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One Handsome Creature
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus), a handsome creature that arrives in autumn to spend the winter in central Virginia, and in much of southern North America. They enjoy berries during their stay here and during the summer they eat insects. As I look at the maps of their range I see that my location is marked…
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Hands Can Say So Much
One of many favorite photographs. This, from a visit to see my parents in Florida long ago. It was their first meeting of their great-granddaughter. My Dad’s hand reaching out to her hand, as my Mom is holding her. Ah, the memories. _______________________ If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email,…
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A Christmas Card Perhaps?
A Christmas card, maybe? Or maybe not. Some Jalepeño Peppers (Capsicum annuum ‘Jalapeño’) from the garden placed upon a stack of greens from my huge stash of fabrics. We’ll see what I come up with. Going through oodles and bunches of photos. Wondering which one will speak to me. In the meantime I’m enjoying looking…
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Taking Advantage Of The Warm Weather
A Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) enjoying a relatively warm day, with temperatures dropping considerably in the following many days. With water available, and not frozen, birds will continue to use the birdbaths for their bathing which is needed for their health. Bathing helps in preening their feathers. That in turn aids in aligning feathers for…
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A Female Eastern Bluebird
This morning I was pleased to spot a female Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) at one of the birdbaths. I was quick and was able to get a picture. Glad of that. They don’t hang around waiting for me to get my camera ready. They’re here one minute and gone the next. Eastern Bluebirds here are…
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Another Of The LBJs
Another of the LBJs, Little Brown Jobbies. This one a White Throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), at low tide this morning. Before I had an opportunity to refill the bird baths. It’s making itself at home in its winter home here, but its winter range also includes central and eastern US. It spends the breeding season…
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One Of The LBJs
This one of the LBJs, or Little Brown Jobbies. Little brown birds that look like other little brown birds. Very confusing. In reality, I’m able to identify this bird. The streaked breast helps in that regard. This is a Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia). Years ago as I was getting familiar with the LBJs, it sure…
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Oodles Of Birds This Morning
They swooped in this morning, delighting in the birdbaths, quenching their thirst. Too many to count. Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) and Robins (Turdus migratorius) everywhere. Then on their way hunting berries. And back again. Back and forth many times this morning before the snow started. Snow that pleased me greatly. Falling into the evening though…
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Wild Wind!
This White Oak leaf (Quercus alba) modeled for me yesterday as I was roaming, enjoying the last of the autumn colors. Last evening a front came through. Wind roared and howled with incredible speed as it blew through the mountain trails. One little branch. Not much to hold onto. But maybe it’s still there hanging…