Icicle Fringes

I don't think I have seen ice formations as unique, as these 'icicle fringes" before. Lamp- shades or crystal chandeliers come to mind! This is the time of year when we often have daytime melt, then nighttime freeze with our frigid, below freezing temperatures. The probable explanation for these beautiful icicle formations is that we had rain a few days ago and that resulted in a rise of surface water in some places. Then as the water abated the frozen shell ice clung to the trees creating a skirt of ice around their trunks above the snowy, icy surface below.

As this icy skirt began to melt, the dripping edges were caught in frozen motion.

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icy fingers reach

downwards stretching touching earth

melting ice pendants

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Above, found in another location, these icy fringes meet the river's surface.

Open Brooks and Running Waters

A few woodland brooks and streams now have open and surface running water and it will probably be more so by the end of tomorrow as there has been a rainfall warning posted for then, accom- pained by a rise in temper -atures of a predicted high of +09 C (48 F). The waters take on colourful hues this time of year as under the surface is old ice, giving streams an amber sort of tint. And sometimes even that of richer colours from absorbed woodland roots and soil add resultant shades of deeper hues.

A few beginning lines from an old, favourite childhood poem, The River, by Canadian poet, Frederick George Scott (1861-1944), came to mind while I was taking these photos and I wanted to share them here.

Why hurry little river?

Why hurry to the sea?

There is nothing there to do

But to sink into the blue

And all forgotten be ...

Probably attracted by the open water, these two deer have wandered out upon the precarious river ice.

But all is well as they reach the shore safely and are joined by a third.

Hungry Deer

They're getting a little more bolder now. This young one didn't even wait until after dark. I saw it coming towards our feeders as I was sitting near the window reading.
Quickly making a request to, "Please bring me my camera!", and trying not to make any distracting movement; I waited and watched.

I took pictures while this White-tailed Deer lunched on the seeds left behind today by the Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Grosbeaks, Blue Jays and Red and Gray Squirrels. I guess there's enough to share with everyone.

Mourning Doves

Before I started to really take note of birds, or to take the time to use a field guide, I thought the spelling of this dove's name was, Morning Dove, for that is what I had heard people call them. Then one day while outdoors in my yard, I kept hearing their soft, repetitive, cooing sounds and I suddenly understood their name; Mourning Doves! It has only been the last few decades that Mourning Doves have become such a common all year round sight in our area. In past years their numbers were often an many as 29 or more in our feeder area, but this year I only count them in single digit numbers.

On this Valentine's Day, following the 15th major winter storm to have hit the Maritimes this winter season, it seems appropriate to post a message of optimism and faith, that; "Yes!", spring is on the way, hopefully just around the corner! At the beginning of each winter season I remind myself of Percy Bysshe Shelley's consoling closing line from his, Ode to the West Wind.

"If winter comes, can Spring be far behind?"

"If you keep a green bough in your heart,

the singing bird will come"

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- an ancient Chinese proverb

Juncos: little snowbirds

They arrived this morning, with the falling snow and the gray dawn; just before full light. There were only two of them and when I returned to the window with a cup of tea, they were gone. I hadn't known that these little Slate-coloured Juncos are often referred to as . 'snow -birds', but after having seen the mention of this nickname in a birding book this morning, with further research I came across that label being used often in reference to them. For, as these two little birds did this morning; juncos often arrive with the snow.

Its interesting to think on what sometimes conjures up a nickname, for I often find myself being reminded of these little Slate-coloured Juncos when I empty the fliter from my clothes dryer. The grey fluff that I hold in my hand causes me to think of these little, fluffy looking, slate-grey birds. But I think 'snowbird', is a much nicer appellation than; 'dryer fluff' birds.
A Slate-coloured Junco, from my picture archives: 2006

Searching for Colour

A Snowy Day Haiku

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drifting swirling snow

tranforming winter landscapes

with wind carved sculpture

We have become so acclimatized to our snowy, white, winter world this year that other than the colourful red of the Cardinals, the blue of the Blue Jays, the yellows and reds of the Pine and Evening Grosbeaks, and the little Redpolls and others, our natural world seems to have become devoid of colour.So when out walking the other day I went searching for colour and here is what I found. One, just one, red apple left on an old, wild Apple Tree growing on the side of the river bank. A winter treat of American Bittersweet Berries still lingering on, perhaps waiting for some Waxwings to find a delightful treat. I also saw the promise of spring exposed in this branch cutting from an old tree; showing its warmth and life from colour within.

I found the presence of winter, the remembrance of fall and the promise of spring.

What a Gaggle!

Ducks, ducks every -where, and they were looking for handouts. These over- wintering Mallards and Black Ducks at Lily Lake were easy subjects to photograph as they approached my car hoping I had food to offer.

Hungry Duck Haiku

hungry hopeful ducks

suddenly unleashed motion

a stale bread banquet

Evening Grosbeaks

You just know when some birds are around by hearing their call; like the Chickadee, Blue Jay, White-throated Sparrow or the raspy "caw" of a Crow, but I don't recall the sound of an Evening Grosbeak; I don't even know what it sounds like. But there is no mistaking its presence when this large, brightly coloured grosbeak is around; for its colourful pattern immediately grabs your attention. The female Evening Grosbeak is much more subdued in her gray and white sombre tones. Not everyone would call the male handsome, but definitely attractive; yes. They usually arrive in groups and the sunflower seeds can disappear amazingly fast. We have quite a large number of Evening Grosbeaks around our feeder area this week and they are a very welcome addition.

Early Morning Visitor

While making myself an early morning cup of tea, I was wondering to myself what I would blog today. Noticing movement outside the window as I was going to my computer, I glanced out and there stood the answer to my ponderings! The deer was beautiful as it stood highlighted under the streetlight in the newly fallen snow; however its actions weren't, for it was having an early morning snack from one of my ornamental Junipers! .

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However, not being one to miss an opportunity, I hurried to get my camera rather than shoooing it away. It knew I was there for it glanced my way before lowering its head to resume its breakfast. Then with a second thought it quickly bounded away around the corner of my house.