I heard a “thunk” at the front window and looked out to see an Oregon Junco sitting on the deck. He (she?) was very still and it was a little bit before I was certain he was still breathing. I went outside and he didn’t move other than to blink at me. I wanted to move him to a safer place, but the first time I started to pick him up he flapped at me – for which I was grateful because it meant everything seemed to be in working order. The second time he stayed calm while I lifted him off the deck. Looking around I decided the best spot was on one of the feeders with a wide base. He sat there calmly for about ten minutes before finally flying off. It did mean I was able to get one good portrait.
Tag Archives for photos
Bar-code dragonfly
Super stripes on this dragonfly, who was kind enough to pose near the pond for a while.
Self-sustaining
Our birds planted a sunflower and we let them keep it. This one has begun harvesting the bounty. It’s good to see them taking steps towards independence.
Much dragon. So fly.
The dragonflies have returned to our pond and I couldn’t be more delighted. For one, they are a sign of a healthy ecosystem. But they also eat annoying things. And they are terrific models!
Reflections
Walking to my office this morning I was enjoying the sun and the fact all the snow and ice around this area was gone. The morning was so still and there was a mirror reflection on a pond. I like the way the border on the right almost looks like a floating shelf. For a foggy version, check here.
This tray is for the birds
We keep giant bags of birdseed in the garage to keep the birds fed and happy. However I’m not about to drag them out to fill the feeders. For a while I had a large tub that I would fill from the bag and then I’d drag that out. But then I realized that I have a bunch of quart mason jars that I got to use for my salads in a jar – but I only use a few of them for that. So now the others are used for seed – I fill directly from the bag. I was carrying them out in my arms, but then I remembered I have a serving tray that I never really use and it was just sitting in the top of a closet. So now it’s the permanent home of seven quart mason jars of seed, ready to be carried out and served to all the happy birds. I don’t think they realize how fancy it all is, but I do know they appreciate the seed.
Waiting for a turn
A beautifully marked white-crowned sparrow sits perched on the red-tip waiting for a turn at the feeders. Finally a bird that sat still long enough for me to get the focus set properly!
Baby it’s cold outside
Spotted this puffed-up white-crowned sparrow on the rosebushes near the feeders. I think it’s the waiting area when there’s too many birds in the restaurant. With lots of snow and cold temperatures, the birds are going through seed like crazy.
Happy New Year!
I got my camera back out to try to capture the happy Oregon Juncos at the feeders in the snow. Not a great photo, but a very happy bird.
A study in hoarfrost
Where I live we’re currently under an air stagnation advisory. This means very still air – and since it’s cold and foggy we get hoarfrost. It’s very pretty – this certainly isn’t the most expansive I’ve seen, but I thought I’d share some pictures nonetheless.
fence post cap
redbud branches
dormant lavender
dormant Japanese maple
bamboo that is supposed to be hardy for this sort of temperature – I hope they’re right!
nature flocked my wreath on the fence….
@KellyOSullivan 