Tags
adubon, artist in nature, brown wood rail, observing wildlife, orange-fronted wood rail, poza honda ecuador, Solitude, thoreau

Peruvian Pygmy Owl – 4B Pencil & a Splash of Watercolor
The worse my drawings were, the more beautiful did the originals appear. – John James Audubon
The above sketch, left in Casa Poza Honda’s guest book, seemed appropriate since the owl dropped in to say, “Welcome!” on my first visit to what would become my new home. This area has yet to be invaded by the snaking tentacles of telephone and broadband cables, which is a blessing, yet it has altered my ability to stay in touch with the outside world.

Pacific Pygmy Owl – Casa Posa Honda – Manabi Province
Since I take great comfort in complete immersion and solitude in nature, I have appreciated the opportunity to apply Thoreau’s attitude, ‘…to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach…’

Almost dark, view from the end of the trail…
This beautiful forest, a place to connect deeply with nature, supplies a perfect environment to study the flora and fauna. As soon as I am settled, I hope to present what affects me strongest via drawings and studies. That is not easily done when interacting with the world on a daily basis, so I am grateful to reclaim a life that gives me total focus without distractions.

Morning Squirrel
Almost every morning is spent in complete silence as I merge with the rhythms of the natural surroundings. Before the daylight has wiped all traces of night from the scene, the Whooping Motmots can often be seen perched near the house. By 6:15, the Brown Wood Rails tip-toe into the yard on their predictable paths. Photos in such low light are always lacking, so I now watch quietly and appreciate their unique beauty.
After the first hour of absorbing, watching, listening, I usually venture outside and take an extremely-slow amble downhill. There are citrus trees, gingers, hardwoods and vines, wildflowers and bamboos, starfruit and cashews. The cast of wildlife changes hourly!

Achiote – Wilkipedia

The very-patient Motmot perched on —- cotton!

Many times I take a clipboard, paper, pencil and pencil sharpener – as well as my bird book – and draw. When one gets very still, nature adjusts and resumes her rhythms. Even when a sparrow stops for a drink…

Between the houses along the water’s edge…

Thick, wild, yet comforting. I sat here for at least ten minutes, listening to a bird rustling the leaves. Perhaps it ws the Brown Wood Rail. Or maybe the squirrel. No, to my amusement, it was a chicken with her little chicks!
There are trees that I know well, and new ones, yet to be identified. Combined, they provide amazing canopy and cover as well as food and nesting options for the wildlife.

I often photograph the birds and later consult the books for identification. I was surprised to see that one of these two birds was a trogon!

The random arrangement of the towering bamboo almost makes a star!
There are many new bird calls, still foreign to me, and through trial and error, I slowly discover the owner of the voice.
In my deepest troubles, I frequently would wrench myself from the persons around me and retire to some secluded part of our noble forests. – John James Audubon
While totally aware of my surroundings, I often think about the conflicts and natural disasters affecting those not-so-fortunate people in the world. Sometimes it seems out of alignment, that I can be coddled in such serene settings and almost-perfect climate, while others are suffering. It’s easy for me to understand why Audubon found such comfort in the natural world, and in trying to capture that world and share with others.

Grooved billed Ani
“It is easy to believe we are each waves and forget we are also the ocean.”
― Jon J. Muth
Living in this present-day Garden of Eden, it’s easy to grasp that I am just a tiny drop of this vast ocean of life on our planet. Yes, we are all individuals and differ from person to person, species to species, but we share this planet and should always acknowledge the rights of all to live in peace and harmony.
Last week that cute Pygmy Owl dropped by and visited long enough to share its staccato voice – and perched where I could confirm, ‘That sound is coming from the owl!’ Perhaps it’s a guardian?

In the lower right area of the scene, the owl perched near the ground; it lingered long enough as if to state, ‘Well, it took you long enough to notice me.’

It flew away, and I knew it was somewhere – just not sure where!

Ah-ha!

It’s a cutie!
Another interesting bird is the Great Antshrike. In handsome cinnamon attire, the female compliments the black and white male. Both have stunning blood-red eyes.

Great Antshrike

‘Pardon me while I molt…’
“I believe there is value in paying close attention to your surroundings, value in developing a sense of where you are grounded on the earth, and value in acting on that in a positive way.” Lynn Wohlers – BlueBrightly
(Many of you know Lynn and her always-refreshing site, BlueBrightly. If not, follow the link above and see the world through her very-talented eyes and sensitive soul.)

