The Pond House

We have affectionally christened our waterside plot, but I think those in the area for more years than we have established their own namesake but as it stands for us...Welcome to Tiger Pond.

When we slowly drifted to the end of the river coming upon the mouth of the bay like explorers, we were restored within our hearts and mind with a new sense of country. There is nothing like the comfort of waves lapping the shore and creating a country home with the ocean and the bay nearby except to add to our little piece of paradise a pond in the back yard.

We have experienced all manner and species on the pond that a devout birder would note and count but we...well...we just love them. We don't know who all of them are, we only know the excitement of a new visitor or resident. The egrets, herons, mallards, geese, birds and ducks enrich our day. We really can not ask for much more than that. We hear them flying in for a landing in the fall, talking throughout the night, and invading the garden. A new goose has come to visit, white with black wing tips. Are we lucky enough to have a snow goose or is he lost we worry. I've watched as he flies across the pond so he doesn't appear to be hurt. He has not joined any of the other geese so I keep my scope trained on the area he favors and will keep you posted. As I am writing a small hawk has landed in the one willow tree on the property nearest the edge of the pond and there is not a bird anywhere near the feeders. I know the give and take of nature but I once ran out in my pajamas waving my arms furiously to save a squirrel from a hawks grip. It has probably happened many times before but it was the first I witnessed so I'm sure I haven't upset the balance.

My corner of the world has given me many years of inspiration as an artist and photographer with all the opportunities nature provides right in my yard. It was the inspiration for last years Christmas card and many cards for many years. With winter settled in my desk on the back porch is filled with paint jars, cluttered bulletin board, and wooden boards stacked like firewood for painting. Some inspiration will hit perhaps during a snowstorm, just when a dream is about to happen or when I have been sitting in my chair watching the pond out back.