Monday, December 30, 2013

Northern Shrike


The Northern Shrike is a little smaller than a Blue Jay.  It is another winter visitor from the Arctic tundra.  The Shrike is a fierce predator and often kills its prey by impaling the victim on a sharp stick or barbed wire fence.


Saturday, December 28, 2013

Owl Eyes


"When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal.  I see a living being.  I see a friend.  I feel a soul."

~ Anthony Douglas Williams, author of Inside the Divine Pattern

Friday, December 27, 2013

Snowy Owl


The continuing Snowy Owl irruption in the northeast is incredible.  I spotted this young guy perched on a fence post right next to the road late this afternoon.

Blue Jay


The boistrous Blue Jays keep things colorful and lively in the yard all winter long.


Thursday, December 26, 2013

Snowy Owl Invasion Continues



As the great Snowy Owl irruption continues in the northeast, I was able to get a few more photos just before sunset yesterday.  This is the same bird from different angles as it was getting dark.


The photo below was taken today and is a different owl from the one pictured above.


Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Indomitable Spirit

The temperature early this morning was a frigid -1° Fahrenheit, yet the Chickadees in the yard seemed oblivious to the cold.


"We learned to be patient observers like the Owl.  We learned cleverness from the Crow, and courage from the Jay who will attack an owl ten times its size to drive it off its territory.  But above all of them ranked the Chickadee because of its indomitable spirit." 
~ Tom Brown Jr. (American Naturalist and Author)

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Saturday, December 21, 2013

On this day of the Winter Solstice...

Tundra And Trumpeter Swans on Lake Erie


May all beings be peaceful.
May all beings be happy.
May all beings be well.
May all beings be safe.
May all beings be free from suffering.

Winter Solstice Greetings!

Welcome to the most wonderful day of the year that brings the return of the light!  Happy Yule!


Axial tilt is the reason for the season!

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Nacreous Sunrise

We had an amazing sky at sunrise today with everything happening all at once!


Pearly Nacreous Clouds (upper right), a rare but ominous sight since they indicate problems in the ozone layer.


Part of a sundog visible through the trees. 


The setting moon.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Snowy Owl


Spotted another Snowy Owl today out on the ice cover of Lake Erie.


I caught her in the middle of a big yawn...

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Friday, December 13, 2013

I Wonder...


"I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently?  And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says "Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again." ~ Lewis Carroll


This little American Goldfinch must be hoping for a break in the weather.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Snow Squall over Lake Erie