Red-breasted Nuthatch

A little feathered creature that I see some winters. A bird that is said to be “irruptive,” meaning it depends on the seed supply where it normally spends its winters. In years when the seeds of pine, spruce, and fir trees are not plentiful these birds will venture into areas where they are not normally seen.


The Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) shows up here in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia every two or three years. I’m always pleased to see them. And their songs and calls bring a smile to my face. They sound like a chuckle, or like the horn of a terribly tiny tin toy car.


While they’re here they will visit my feeders, eating the sunflower seeds, peanuts and suet that is put out. Sometimes I’ll see a Red-breasted Nuthatch going back and forth to the feeders, much more frequently than what I might expect. More than likely this means it is going to a special hiding place, stashing food in crevices in tree bark. Putting the food away for later.

So glad you guys are here and I hope I’ll see you next winter too.

A Strawberry Leaf

The landscape during winter. Shades of black, brown, white, with a bit of deep, subtle blue-green. A Cardinal adds spark to the setting. Feathers of scarlet keeping him warm.

Look down as you step. Wild strawberries that gave you joy last summer have left a reminder. Leaves of wild strawberries now covered with frost.

Flowers in WINTER!

Me — always a positive outlook. But I’m wondering about this winter. It is not living up to my expectations. Are we going to end up with the warmest January on record? Is climate change doing its thing? There are rumors from the weather people of snow next week. Be still my heart! Just now, a gift to me. A gift from my gardens. Here to bring cheer, flowers of comfort. Flowers of cheer. Flowers of winter.

Hellebores (Helleborus) native to Europe and Asia.

Eastern Comma

Another butterfly that you may see as you hike on an unusually warm winter day. An Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma). These species of butterflies that overwinter as adults have the ability to survive due to the presence of glycerol in their blood which prevents their bodies from freezing. They may come out to enjoy the warmth and return to their winter shelter until spring brings dependable warm days.

Take your time as you wander and enjoy the surprises.

Mourning Cloak

As you are out hiking during the winter, take your time. Look around, notice things. There is so much to see, even in the dead of winter. If you’re fortunate you may see a Mourning Cloak Butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa) on the trail in that patch of sunshine ahead of you, warming itself. They overwinter as adults. In crevices in trees, under loose bark, in a woodpile. Living as long as 10 or 11 months, one of the longest living butterflies.

Butterflies in winter. Incredible.

Winter Slumber

In the Blue Ridge of central Virginia bears take a winter slumber. Waking on the rare occasion to thrill those who pay attention to such things. This sleepless creature roamed the woods in January, 2015. Years later, another sleepless one. January 2020 noted by one who pays attention to such things. Rare occasion indeed.

Winter Magic

Magic. A long abandoned silky spider web. A burst of inches of snow. Decorations for a wonderful winter. Today’s lunch was accompanied with snow showers. Not enough to provide trimmings but enough to fill my heart with joy.

And now, this afternoon, a tiny rush of snow looking like a miniature blizzard to someone with a wild imagination. Leaving a dusting.

Image Dec 2017.

Yuccas

Yucca gloriosa and a Honey Bee

I love Yucca flowers. There are 2 different yucca species growing in my yard, each blooming in a different season. Yucca filamentosa, which is native to Virginia, blooms in early summer. And this one, Yucca gloriosa, native to extreme southeastern Virginia, blooms in early autumn.

Remarkable that they both are native to this state, since I wasn’t aware of the yucca plant until I moved to New Mexico many years ago. The blooms attract moths, butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. For me the blooms represent special memories of a beautiful state.