Signs of Spring

After such a dreary winter with little snow but lots of grey, I was thrilled to get a glimpse of color a few days ago. There are also yellow crocuses blooming in another area of my "yard"* that I saw this afternoon, and the forsythia are budding out. I also discovered buds on my plum trees, which are great producers for the squirrels and blue jays in my neighborhood! They seem to like the plums a little sour, so I don't get any. The warmer temperatures are coaxing out some green in the other yards around the neighborhood. It's definitely nice to live in a temperate zone and not more northerly or westerly, where winter still has a strong grip.

* I do not grow grass in my yard, but I have lots of moss, and currently leaves!

Mountain ridges

I live below the northern sloping ridge of Lynville Mountain. This is a view I have from my driveway. I like the fact that in the winter I can see the shape of the landscape. It makes the mountain seem a little less intimidating-maybe I can hike up that mountain one day when it's a little warmer! On this particular afternoon, the sun created a nice contrast, along with a few clouds rolling by. I hope it stays pristine the way it is now, with no cell towers or houses, roads or windmills, to tarnish my view.

Recycled trees

We have always enjoyed cut trees from local tree farms for Christmas at my house. This year was a lovely Fraser Fir that held on to its needles the entire three weeks it was decorated in our home. Because it was still so lovely, the week after the holiday when all decorations were removed, the tree was placed on our deck. I think it added a fresh look to the deck. In fact, I have considered getting a live tree next year so I can keep the tree! A few birds used the outdoor tree as a temporary home. They flew away when we exited onto the deck. But, I have now placed the tree in the woods to give better cover to the birds and other animals. I know some people mulch their trees. In Roanoke, the city does the mulching and spreads it throughout town. All of you who use fake trees to conserve trees and your own money, my hat's off to you. I just love the smell of the real thing and am glad to support the local farmers.

Everyone's ready for Spring!

With temperatures rising near 50 degrees F today, the forest and farm were busy with all kinds of creatures out and about. This lone turkey vulture was quite a sight. He was taking advantage of his wide wingspread and sunlight angle to absorb as much warmth possible. It was an intimidating sight to see such a large bird with wings outspread just standing there! Almost like he was daring me to come closer.

Snowflakes and such

We're suffering together this wet winter weather. But it can be beautiful as well as an inconvenience! When water molecules freeze, hexagons form. Their molecular bonds form the six-sided snowflakes. Snowflakes are among nature’s loveliest things. These flakes are unique, no two alike. In air that’s more humid, or drier, different shapes grow: needles, columns, and plates form and can be alike, not so unique. Other forms of precipitation: Sleet’s just a raindrop that froze on its way down. Wet rain that falls at supercooled temperatures and then freezes on surfaces is freezing rain. And of course, plain old rain also fell on Wednesday morning. Rain is melted snowflakes!

A quiet Christmas Eve

I remember, as a child, hearing a story about farm animals being able to talk on Christmas eve. The magic of the evening allowed them to share stories with each other while in the barn sheltered from the cold, windy night. Not sure of the origins of that story; I guess it's related to the fact that Jesus was born in a barn with the animals and shared a manger with them. Winter evenings here are very quiet. Birds are nestled somewhere safe and warm, our pets are inside, and Glori is the only animal I hear, munching on her hay. Well, maybe an occasional neighbor dog barking. When it snows, it is especially quiet. The snow buffers all sounds and I feel like the only one outside in the whole world! I like it! There is a slight chance for snow on Christmas Day here......Glori likes the snow, also. So maybe we'll play!

Bird visits

I've always enjoyed feeding and watching birds. Thanksgiving day was a banner day at the feeders. I saw ten different birds in about 15 minutes of watching.

I know this is a sparrow, but I do not know the specific one!

My regulars: tufted titmouse, Carolina chickadee, white-breasted nuthatch, and downy woodpecker. Less frequent visitors in the fall/winter: goldfinches. Ones I have newly identified: pine siskin, red-bellied woodpecker, and red-breasted nuthatch. Finally, I also saw a male bluebird drinking from the bird bath, and then joining the red-bellied woodpecker in eating the dogwood berries.

And I must not forget the crows. They are always hanging around the barn and pasture.