For the Birds

Just a Brown Bird ?  Think again, a Yellow-rumped Warbler

Did you know there are over 10,000 bird species in the world?  I've discovered that viewing birds through a strong camera lens or binoculars is a necessity for identification.  A small brown bird looks totally different magnified.  I was thinking we only had White Throated Sparrows at our suet feeder but after magnification, I discovered actually both Sparrows and the Yellow-rumped Warbler were dining at our feeder.  More common birds become brilliant through the camera lens. 

Pair of Red Bellied Woodpeckers

A pair of Red Bellied Woodpeckers has finally gotten together and were enjoying the suet in the snow today.  I've heard drumming on our gutter now for a solid month.  I'm glad they have finally hooked up for the season.  I can hear my favorite Woodpecker, the Pileated, on Forsythia Hill but have only gotten glimpses this early in the season.  A Cardinal pair was ground feeding together in the snow.  It was predicted we would have .1" and it looks like 6" is more like it!

Female Cardinal in budding Red Maple Tree

I love all birds, from our Chickens and Crows to the Nuthatch.  The White-breasted Nuthatch has always been my favorite bird.  Climbing on trees with that slicked back 50's Elvis style cap.  I've always referred to them as Little Elvis.  I've not yet gotten a good shot, they move so quickly.

You can see how I'm spending this snowy day... enjoying nature.

Happy Snow!

-Rebecca

First Snow of the Season

Our coop and hens complete with a dusting of snow.

I happen to love being mesmerized by the snow as it sprinkles down from the sky.  I never mind being home bound for a few days or even more.  Staying warm beside the wood stove, a good homemade soup, and the computer or a good puzzle keeps me occupied.  Albeit, this first snow was here and gone in about 4 hours, it was still pretty and the chickens seemed to not be bothered. 

"Pop Art" - Little Moltie watching it snow this morning.

Each morning during the cold months I have to bash the frozen chicken waterers on the ground to remove the ice and retrieve water from the house.  My husband and I laugh every time we have a "chicken project" and the fact that people always say, "chickens are easy".  Ha - ask my husband his opinion on that claim.  New Year's Day we were expanding the fence to give the chickens a grassy area in which to peck around.  Winter has really done a number on the grass around the coop.  This past Fall I was happily moving fences in order to toss out grass and finch seed to cover the barren soil, giving the chickens newly sown green patches. 

It's to get down below 20 degrees tonight and that means it's our first time to turn on the heat lamp in the coop.  Fingers crossed that all are OK tomorrow morning!

Cheers to lots of SNOWFALL.

-Rebecca

First Snow

Ok, I had to do it - publish my "first snow of the season" photos.  It's kinda a mushy looking snow event so far.  I love being inside on the computer on days like this.

The snow is coming down a bit harder now - COOL.  I love the snow and seasons of the year.  As much as I miss HEAT, I do like the time off from gardening and sitting by the wood stove on a chilly, snowy day.

-Rebecca

First Snow of 2010 on Forsythia Hill

What's a Girl to do ?

Each Thursday I'll list several Charlottesville events upcoming this weekend that I'm interested in attending. Hope to see you there!

FRIDAY

PVCC Light Show, Let there be Light, Piedmont Virginia Community College, 6-9pm, FREE.  Light-centered art 6-9 p.m. on the grounds. Nineteen local artists will create artwork, music and dance in keeping with the Winter Solstice.

SATURDAY

Dedication of Lights, 12-6pm, FREE, Siamese Cat Rescue Center, Locust Dale, VA.  Lights can be purchased (at the event or online) in memory or honor of any cat that has touched your heart!  Proceeds help Siamese cats that have been rescued from kill shelters or pet owners that can no longer care for them.

- Rebecca