THE NEW NATURE WALK BLOG BY MARLENE WALKER

NATURE'S TREASURES As I explore the natural world, I feel compelled to share my discoveries with a broad audience. Just as my involvement and appreciation of nature gives balance in my life, I hope to inspire others to find solace.  Observing, writing, photographing and sharing my passion for nature gives me great joy and satisfaction. With this in mind, I invite your comments and questions. Your input ignites my own creativity, ideas and furthers my research. Feel free to share. Thank you for following my blog. Yours in nature, Marlene Common Milkweed seeds erupting from pods Mat Euphorbia Polypore This fungus is fan-like Paper Wasp Nest

LATE AUTUMN WALK Exploring nature lifts my soul and finding unusual things is exciting. On one of my forays, I share what you see below.............. Interesting leaf pattern as it decays A chipmunk exploring my shoe Fungi come in a variety of sizes, shapes and patterns Lichen is the symbiotic relationship of algae and fungus Massive mushrooms in a decaying tree trunk  Tell-tale signs of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on this birch  

 AUTUMN'S SIGNATURE The singular beauty of a leaf or flower mesmerizes me. That's why I have always loved macro photography, viewing and photographing the small things in nature that many people don't see.  Today is MACRO THURSDAY.  Find something in nature that you previously missed.

 THE SOUNDS OF STILLNESS Silence and Stillness are compatible. To observe nature means being still, calm and allowing yourself to be aware of everything around you. The letters in the word S-I-L-E-N-T are the same letters as in the word L-I-S-T-E-N. Listening to nature and listening to others is really the same. Both allow us to hear nuances, intent and content. We get in touch with other people by 'really listening'. That includes non-verbal communication through the eyes. Even with face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, so much can be read in the eyes, even a smile. Today is LISTENING WEDNESDAY!!

 AUTUMN REVERIE The leaves are down, crunching and crackling beneath my feet. A few stragglers remain on the maples, golden dancers on bare branches, the sun shining through their translucence. Life and death are intertwined, as the dying leaves become the organic detritus that will nurture future growth. Even one leaf is the embodiment of beauty; a transient beauty to enjoy, cherish and appreciate. Have a good TUESDAY.

 

  Marlene has had a passion for nature since the age of three when she discovered the beauty of bluebirds. She is an author, nature photographer and newspaper columnist. Her newest venture is hosting nature retreats on natural history and photography. Marlene's desire to learn took her back to university to complete a second Master's degree, the first in Social Work, and the latter in zoology with her research focused on genetics and birdsong. Marlene has been writing her ‘Nature Walk’ column published in the Muskoka Sun for 8 years. Her first book ‘Muskoka Nature Walks – Vol 1 was published in May 2005, followed closely by Muskoka Nature Walks – Vol 2 in May 2006.

 The crisp autumn morning beckons me outdoors. I wander, stopping frequently, as my eye catches unusual patterns, textures and colours. Rock formations intrigue me, water droplets on leaves captivate me and shades of green delight my senses. A few sunlit-dressed leaves still cling to branches while the forest floor is gradually clothed in the previous season's detritus. A Black-capped Chickadee almost lands on me as I watch a Hairy Woodpecker search for insects in decaying wood.  I recall a trip many years ago to the Amalfi Coast in Italy where I was enamoured with unusual doors. I began photographing their uniqueness. A man walking by stopped and asked what I was doing. I told him that I found the doors intriguing. Later in the day, he saw me again and told me that he, too, was now really looking at doors. I have always seen my role as encouraging people to see. So it is with this in mind that I am sharing some photos that I took today.  While enjoying this nature advent...