This past weekend our temperatures dropped to the lowest so far in this early winter season. It was bitter cold, and old man winter threw in a good dose of wind chill effects just to make sure he got his point across! This first image shows the coneflower seedheads(left for the birds), with the sun low in the sky, casting it's beam across the frozen pond. I'm seeing some interesting shadows created across the pond...and as I've mentioned in many posts, the pond "scape" changes all day. I never would've thought that our pond would bring me the amount enjoyment, on a variety of levels, as it does.
I discovered this small nest on one of my walks this weekend, it's nestled among an overgrown wild rose bush. The bush is probably 12-13 feet high, yet this cozy home was about 6-7 feet above ground. Whatever feathered friend calls this home, sure has protection from predators with all the thorns from along the canes of the bush. It appears to be occupied, I think I'm seeing an eye peeking out there. Recently, I've spotted Cardinals and Finches on the bush, more than likely for the rose hip berries. If anyone has an idea who may be in that nest, please give your guess. The entrance is on the side.
Looking out my kitchen window, there's a tree fairly close to the cabin. It is dying and has an inevitable date with a chainsaw. I am holding off taking it down because I enjoy seeing the birds, squirrels, owls and raccoons that frequent the tree. Here's a couple of titmouse, this photo came out pretty good considering I took it from in the cabin.
This photo didn't turn out quite so good, again, taken from indoors. Perhaps because it was snowing, I'm not sure. I was watching these little ones pick up the cat food and bring it to the branch and break the food down with their beaks to eat it. Here the titmouse was eating snow, ahhh...nothing like a little ice cold snow to wash down cat food!
Here's a taste of my photography skills!! This is a capture of two deer on the damn, just before dark....O.K!...so you can't see the deer, but you CAN see their eyes! I really need to find my manual for my camera!! I debated on showing this blooper, but hey...what the heck!
41 comments:
Lovely, well-written post, you sure seem to have so much to explore and discover in your garden. Actually, the deer image is really funny as it is, that's how it can feel in the dark, strange eyes looking at you.
I like those birds and the deer pics. I think the latter is very creative! I hope the hunters don't get to see them.
I cannot help you with the ID of that bird nest.
I am so looking forward for the pleasurs of my pond. All construction work is now complete and I have begun to fill it. Some afternoon rains have also helped a bit in that regard.
Hi Kim, I love that photo with just the eyes of the deer. It's kind of spooky:) I love the tufted titmice. I have lots that come around here. You are fortunate to have so much wooded land! Jan
Hi Camellia, I got a kick out of the deer photo when I first saw it! I just thought to myself, well, at least I can see the eyes...and had a good laugh! Thanks for stopping by!
Hello Gallicissa...Ahhh..the blooper?! I'm telling you, I think I deserve an award for the most taken and deleted photos!! You have to be able to laugh at yourself, right? I'd imagine your pond will fill up fairly quick, due to your location. You will spend hours around it, I'm so looking forward to hear about it!
Hi Jan...That blooper is one of my better ones! Those little birds, more so than any other type of bird, are the most courageous around my outside cats. I enjoy watching them interact with each other. I see you have a playlist on your blog now, I'm tempted to try it. Knowing me, as technically challenged as I am, I'd more than likely mess it up! Plus, how do you chose? I love so many different types of music. Thanks for dropping in!
Spooky- The deer eye shot is awesome! I'm guessing that your camera flash fired, but the deer were to far away to be illuminated by the flash. The only thing that caught the flash was the deer's eyes. You exposed perfectly for the reflection of the eyes. It really is an awesome picture.
Tom
The deer eyes would have made a great contest! Guess the varmit. I would have guessed cat eyes.
Hello My Little Family...I almost did just that! I thought about asking my guests to guess the animal, I wasn't too sure if anyone would attempt. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Tom...I'll take your word on that account, because I have absolutely NO idea what I did to achieve this shot...it does look kind of cool though! And I want a better camera! HA! why?! Thanks for visiting and I'll bet Megan's busy getting into Mommy Mode!
I like the 1st, 3rd and last image a lot. What's your camera model and make, I could e-mail you a few tips on getting the best out of your camera without going through the hardship of reading your camera manual...Thomas
Hi Thomas...Thanks for stopping by, and as far as the tips go, I'd appreciate that! My camera is a few years old, it's a simple Kodak EasyShare DX 7630. I have to tell you again, the photos of the Indian Roller are gorgeous(hope I remembered that name correctly?!). You MUST mat and frame your photos for display around your home! Do you? That is one beautiful bird!
Hi Spooky - enjoyed these shots - that frozen pond is luminous. I'm afraid I can't help with the nest question but am very curious to know myself. There are tons of birds at my feeder now and I'm wondering where they're all nesting. Also loved the deer "blooper".
Hello JGH...I really love including the pond in the background of my photos, in particular with my dragons. Then again, even my flowers look better against the pond! There's very few nests in the trees close to our cabin(and cats)anymore. In the woods I see many, though. Hey, I've gotten a couple of thumbs up on my blooper! Thanks for stopping by!
I've never seen titmouse before. What beautiful birds. I loved your picture blooper. That was funny. You should have made us all guess what in the heck it was because I didn't know until you told us. But it was funny. Thank you for the nice comments about my blog, your so sweet and kind. :-)
Hi Anne...They are pretty little things, aren't they?! We have many this year. Glad you liked the Blooper...that's it... next blooper will be a "Name that Blooper". I do enjoy your blog, you have a little of everything, and like I said "Shadow Dragon" really liked it, too!
To the visitors...Mom reads my blogs and all my visitors' blogs, too. I call her Shadow Dragon for that reason. She doesn't blog or have a screen name(yet!). She'll e-mail me and talk about my visitors posts. She's STILL checking up on me!! (kidding, mom!)