Blue-gray Tanager
Curious to see what species of birds might enjoy a breakfast bar, I placed several ripe bananas on the dragon-fruit trellis. The Orange-fronted Barbets spotted them pretty fast!

Yum yum!

Whooping Motmots

I hide the bananas as if I’m hiding Easter eggs, but the chickens must be able to smell them! To my surprise last week, the chickens hopped onto the trellis, and the Brown Wood Rails followed their lead!
Brown Wood Rail
“…Typical rails live obscurely in marshes, swamps, dense grasslands, or moist woodland, where they prefer to escape by walking instead of flying and are among the birds most difficult to know intimately, which is a pity, for they appear to be intelligent and have fascinating habits.” – A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica – Stiles & Skutch
…
Ha! No one told these resident birds that information! They are cautious and skittish, but they seem comfortable asserting their rights to the breakfast bar!

Two wood rails foraged daily with the chickens but are very elusive. Seeing the rail on the pitahaya/dragonfruit trellis was quite a surprise!

Where the chickens go, so do these Brown Wood Rails!
‘How could I make a little book, when I have seen enough to make a dozen large books?’ – John James Audubon
Last week, a prepped canvas awaited my attention, and it was time to move forward with a study of the ‘Brown Wood Rail.’ With panel in hand, I walked the trails near the house in search of scientific ‘support’ materials to include in the study. Perhaps the gnarled roots of an old tree and dead leaves and twisted vines would work well…
Antshrikes and woodpeckers distracted me, and I returned with the same stark-blank canvas staring back at me. When the Wood Rail jumped on the trellis and stayed long enough for a nice photo session, I decided to work first on the study of the bird, and later add the background material. Eyeing the panel, I chuckled and dismissed it, “Way too small! This bird deserves a much-larger portrait!”
The Orange-fronted Barbets will make a great substitute! Or maybe the Lineated Woodpecker… or that precious Pygmy Owl… or the Lemon Drop pictured below….

The Yellow-tailed Orioles take a banana-feast shift.

‘What about me? I’ll sit for you!’
The Scarlet Rumped Caciques pecked and prodded the bananas, but one spent more time in the palm branches near the trellis. Later I realized the birds were stripping thin ‘threads’ from the leaves and using them to build a nest.
If a bird can sculpt a lovely home using just its beak and feet, we should be able to do so much more with our very-capable hands!

