Snow

I awoke before dawn.
I knew there would be snow on the ground.
I knew it would be bitterly cold.

I knew the birds would be hungry.

I knew the morning light would be divine.

I watched the sunrise.

Mockingbird sat with me.

Drizzle

I was excited to get up this morning.
Our forecast is for rain changing to snow.
A weather event brings lots of birds to the feeders.

All day it drizzled.
Almost too dark for photos.



I decided to put some seed on the table near my chair.

The seed would stay dry and
maybe a Cardinal would come near.

The female Cardinal did come up close.
I could use some snow.
I need more light!

Sharp-shinned Hawk

After walking this afternoon, I sat on the deck.
It was too quiet.
I looked about for Cooper's Hawk.

I was very surprised
to see a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

Much smaller than Cooper's.
Sharp-shinned is about the size of a large Robin.

I have seen this Hawk in the woods near my house.
Never have I seen him in my garden.

There are plenty of raptors hunting in the backyard.
Should help with the Sparrow and Starling populations.
I have not seen many rabbits about lately.
Maybe I can plant lettuce and spinach again this spring,
and have some for my dinner.

Black -capped Chickadee

Once Cooper's Hawk leaves the area
the Black-capped Chickadees come to the feeders.
They are small birds, only 5 inches long
from the tip of their beak to the tip of their tail.

They take a seed and fly to a nearby tree.
Holding the seed between their feet
they crack it open with their beak.



My bird book says the Black-capped Chickadee
can be easily trained and hand fed.


They are very sweet birds.
I have been tempted to hand feed.

The Cardinals are sweet too.
This male is unafraid of me.
I think I could hand feed him as well.

I am not sure I want to start hand feeding the birds.
I would be outside all day.

White Breasted Nuthatch

I listened for the call
of the White Breasted Nuthatch.

When I spotted him in the Ash tree
I knew he would soon be at the feeding station.

I have been reading about the habitat
the Nuthatches like.
They nest in tree cavities.

In "The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior"
I read the White Breasted Nuthatches
often feed with Chickadees, Creepers, and Kinglets.

The White-Breasted Nuthatch is in my area all year.
They are small birds, 5-6 inches long.
I am waiting for the female to come to the nuts.

Japanese Folk Melodies

Rain to light snow

Cooper's Hawk stayed in the garden
as the rain began to change to light snow.

He does not mind me being out near him.

Cooper's Hawk

It has been raining all morning.
The temperatures are holding at 35 degrees.
I bundled up and sat on my perch.

I stayed outside until the cold rain
became too unpleasant.

My brother-in-law came for a visit.
He shared treasures and stories from his visit to
the sacred mountains in Peru.

Cooper's Hawk came during his visit.
Cooper's Hawk perched in the cold rain.
Cooper's Hawk seemed to be listening
to the magic
in my brother-in-law's voice.

Sunrise-Sunset

The sunrise was spelendid.

The sunset was superb.

The midday wind so very cold.

Another winter storm is blowing in.

Asian Influence

My house is decorated for January
using the Asian influence.

Although Chinese New Year
is not until February 7 th this year,
I have already hung our dragon.



My husband and I were both born in the Year of the Dragon.
This coming year is known as the Year of the Rat.



We enjoy the simplicity of the decor.

The cold morning rains kept me inside.
The morning haiku kept me inspired.

Almanac

I have begun my Almanac.
My voice and my words.
My world.

It is based on a seven day cycle.

Please join me.
Almanac.

New Mocking Bird Moon

Today is the
New Mocking Bird Moon.


Mocking Birds reminds me to sing my
sacred song.



Mocking Bird reminds me
to be not afraid to share my song.

Mocking Bird reminds me
to hear the sacred song of others.

Happy New Mocking Bird Moon.
Sing your own sacred song!

Warm up

The temperatures warmed to 61.3 degrees.

My husband and I sat out on the deck.
We took our shoes and socks off.
We each had a bowl of popcorn.
We shared a root beer.



We read our magazines.
We watched the snow melt.
We had fun in the January sun.

The birds came and went.
They did not mind two on the deck.

Like the Carolina Wrens, I was looking for bugs.
Maybe a Question Mark would come out
for some January sunshine.

Bird Songs

Brrr.....

The frost was heavy on the windowpane.
The temperature was five degrees
when I went to feed the birds.

A cold blue sky and a breeze from the north
kept me from lingering outdoors.

The moon so pale I could barely see her.

Standing at the back door watching the birds is not enough.
I want to be outside with them.
I just do not like being cold!

I can wrap up in blankets,
take a hot cup of tea to the deck.
I can spend a few minutes with the birds.

Happy New Year

I am bringing in 2008
fully rested.

To have fun I must have proper sleep.

I heard the fireworks at midnight.
I knew the New Year had arrived.
I settled in and slept soundly.



I had sweet dreams.
My dream journal is new.
It is a hand-made journal I bought in Portland.
The artist uses recycled books and has a sustainable business practice.

My friend in western Kansas is an artist.
She sent me a birthday painting.
Supporting artists and being green opens the door

to sound sleep.

May your 2008 be green.
May you dream sweet dreams.