I happen to love the deer eyes!
That last picture had me cracking up...too funny!!
So sweet finding a nest and happy little birds.
I know what you mean about taking pictures from inside but unless you're out there freezing your tush off...it's the only way to do it.
I'm so glad your mom likes my blog. Let me know when she gets a blog started up and I'll be one of her fans for sure to. Have a good day!
Hi Joey...Thank you! I happen to like them, too! So the rest of the deer, or the damn, or the trees...didn't show up! Thanks for stopping by!
Hello Patsi...If I would've went out, I know those birds would have taken off. That tree is right next to the cabin, so it was nice and close. Sometimes, I'll be by the sink, I'll look up and they're watching me(or maybe I'm paranoid!!...I have been back in the woods quite awhile). I had a good laugh when I first saw my four-eyed photo, too! Thanks for dropping in!
Hi Anne...Yes, Mom really liked your blog...she's leary of the internet, I don't know why, she goes all over on it! I don't think she needs a blog to leave a comment, maybe start up an account and screen name? If you or anyone knows this answer, please, let me know. Mom said to me..."Good thing I don't blog, because if I did...I'd be blogging everyone, like it or not!" She's a firecracker! I'll pass the message to her, Anne...Thanks!!
Thanks for visiting my blog. Thought I'd return the favor.
As for your bird nest, based on the size and location, I first guess might be a dove. As for something in the nest now, if anything, I'd bet on a field mouse.
Hi Spookydragonfly! It's nice to meet you!
I'm so glad you visited, as I found your blog. That iced pond photo is glorious - my pond rarely freezes here in Charlotte.
You definitely have a photographic eye...I like it here. I'll be back to feel winter the way I remember it. White.
Mary
Hello Richard...Thank you for returning the favor! I am sure I'll be back to your blog...I see many small birds that I'm not sure what they are. I've seen many in your photos that frequent my woods. About two years ago, I started feeding a couple of stray cats, now they're mine. Needless to say, my bird population at my feeders are greatly reduced. Thanks for the visit!
Hi Mary....Every so often I go browsing in search of blogs that reflect in some way how I experience nature. I enjoyed your blog very much(hey, we're both Aries!). I personally don't have anyone in my life that feels as strongly as I do about the little wonders of nature. I can be entranced just gazing at something simple in my woods. It's nice to meet someone who shares my wonder of those moments. Oh, and you'll be seeing white! Thank you for popping in and your nice comments!
Came to pay a return visit. Love your photos. I need to look more carefully in the brush for nests on my walks. A side entrance - how interesting. Great blog!
The deer eyes are priceless! Those are adorable little birds, too. I have no idea what's in the nest, though.
It's clear you really enjoy life out there on your pond. Hope you're having a wonderful holiday season!
Hello Ann, Thanks for stopping by! Basically, my blog is just that...photos of my little wonders in the woods. No words of wisdom here! I find blogging a nice way to "meet" others and learn from their blogs. I appreciate your visit and comments!
Hi Vicki...If I were walking in my woods at night, which I have done(not alone!), and saw glowing eyes like that, I'd probably break a world record on sprinting! I have been in the woods at night and not too far away, have heard the snorting of a buck telling me to back off! And...I did! Thanks for the visit!
I love your "eye", you have such a unique and lovely artist's eye wit your camera! The first shot of the echinacea seedheads is just stunning! & the deer-in-the-camera-lights shot is cute as all-get out (I thought they were raccoons..)
My digital died, so I must hei me to the store for film afore I gets snowed in.
Keep on clicking! I love to live in your woods vicariously!
>^,,^<
Hi Kat...I just stared at that view by the pond for awhile...I lost myself in thought, as I usually do, before deciding to go grab my camera. Little moments like that can spark my thoughts into all different directions, I know...it's scary, huh?! From the sounds of your last post, you're expecting quite a taste of winter. Yes Kat...go to the store for that film! If you're not posting, we might have to send the search team for you!! Thanks for the visit.
Smiling as I look for the deer..at least you captured their eyes!
Lovely photos..oh that icy pond...Brrrr..same weather here!
Hello Naturegirl...I'm sure you'll have three times the amount of snow that we will have! Pretty winter scene on your post..and nice shot of the Eiffel Tower by the way! Thanks for dropping in!
We are kindred spirits! Enjoyed your photos - the deer one made me smile!
I forgot to mention thank you for coming to my n. michigan experience blog. I am a log cabin dweller like you and have a blog dedicated to it. I have added you to my log dweller faves!
That's great. At first I thought you were taking pictures of UFO's and it turned out to be the eyes of deer. :)
It sounds like you both built yourself a piece of paradise within another paradise. Your explorations in your woods will always result in findings new jewels to shine up your life.
Happy Holidays.
SD: What a neat shot of the deer, it is amazing at times how the eye can see what the camera can't. I think it takes a longer exposures off a tripod with no flash to get that shot and see deer, and the deer can't move, but the effect you got is so cool. By the time you do all that your shot is best.
Hi Shellmo...Thank you for stopping by, I couldn't publish your second comment, but, you're welcome. I enjoyed my visit to your blog! Glad you liked my blooper...thanks for following me..and for the comments!
Hello Natural Moments...If I captured a UFO on film...not sure if I'd post it! My visitors would think I'm wackier than I already am! Hmm???...I'll keep an eye out for the UFO's though! Yes, I'm always finding my little wonders that just amaze me..even in the smallest way! Thanks for dropping in and commenting!
Hi Fishing Guy...Now, you're just trying to make me feel better...that's o.k...I'll take it! It is kind of neat, though, I got a laugh out of it! Thanks for stopping back!!
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