Three Things I’m Thankful for This Thursday:
We have a wood duck house near the bayou in our backyard. This is the third year we have watched this amazing process. On the roof of the nesting box my husband built, he placed a Ring doorbell camera. It is activated by motion. He cleaned out the house and prepared for a new season in late January. It didn’t take long for a wood duck couple to find it and start laying eggs. Counting the number in this clutch (close to 20), it seems there may have been two hens laying the eggs. The hen started sitting on the eggs on March 1st. Every day I get multiple alerts “There is motion at your wood duck house.” She leaves twice a day to feed. She preens her feathers incessantly and turns the eggs. We are hopeful the recent freeze did not affect this clutch. They are due to hatch around March 28, so stay tuned.
One of my favorite things, a close second to seeing a rainbow, is a bright sun burst through a cloud. And with the bare branches of winter trees, this image fills me with hope.
Last night I attended church with a soup supper and good discussion. We prayed for Ukraine which feels like so little in such a horrible situation. When we were leaving, the full moon was high. I am grateful for my church family, for good food, and for peace in my community.
Reflections on the Teche 
I, also, love the dance of light on billowing clouds against a bright blue sky. And with the Ring Camera I wonder how observation scientists are using this type of accessible technology.
Your wood duck images are amazing. How clever to attach a Ring Camera!
I am enthralled by the photos of the wood duck nest and cannot wait to see what comes. The idea of the mother turning the eggs pierces my heart. I, too, love seeing the sun burst from the clouds…fills me with hope. Last night at church prayer meeting was all about Ukraine. People need to pray…we need one another. Such beauty and peace in all of your words; we need this, too.
Oh! Is it duck time already? How I love following the progress of your wood ducks – even from afar. Skies & full moons are pretty wonderful, too. Maybe today needs to be a Thankful Thursday for me, too – just reading your post has filled my heart.
How precious being able to witness the sparks of life of a wood duck family
I saw that moon last night too. I was out after dark, rare for me, to go to a church gathering. The moon was gorgeous. Keep us updated on the wood ducks.
I’m looking forward to more about the wood ducks!
Stunning photos, how exciting to be able to see all those eggs, I hope they do hatch before the end of March!