitting motionless on a log or wading in the shallows of the lake awaiting their dinner. The rippling waters of the lake attract Canada geese, and a variety of ducks, often with babies on parade. The amazing Kingfisher occasionally dives into the pond outside of our screened-in porch to snatch one of our pond fish.

Sharp-eyed bird watchers are rewarded with the flying feats of several pair of osprey, which have taken up residence in nest sites along the lake’s edge. At least three babies were noted in the summer of 2005. Numerous sightings of the majestic Bald eagle have been reported, although avid watchers have not yet found their nest site.

Large families of wandering turkeys roam our backyard and brilliant blue birds, goldfinch, indigo buntings and even a “drunken” cardinal with its mate can be seen from our deck or the patio next to the waterfall. Baltimore orioles join us in the spring and early summer to flash their colors before they move on to a permanent summer home.

Evening brings the haunting sound of hooting owls hidden in the darkening trees and, at dawn, the cooing of mourning doves arrives with the early mist.

The bird-watching begins as guests walk down the garden path to the front porch where they are often greeted by “resident” hummingbirds whirring up to the feeder near the door.

So bring your camera or sketch pad or just settle down and enjoy these beautiful feathered friends as they fly and feed among our trees and flowers filling the air with their beauty and song.