Cooper's Hawk Staring at Me

COOPER'S HAWK VISIT TODAY

He didn't stay long but I got quite a few poses. I wonder if he could see me through the window glass into my living room when I was photographing or if he could only see his reflection. He never flinched and I got quite a few shots just like this one only with his head looking in different directions. I know he is a predator of small birds but he didn't seem interested and was looking far away. I hope he spotted some mice because, as you all know by now, I am afraid of them. He last visited me on December 26th. The little birds came right back as soon as he flew away. This is my excitement for the day. xo

Red-Winged Blackbird Portrait

Bye, Bye, Blackbird!

He just stopped by for a short visit and I'm glad I had my camera handy. I have always admired the colorful epaulets on the wings of red-winged blackbirds. That color disappears when the wings are tightly closed but I managed a good photo today because he had loosened his wings ❤

Mourning Doves at My Cottage Today

I took this photo in the morning before it started snowing. It was cold as you can see by the puffed up one on the left and I am thrilled that the one on the right is turned to show his true colors.

I got a nice frontal profile on this one. The first snow was just a nice dusting that I could sweep away with the greatest of ease -- my favorite kind. xo

Red-bellied woodpecker at my Feeder

He is my favorite bird thus far and the showiest because of his size and beautiful red head. I hope he won't hold it against me when I get my sunflower kernels only bird seed without any peanuts and other tree nuts in the mix. Otherwise, I would be headed to the poor house in no time. This large woodpecker has an easier time at my feeder than the much smaller Downy Woodpecker who doesn't always latch on a perch the first try. But he perseveres and eventually lands and feeds. I am a happy bird lady and will continue to show you photographs whenever I get a great one. Happy Friday. xo

March First: Lion or Lamb?

I really wasn't expecting to wake up to snow this morning, on the first day of March. I am calling this arrival a Lamb because all I have to do is shovel my front walk and clean off my car. No plowing is required on my circular driveway since I have 4-wheel drive. I might have to change this to Lion weather depending on the snow that's predicted for both days of the next two consecutive weekends. Fingers crossed. I usually depend on the sun to melt my balcony and my car but it will be hiding until Monday. Be safe wherever you are. xo

Snow Melt Day

As you can see from the icicles on my balcony railing and the sheen on the tabletops, the sun is trying to burn through the clouds and the melting has already begun. By eleven o'clock this morning, the thermometer will be reading numbers in the 40° section. I always like for the sun to do the hard part before I go outside and deal with the small amount of snow on my front walk and front windshield. I did the hard part yesterday. Once again, I am happy to report another not-too-bad snowfall. I am so thankful too! I put this photo on my Instagram feed today. Enjoy your Thursday. xo