snow squirrels

Not much wildlife in a city, even a small one. However, we do have entertaining squirrels! Three arrived at the feeder this morning, but when I finally decided to try to capture some with the camera, only two were in the vicinity. Eventually one scampered up to the feeder and the other stayed on the snowy ground picking up the dropped kernels. 

 It didn't matter how much snow was falling, these critters were intent on feeding. This one was so focused, I wondered if it had gone into mini hibernation!

It finally moved.

 After a bit, the one on the ground skittered up and there was a quiet skirmish for the corncob. The first one climbed further into the locust and the other claimed the fairly cleaned off cob. It wasn't quite as graceful, although I give it points for agility!

I'm hoping Jon will take some winter photos for me. I took these through the windows, Jon is more sneaky and patient. However, my February baby is not exactly thrilled with snow and winter when it needs worked in. He needs to take some time to play with the weather and his camera. He always ends up with amazing pictures! 

Snow Birds

 The title isn't actually accurate. A snowbird is a person who travels from the north to the south and back with the seasons. However, we did drive in snow and we did see many birds. So, there you are! After Jon's birthday snow, I wanted to go out driving. I prefer to do this with someone as I can get lost on a straight line and there are a LOT of straight line roads in this area. Jon decided one day last week would be perfect, it was sunny and bright and off we went. We ended up on a different road due to others who were out, too. Jon and I prefer anonymity!

The 'city' of Athena from across the fields. We did see a hawk in winter colors just prior to this, but it flew way too fast. Gorgeous creature! 

 Red Wing Blackbirds!!

 Jon took almost all of these pictures. I took the one below. A single shot where I hoped I'd get what I thought I saw. It worked!!! It looks like calligraphy at the base of the 'flower'.

 I asked Jon to take this one. His side of the rig had a better view. Sunset in the trees. He tried to capture the quail in the branches, but they were too camouflaged.

 We drove out a bit further, making a loop. Most of the fields were white, others had taller yellow stubble poking through.

 I wanted a photo of these baby mountains. The Blue Mountains. You can see why they are called blue!!!

It was a fun excursion. I'm glad Jon took me out, I hope we go again. Maybe we can find some other birds. With all the snow we've been getting, they are much braver than they normally are. As long as we avoid most of the starlings. I like those birds, but they are rather annoying in number!

Updating the Pipeline!

These photos are from March 15 until the 21st. It is a progression of the work being done--it isn't finished yet! Some of the photos may look similar, they are of the same AREAS but show different stages. 

They were working in the snow, while it was snowing, and now while we have a thaw! 

(Yard selfie of Kris in snow!)

 I got to walk down and watch some of the workers move the pipes from where they were stacked to where they would sit til they are stuck together before being dropped underground. I'm curious to see what they'll do to cross the road--

 This is looking down the road-right when you turn onto the Pipeline off of Lamplight.

 Thankfully, they left a stand of trees at the end of mom's drive. They took out so many, I was glad to see those remained.

 Looking down to mom's 'drive' from Claire Road. You really can't see where mum's is, but it is way down there on the left side.

 I found this cool stump and added bits to the second one so  you could see the cougar I found!

 I sat on one of the metal pipes. They are very cold and not very big around. It was really quite frigid out, too. Wind chill I think dropped it to about 18 degrees. Probably colder in the shade!

 This is right across the drive from Traxinger's Road as you drive down the Pipeline. These parts are somehow stuck together and on wood structures. The pipes are about chest high on me.It was actually pretty warm up there!!

I'll try to post more as it happen. It is fun to watch the development of this new gas line!

Sunshine, Shadows, and Snow!!

Two days worth of photos. Snow, sunshine, moving snow, feeding birds, and snow. The second fall was on JaLeen's birthday! Lucky girl. 🎂

Birthday Snow!! 

 moving snow from septic pipes, just in case!!!

 Sunset on JaLeen's Birthday- Even the sky celebrated!!

Winter is truly one of the most gorgeous seasons. Sky fire and ice and crystals fracturing into rainbows across a white background. Black trees writing calligraphy on snow and sky wearing delicate filigrees of lace on their branches.