There is a small bird sanctuary at the edge of Beaver Lake in Asheville, NC.

An elevated wooden walkway winds through the trees and berry bushes, and trails veer off every few hundred feet that lead to wooden decks that overlook the lake. Many animals inhabit the sanctuary, and on any given day in the summer you are likely to spot dozens of species of birds, plus snapping turtles, rabbits, squirrels, groundhogs, snakes, and many different types of insect.

This is one of my favorite places to go for a leisurely walk in my area. Here are some of the photos I took on a recent visit.

Clouds reflected on the lake's surface

Shady gazebo

Looking up through the slatted roof of the gazebo.

A rabbit chilling in the grass. I saw a groundhog in this same spot just a few minutes before the rabbit arrived, but the groundhog frisked away so quickly I was unable to get a picture of him.

The branches of this venerable old tree overhang the lake shallows. The lowest branches are at just the right level to climb up and out on.

Here you can see a pair of snapping turtles. These two were both about 18" - 24" long, but I saw another one that was at least three and a half feet long. Just like the groundhog, it moved away too quickly for me to snap a photo.

There are few things more relaxing and invigorating than a walk in the woods.

I advise anyone to enjoy a walk with the local flora and fauna as often as possible!

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