I spent some time out playing in the snow this morning. While I think many of us in these parts are over it, maybe the thing to do is just embrace it. It is lovely to look at and it is still coming down. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
The last few days have been pretty dreary, but at least we don’t have to contend with the frigid temps for a while. I am, however, missing the nice light for pictures. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I’ve written before about the beautiful white-headed northern cardinal that nests in our yard (we call her Polly because she looks a bit like a parrot). I am always on the lookout for her. I saw her quite a bit before the extreme could, which was when these pictures were taken. I didn’t see her for several days after the subzero temps, so I got a little worried. I am happy to report that I saw her yesterday and she seems to have made it through the cold snap just fine. She is quite something. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
The Christmas blizzard generated nonstop action at our feeders. I keep saying, “Let’s invite everyone in.” I think our felines might have something to say about that. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
It is such a pleasure to sit in my office and watch the diversity of visitors to the yard. One of the best spots for taking pictures is crouched between the back of the car and the garage. More than one neighbor has done a double take when seeing me sitting on the ground behind the car. Hopefully, they see the camera and don’t think I am too crazy, but I guess I don’t really mind being the crazy neighbor. 🙂 Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
The cardinals haven’t been visiting the feeder much, but seem to prefer staying close to the bushes, so I leave seeds and millet there. I can’t say that I blame them much when red-tailed hawks are often patrolling the neighborhood. Being bright red at this time a year might be a bit dangerous. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
It’s been a busy week at the feeder. Grackles, red-winged blackbirds, cardinals, sparrows, titmice, chickadees, woodpeckers, and more. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
The backyard is a wonderful place to spend some time. So many of us run out to our cars, run into the office, grocery store, etc., and never stop and look around, or look up. We’ve been trying to make a point of having our morning coffee in the yard (at least while it is still warm enough to do so). Once you start looking, start really paying attention to all the beings around you, you may find you’re not able to stop, and that’s not a bad thing. It happened to me. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
The tree trimmers have been slicing and dicing the neighborhood for a few weeks now. I understand it has to be done around the power lines, but this is so much more than pruning. I’ve been concerned about all those who live in the trees and/or depend on them. I spent some time out in the yard this weekend and was very happy to see most of the usual visitors accounted for. I’m glad this “trimming” isn’t going on during nesting time. I was happy to see our white-headed cardinal friend, though she was too fast this morning for a picture. I did manage to get a couple of pictures of her handsome partner. I also spotted a flicker, red-bellied woodpecker, white-throated sparrow, hungry titmice, and a very curious bunny. Click on pictures to enlarge.
