A Muttering of Grackles

Okay, I just made that up but I think it works.  We get massive flocks of Common Grackles coming through our woods in the fall and winter and usually their flight is accompanied by a muttering that, although soft, can be quite loud when their are hundreds of birds.  I was outside this afternoon, enjoying the soft chips and chirps of the usual feeder birds when I suddenly heard the muttering sound.  I wasn't able to see the birds, but I could hear them...until they flew out of the woods en masse.  They banked left and eventually flew right over my head.  I kind of like this shot because you can see some of the iridescent sheen on their wings.  

I had lunch with a friend today and we commiserated about the election results, even had a few laughs.  Then, because it was warm and sunny, I went out on the deck when I got home and just enjoyed the sun on my face.  

Like many Americans (and probably more than a few people from other countries) I've spent a lot of time thinking about the election and reconciling myself to the outcome.  I am not going to indulge in anger or blame - it does no good.  I will never like the man and I am likely going to be unhappy with many aspects of his reign, but it simply does no good to brood about it.  So, I will go out of my way to try to be kind to people, to give them grace, and to lift them up. 

Peace.
xo
Debbi