-
Not Quite
Today’s weather, not quite what I was hoping for. Yes, this morning there was first sleet, then freezing rain. But in what seemed like the blink of an eye it was gone. Turned to just rain. Actually it did happen more slowly than that, but by mid-afternoon the winter glam and glitter was gone. Ah…
-
Garden In Winter
Gardens in winter can be a source of food for many animals. Let those seedheads stay for the birds to enjoy. This is a male Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) in his winter attire. Goldfinch are here year ’round. They come to my feeders for the black oil sunflower seeds that I put out, but they also…
-
I Need To Make Some Suet For The Birds
Seeing movement some distance from me, I focused my attention on what was going on. Turns out it’s a male Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) visiting me today. This is the smallest woodpecker in North America. One that I often see, all year long. They’re fascinating and having them here year ’round makes me feel quite…
-
In Winter At The Feeder Everyday
So long as I’ve got the feeder filled, this is one of the birds that shows up during the winter. Actually there are a few of them that come to get the black oil sunflower seeds. The Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis). This is one that showed up on Christmas Day to get its portrait captured…
-
Graupel
Most of New Year’s Day, snow and graupel fell from the sky. Granddaughter and I were totally pleased to see it. If anything would stick, it would be the second snowfall of the winter season. The first was December 10th when the mountain received 2.75 gorgeous inches. As graupel falls, it isn’t necessarily obvious that…
-
Beautiful Song
One showed up this morning. The first day of 2024. I always anticipate something special showing up on important days. This was that special something, a Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus). Not arriving for the seeds at the feeder, they’re not interested in that, but arriving to get a splash in the birdbath. And oh the…
-
Merry 2024
Merriest of best wishes, For a marvelous New Year, And to all a good night!
-
The Tiny One Is Taking Charge
This morning a Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) came by for a dip in the birdbath. I was pleased to see the little critter since I seldom see them. They mainly eat insects but are willing to eat berries while they spend their winters here in Virginia. I have some raisins out on the feeder but…
-
Mercury Glass Ornament
Ten years ago, on December 9th, there was a remarkable ice storm here that entertained me for hours as I roamed with my camera. These images are just a very small look at the many pictures that I captured as I was wandering on Cloud Nine. This first picture is a native shrub. Beautiful, particularly…
-
Late December Surprise
An adopted orchid bloom! A lovely surprise this late in December. A short time ago I noticed buds emerging. I’m hoping it is in response to my careful watering. In any event something good is coming of the care this plant is receiving. Amount of light? Temperature of the room? Watering schedule? My yoga friends…