Nearly every morning this summer, I walk Ginger early. We often start by going down our path the the river and then on to nearby trails. It’s not unusual to see and hear many birds right in our backyard.

Two days ago, this Common Merganser was just cruising down the river.

Yesterday, about six-thirty, we came upon this little Wood Duck family. They gently eased away from us and I wondered if the youngsters were to young to fly.

In a summer of chaos, it’s calming to start the day with a taste of the natural life right around us. Get out and enjoy July.