ROYGBIV: The Spectrum of Color

Rainbow forming over Mogodore Reservoir

Color, in my opinion, is one of the aspects of life that is taken most for granted. I truly believe that it is a vital element of mood and an essential component to something as complex as well-being. I have always noticed that on a bright, sunny day where all of the colors of the world are more vivid and vibrant to the eye, that I am in a much happier and cheerful mood than on a gloomy, dull day. I feel that many people can relate to this feeing of euphoria; an increase in dopamine and serotonin (the feel-good neurotransmintters) levels in the brain must be present, right? Color is beautiful; the warmness of a red autumn leaf, the orange of a pumpkin, and the yellow of the sun provide a sense of coziness that lies deep in the heart. The coolness of the green grass, the blue of an ocean, the indigo on an indigo bunting, or the violet of the flower (respectively) are calming and nurturing in nature. This sense of gratitude towards the colors of the world has really been brought on the past couple of weeks as they are starting to make rise in this early spring season - wildflowers are coming out, birds are migrating back to Ohio, and the atmosphere has been putting on special displays at sundown.

Fresh, vibrant sprouts

The colors of the world have been presenting themselves for the past few weeks, as mentioned, however our last time out and about was when the colors had really popped. Doug, Jeremy, Clint and I had gone out to Mogodore once again for a canoe ride on a gloomy late afternoon, which didn't stay that way for long. When we got there, the magic started happening. We were greeted, once on the water, by hundreds of swallows that covered the area of the reservoir. Tree Swallows have been present the past few weeks; this was the first week that we had seen Barn Swallows, though! As they performed their aerial acrobatics and  nabbed insects off of the surface of the water which we paddled,  Belted Kingfishers, Great Blue Herons, Red-Tailed Hawks, and the ever-circling Turkey Vultures were also making appearances. I am glad to say that Clint, the rookie of the trip, spotted the first Osprey of Mogodore 2011. We made our way through the causeway that goes under Route 43. Once on the West side of Route 43 we began to spot Bald Eagles, along with mass numbers of Double-Crested Cormorants and Coots. It had been an amazing day for birding at Mogodore Reservoir. After paddling a half-hour back to the launch spot we set foot on land and began to take in the beauty of the atmosphere surrounding us. The colors
were changing fast.

The progression of the color was mesmerizing, extraordinary, remarkable, exceptional...the list of adjectives could go on and on. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets that I had ever seen. At this moment, I realized that I had to start to appreciate the colors of the world more than I already do. I  am grateful for nature in its entirety, including the aspect of color. I feel as though it is something that is not appreciated or talked about enough. Maybe it's just me. Beautiful in picture, it gives no justice as to what it was like in the moment. Until the next moment that I am out and about, I'll leave you with one more picture - While the sunset was painting the foreground pictured above, this was going on in the background behind us.

Double Rainbow