These Back Roads

I typically take as many back roads as possible on my daily commute to and from work. I can't stand the stupid drivers out there, all the lights, all the accidents, all the....well, if you commute during rush hours, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I found that by taking the back roads where I can, I miss out on all the frustration and shave about 10 minutes off the drive. On top of that, I often see great wildlife.

Yesterday was a great driving day. It started when I came around the bend where I could view a large home in the middle of some fields on the left and on the right, there's a fence and a large outbuilding. What first caught my eye was a huge bird with wings spread wide sitting on the fence post. Then I noticed that there were 4 other large birds on other fence posts. As I got closer, I realized they were buzzards, but let me tell you, those suckers have a huge wingspan. It was just so unusual to see 5 of them sitting on different fence posts. Where's the camera when I need it?

On that same property, there's a pond, a small stream, and a small bridge. There were a bunch of geese there with little goslings scurrying everywhere. Seeing geese there isn't unusual, but it was cool to see the furry little ones everywhere.

Further along in my drive, I passed the fields where they've cut hay in the last week. In about the center of the one field were two large turkeys with their little ones. I thought that they were typically born sooner than this, but apparently not. I couldn't get a good count of the little turkeys, but there were at least 6.

Meanwhile, people are flying over those backroads and I know they never look in the fields or see the wildlife beauty they're dashing past every day. While I rush from one activity to another all day long, I guess this part of my day is a little like stopping to smell the roses - or at least slowing down enough to actually see what's along my travel route. It brings a smile to my face on what is otherwise just a pain in the neck!