Resuming details on old paintings…
I am still moving, sorting, and trying to corral my personal items to the new home base. Today I am back in Mindo, where internet is easily available, and I should be here for a few more days before returning to that Garden of Eden, seven hours to the southwest.
Thanks for your support of the last two posts, especially those who provided enthusiastic approval of Marie’s work in Costa Rica! I’ll be answering those comments soon!
Thanks, also, for sticking with this long and winding post!
Lisa/Z
I love this! So many beautiful photographs! What unusual and exotic-looking plants and animals! Thank you for the walk in nature!
Hi Cindy, and thanks for the ‘thumbs up’ comment! You would enjoy the beauty of this area, as your own photos of your nearby landscape are so comforting. Thanks!
I can’t even begin to choose any favorites from this delightful post, although I do love owls. I find that being in nature regularly centers me as well, reminding me daily of the wonders God has created and renewing my resolve to try to care for them in whatever small way I can. Enjoy and thanks for letting us enjoy with you.
janet
Thank YOU for sticking with this very long post until the end! I find that if I am in the city for too many days – or around almost-nonstop sounds, I feel very ungrounded… The silence and immersion in nature is so beneficial….
I feel the same way. That’s one of the reasons I love going to Wyoming and immersing myself in nature.
Wow Lisa, my Anis! I miss poor bedraggled things.
Ever since moving to southern Arizona I have wanted to see a trogon. I looked and looked there and then again in Ecuador. Never saw one and now probably never will. Sigh. Great photos my dear
So far there are three species of Trogons.. The one featured, and the Ecuadorian, which has a red ring around the eye, and the Gartered, which has a yellow breast. Between the Trogons and the Anis you would never be bored – even from watching from the windows!
Just lovely Lisa!
Thank you so much! Wish you could experience it as well!
Such a magnificent variety of stunning beauties, Lisa – you must be as close to paradise as one can get!
It’s pretty special there, and the climate isn’t too cold or too hot – at least so far! It will probably get chillier during the rainy season, but sweaters and scarves will take care of that ‘discomfort.’
You, of course, have an amazing realm of wonderful creatures.. many people dream to experience your beloved flora and fauna of Africa.
Lisa, I thought of you today while I was sitting outside early listening to the birds get ready for their day and now you write sharing many of the same thoughts and feelings we have in our little corner of the world. Thank you – Life is good!
Those caciques are quite the songsters, though you have that lovely Long-tailed Mockingbird that has a sweet song. So does the Tropical Kingbird.
Thank you for thinking of me, and I’m not surprised we were tuned in to the same subject!
I love painting owls!!! I’m working on a Barred Owl this week
How fun! I look forward to seeing your owl painting! Yes, owls are very special birds…
Thanks Lisa, this is beautiful Paradise! Hugs
Thanks! I wish you could bask in the beauty of the area as well. Hope you’re feeling well and invincible!
👍
Thanks, Fletcher!
The Garden of Eden exactly! And I especially liked this quote: “I believe there is value in paying close attention to your surroundings, value in developing a sense of where you are grounded on the earth, and value in acting on that in a positive way.” Lynn Wohlers – Thanks for allowing us to escape from our frantic lives for a few brief moments!
That will make Lynn happy that her quote rose above Audubon’s!!!! She is very in tune with our world.
It’s my pleasure to provide material worthy of distracting you from the problems of today’s times. Please let me know if anyone does that thumb-breaking task!
Oh, Lisa, I love your owl and I love your trails… creative and nature alike! 😉 Have a joyful day amiga! 🙂 xxxxx
Thanks! The owl appreciates your approval!
I hope that your day has gone well; mine is just starting!
Nice drawing! I bet you get a lot of inspiration from your traveling! 🙂
Too much! There is so much material, it’s hard to focus on ‘just one’ at a time! Thanks!
Beautiful, so glad the universe led you to this special place! 🙂 What a great fit for you Amiga!
Dear dear Pat! It’s so great to see your comment, so very special! from the Wonder Warrior! Thank you!
WOW!!! Thank you for sharing all those stunning impressions, Lisa!!
Thank you! This was a very -heavy image post, and I appreciate that you stayed with it! I’m still remembering that great ‘coffee time’ photo!
Each image made me more wondering about the next…. lol! Really fantastic, Lisa!!
So, cheers ☕️☕️
As Eve says: Happy new. You have great access to birds there.
yes, and there are some unique flowers there too! i think i might start a small collection of wildflower studies.. some are petite and would not require a lot of time….. then there are the huge heliconias that zig and zag – some toward the sky and others toward the ground…
Yeah, give ’em hel….iconias.
A beautiful and thoughtful post. 🙂
It reminds me that we are never merely a drop in the ocean if we are part of a wave. 🙂
Thank you, and yes, our roles probably are more important than we realize!
Cheese Roles. Mmm 🙂
I am reading “The Hidden Life of Trees – What They Fee, How They Communicate” by Peter Wohlleben. I am amazed by how the trees build community and nurture each other. Your posts are a testament to the fact that there are many forms of communities. We can learn from trees, plants, animals, sea creatures, and our friends with wings. Oh, Lisa! I love your posts.
You are such a positive force – and cheerleader for so many of us! Thank you for your feedback and encouragement, as well as the many quotes you pass along – always timely and perfect. Thank you for being you!
Many hugs coming your way!!!
and back to you!
What an amazing place you’ve found yourself, Lisa! The variety in the bird life alone is quite staggering. 🙂 🙂 Nice to have your very own guardian owl.
