Swans overhead

I took a late afternoon stroll out to spy my little group of ducks. Before I was prepared for a pic a group of about 2 dozen swans came flying fast over me. I followed them as they flew and got a few shots. It is incredible how fast they go; you are left wishing you could fly along.

Here's one shot of a few and one of more as they screamed past me. It is mesmerizing watching these magnificent creatures fly over you.

Aren't they fantastic!

When we rise

'That's the time I love the best' as the song goes. Winter brings fantastic skies; the first view upon rising is out on the Sound. What will it be?
This morning I first glanced a wall of clouds with light high. Scrambling for jeans and shoes I was out in a flash.
What a soft grey totally flat Sound. The duck hunters had beat me to it and they were cooing without luck for a handful of ducks.
The show was on the water. Surely a trip out on this morning was worth it even with no catch to show.
Not sure my skills bring you the magic that I saw, but here is my attempt to capture the view that captures me.

Just wonderful.

Winter Robin

The Robin is underrated, I think. It's a beautiful bird, a large bird with color and design that deserve top billing!
Just look at the scalloped edged feathering on the breast of this Robin.
The weather was a gift today and this morning as I walked my garden the trees were full of Robins. The White-Throated Sparrows were singing their Disney song, the ever-present Chickadees were buzzing about and the Bluebirds were happy exploring all the nest boxes while singing their plans for next spring.
Add some Buffleheads splashing about, a flush of blackbirds above followed by a hawk. Mon ami, the day the was full by morning.

December morning

The weather has a bit of a bite to it, but still mild. So mild that the wild ducks have yet to show in any numbers. The duck hunters quit in the morning, after trying to rustle up the few tiny groups (tsk! tsk!) that are plying the sound.

As I walked out the temp was about 49, the wind strong and the water was moving fast.

A half dozen bufflehead came close for my legal corn. They are very wary and make several attempts before diving near me. A male is making a fast break back out.

The female ventures close. I think the Buffy female is bold. I like her!

As the sun rises, the Buffies are spooked and head back out. A beautiful December morning. Mon ami, I hope you enjoyed yours!

Ruddy Turnstone

Just last week I had my eye out for Ruddies and Buffies, or any duck with an early schedule. I found another 'Ruddy' on my Thanksgiving visit to St. Augustine. On the warm but windy beach a small group of Ruddy Turnstones were trying to find a bite to eat and keep out of the wind.

And what a treat to hear Ospreys call again just a couple months after they left our area.

Snake shed

Snake skin sheds (pieces of them) are typical around the garden. None compare to this one found on a high shelf inside the garage today. It is complete! I estimate a 2 1/2 feet to a yard long shed from a black snake.

This shed will be saved and placed in the vegie garden next spring for the Flycatcher to find. A snake shed is required for the Flycatcher's nest box, perhaps as a deterrent to who peers into the box? It's a deterrent for me climbing up to that shelf again, period.

A beautiful day

A gift in November, mon ami. Tee shirt weather, nearly. I finished a project in the morning, took a nice long bike ride with a friend in the afternoon. This weather cannot be wasted.
And to top it all off, a flock of Swans cruised by over the Outer Banks before 4 pm. The Swans can make the worst day a beautiful day.