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Birdbaths in Winter
During the winter my birdbaths really draw the birds. Bring in birds that aren’t interested in the seeds and suet that I put out at the feeders. Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) and Robins (Turdus migratorius) don’t eat at the feeders but they sure take pleasure in the water. Another on my list of those that…
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Purple Finch
A bird that I rarely see. Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus). Not an unusual bird, but one that just doesn’t show up here on my mountain. In all my years of capturing images of birds, I’ve only had two occasions to photograph a Purple Finch. Once in 2010 and once in 2017. The Purple Finches that…
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Downy Woodpeckers Love Suet
Suet at the bird feeders here insures that Downy Woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens) show up. They’re cute little things, about the same size a Dark-eyed Junco or a White-throated Sparrow. The smallest woodpeckers in North America. The Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus) is quite similar in its markings but a good bit larger — the size of…
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Christmas Eve
The road coming up past my lane, February 10, 2010. One of several similar events during that astounding season. My very favorite winter of all time. My precious family, my cherished friends and my dear readers, I’m wishing you all a Happy Christmas and Merry New Year.
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Chickadee
In flight going after a meal. The object of this Chickadee’s (Paridae) attention, a pinecone smeared with peanut butter and then rolled in hulled sunflower seeds. The little birds are intrigued!
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GrandKitty Camp
It certainly is a wonderful time of the year. It really helps too, that for the past few days it actually has been a bit cold. Much like it should be at this time of year. And other things are happening here at the cabin to make things merry and bright. The big happening for…
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Happy First Day of Winter!
Today, the first day of winter and my Mom’s birthday. A special day. Winter brings new birds to watch and enjoy. This, one of those winter birds, a Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis), was completely obliging and posed for me.
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Winterberry Revisited
At the very top of my favorites for wintertime shrubs — Winterberry (Ilex verticillata). A deciduous species of Holly. Native to eastern North America, and is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. Winterberry is a dioecious bush that gets tiny inconspicuous flowers in June and July that attract bees and butterflies and is the host…
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Spritz Cookies
Waiting to be discovered. Sitting in a big jar. Spritz cookies. Tradition for our family.
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Oh Christmas Trees!
Christmas trees atop an apple pie. Made with McIntosh apples, my favorite apple for baking pies and making applesauce. Using my Mom’s recipe. All set to be served.