Yes, it’s a great ‘watch owl,’ and it deserves a nice study – or several. I realized after publishing that the post would have worked well for your Monday walk. I’m heading there soon, to bask in your serene world thanks to the gift of cyberspace!
Such a heartwarming post! Thanks for taking us along on this beautiful journey. Birds are such lovely creatures. We can learn so much from them.
Thank you; this new area is ‘only’ a four-hour drive from the epicenter site of the 7.8 earthquake, such a contrast to the ongoing recovery there. So much dust, debris as more buildings come down and others go up… it will be a long time before that quiet little area experiences life as normal.
Lisa, I love your bird watching tours. Best wishes on getting settled. Keith
thank you, keith! have you ever visited ‘tropical’ america where it seems that some of the foliage is the size of a small house\??? there are so many colors and shades of green, and the many colorful birds.. amazing!
Can you feel my envy? So peaceful and beautiful.
goodness, i thought i replied to this, but looks like it went awol! i’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Wow so much incredible beauty and so many lovely birds Lisa. You must be in paradise there!
yes, it is really really special! but you can understand – there are so many wonderful and special places on this planet.. if one loves nature.. and one loves people.. then it’s a shame to stay in one place and never experience seeing it in real life….. but if so, there is still so much to see in one’s own backyard and home town!
Such an amazing post. I am happy for you that at times you feel coddled. I remember a time, not so long ago when that wasn’t quite the case. Bye for now Lisa. Happy adventures.
Thanks, Lesley, for your comment, and for remembering all that’s happened – which is why I sometimes feel a bit guilty – to be in such a peaceful place – when four hours away so many are still struggling to move forward. It’s such a contrast, and I think of the saying that it’s easier to move on than it is to be left behind.
Now if I can figure out a way to get that usb internet option……
😀 if only … Paradise would for sure be yours.
The amount of photos is overwhelming – in a good way! Putting the banana out was a good idea…the “cutie” takes the cake – wow! What a round ball of fluff. I love the yellow-tailed orioles, too, and the pretty blue tanager, and oh, that tail on the motmots! You must be having a great time. It’s quite an adjustment to be without the internet connection though, so I’m glad you’re appreciating the peace and tuning in closely to everything around you. Such a rich smorgasbord of species! I love seeing your painting set up on the porch/deck. Be well and safe travels back!
You would definitely understand about the volume of photos. I considered breaking it into two posts…
Yes, that owl was such a cutie perched there as if orchestrated by a higher power! It did a lot of preening and then did a little vocal performance, confirming what mystery bird has been teasing me for the past month!
There are many paintings that need several hours to several days’ more work so I’m getting those out of the way to prepare for the new series.
Being without the internet is fine -except for losing touch with the world, and then trying to catch up when back online. Last week when shutting down the computer, it said, ‘Do not turn off until the updates have finished,’ and it was one of 89! I went to sleep and checked on the process every so often!
I’ve had that experience of hearing a mystery bird for weeks or months, then finally seeing it – that happened when I was in high school. We’d moved to a New Jersey a suburb with woods across the street & my mother & I kept hearing a gorgeous melody each evening. Eventually we saw it – a Wood Thrush. It was great that we shared that discovery. I now believe she haled me back in subtle ways, but a shared love of nature was one of many good things we had.
Catching up is a b***h! OMG, 89 updates….I only 3 or 4 after being away. But so many blogs to look at….
And I didn’t even want to say anything about your quoting me, along with people whose impact is thousands and thousands of times greater than mine will ever be. But thank you. I see that comment, too – so nice. I really didn’t have time to put my thoughts OR images together that well when I was working so frantically. It’s wonderful that I am now still working hard, but on something far more pleasurable.
I also meant to comment on the owl drawing you left in the guest register…when I think of all the times you have left your work in places for people to enjoy, it’s marvelous!
There you are, the humble one. I suspect that you have a very positive impact on the people you see on a daily basis…. Through your blog, you’re impacting a much-larger audience.
Yes, it is challenging to present images and thoughts when there is only a small window of time. There are times when the images are easy but the words just don’t flow.. and other times it’s like tapping into a clear stream and it all flows…
The presence of that owl was so special, and it seemed destined to live on thru the guest book! It’s fun leaving little smiles for others to find later; I once painted a quick impressionistic mural on the wall where a mantle/mirror would go. The people who arrived to install the mirror were baffled. Why cover/hide this art? I just grinned and said that we’d be long gone before someone discovered the painting, and then they’d be wondering about its history. The house – in Mississippi – was built in 1870!
Having a sense of humor marries well with an artistic spirit!
Wonderful story about the painting at the house in Mississippi !! I happened to see your story in another comment about getting glasses, funny – it was similar for me. I was a few years younger, also very nearsighted, and remember what an astonishing revelation it wa to see that clear, crisp world with all the beautiful details and colors. It was very moving. As you know. It sounds like you’re happy and having a good time. I’m glad.
yes, and perhaps those experiences played a role in our appreciation for what we see…. and that painted wall in the house was a very fun ‘joke’ to create – who knows how long it will be before someone discovers it! maybe they’ll eventually find this thread, and the mystery will be solved. they’ll probably be disgusted!
Lisa, there is so much to see in your environment, I don’t know how you can drag yourself away to concentrate on painting. It occurs to me, also, how good bird/animal watching must be for your eyesight. And trying to identify calls must be great exercise for your hearing. Do you find your eyes and ears are as good as ever, or even improving, in these pristine surroundings? I am sure my hearing and my eyesight suffer from the noise and pollution of my urban environment.
Yes, you are right, but after ten minutes into serious ‘study’ it’s like going into a dream, and I forget about the outside world… I am sometimes shocked to look up and realize that it’s dark outside.. or if I’m working late at night, to hear the roosters and think, ‘uh oh.. it’s almost morning. I might as well work until sunrise and watch the day awaken!’
When working in nature – immersed in nature and removed from sounds of modern man – yes, my senses seem enhanced, especially my hearing. My eyesight is horrid – 20/300 or worse, though without contact lenses I can read and draw and paint forever with great nearsighted vision… Sometimes I have one lens in, so with one eye I see far away and the other sees up close… but that gives my eyes a really weird alignment! Perhaps this immersion in nature will help restore good vision – I’ve worn corrective lenses since I was about 12…. I remember going home that first time with glasses, looking up at 100 year old trees and exclaiming, ‘They have leaves! They’re so beautiful!’
What a revelation for you as a 12 year old. I got glasses at 15, and I was just relieved to be able to see the blackboard properly again. Lisa, you made me smile with your one lens in, one lens out, vision of the world! Here’s to the nourishment of all our senses in the best way we can manage. 🙂
What amazing surroundings you have chosen to become your new home. It does look like a present-day Garden of Eden. I wish you all the best with the move.
Thank you Otto! Yes, it is a really special area, and most every day there is something ‘new’ — The Wood Rail is so rare that the Red List did not have an image – only an illustration. The banana-eating Rail will soon live forever in the RedList library of reference material!
Hey Lisa, what a banquet of wildlife! I fully understand your love of being deep within nature, it’s something I’ve loved all my life, and you are supremely deep in it where you are with so many birds, animals and plants around you. That photo you snapped of the wonderful little owl, entitled ‘That’s a Cutie’ is just precious! Enjoy your deep immersion! 🙂
oh..this is wonderful..nature is always amazing..!!
What an amazing and beautiful place you have found to call home. The photos are stunning and having wandered through some of your other recent posts your inspirational art work continues to inspire me. Enjoy this serene wilderness and I will look forward to seeing more of it as time and internet connections allow. I know exactly what you mean by the internet invading your other projects. My year off has been a pleasure, but I’m ready to rejoin the blogosphere only not so regularly. Take care and peace to you my friend
yes, it’s good to be connected but also so liberating to be offline… it’s wonderful to have you back!!!! love, lisa
My cat woke me up at 4:30 am, so I am listening to the howlers and roosters, and reading your blog post. As always, you inspire me with your amazing photos of nature and your tranquil and peaceful surroundings.
Now that I can see again, I am following my resident hummer’s daily routine in my backyard and taking lots of photos of his/her daily life. It is so much fun! Thanks for the reminder to awake with joy and be ever present in our natural surroundings.
‘Now that I can see again,’ – those are six incredibly-beautiful words! you cherished what was in your field of view before this happened, but now things like that hummer will be extra special! about 15 years ago i lost almost all of my sight for a day, and if i’m having a bad day i just remind myself what it would be like if i could not see….
thanks so much, debbie, and i’m glad you’re better!
Great !! During the last few months of Travel, I too have come across few of most beautiful creations of Nature – A Pink Pigeon , A White Peacock and some other delightful species.Have a look :
Exploring the Colours of Nature – A Photographical Insight !
http://the-passport-souls.travel.blog/2017/10/11/exploring-the-colours-of-nature-a-photographical-insight-2-min-read/
Great . During the last few months of Travel, I too have come across few of most beautiful creations of Nature – A Pink Pigeon , A White Peacock and some other delightful species.Have a look –
Exploring the Colours of Nature – A Photographical Insight .
http://the-passport-souls.travel.blog/2017/10/11/exploring-the-colours-of-nature-a-photographical-insight-2-min-read/
they are beautiful!
thank you so much 😊
I like how that little guy (caciques) sat there for you to take a picture of him. And oh that antshrike…so cute!
thanks! yes, the birds here are very trustful, and hopefully it will stay that way. thank you so much!
Wow, those birds are really amazing. I love Ecuador. And that fluffy owl, what a cutiepie!!
Lovely pics! Stay in touch, following your blog, for more wildlife pics! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you as well, and I’m looking at your site now.. Impressive, so consider me a new follower as well….. and thanks for doing what you can to help our planet…
beautiful photos and the owl drawing is wonderful
There are so many stunning photos here. I love the unusual angles. I think my favourite is the dragonfly. Thank you for sharing. X
I am very blessed to be living in such a flora and fauna-rich area… thank you, and yes, the dragonfly seemed to beg to have its photo taken! most every day there are hundreds, maybe thousands soaring around about fifteen feet in the air!