The new light shines down through bare branches bringing joy to tiny hearts. The crisp morning fills with the morning chorus. It doesn’t come suddenly but instead they wait to be touched by the waking sunshine as it spills over the mountains. If you listen closely you can hear the morning coming closer to the window before the light falls onto the sill. As my heart listens to the happy voices that come from the surrounding forest I make my way to the coffee pot and prepare breakfast. But today I change the routine just a little as I sit quietly at my desk and watch the window. One by they come to the meal prepared for them. The black capped chickadees take turns at feeder white the others continue their part in the song welcoming the return of the sun. And as I quietly enjoy my morning coffee I’m greeted by a newcomer to my window. I believe that she’s an immature female because of her coloring but the only thing I know for sure right now is that she has non- breeding colors. As the winter (climatic winter) fades into Spring she will molt and show us the bright yellow that we’re used to seeing on our lawns throughout the warm weather. So far the Cardinals have been reluctant to try the new feeder and prefer the ones that out on the line.
The Cardinals always seem to work as a team when she’s not brooding. They take turns watching over each other and guardian against predators. The male was just outside of the range of my lens but I did my best to bring him in a few days earlier.
I’m really surprised that he sat still long enough for the photo. He’s a particularly twitchy bird.
The encounter with him a few days ago was “almost” an amazing shot! Oh well, he’ll be back to let me try again. Sometimes we have no choice but accept that nature has a mind of its own and doesn’t want to cooperate. I’d there is no challenge then there’s no opportunity for growth. Which brings me to my failed attempt to photograph the Christmas Star. Last night we did have a second chance to capture a once in a millennium event. However, I’ve learned that astrophotography is a little more challenging than I thought. And while I did manage to document Jupiter and Saturn in the same sky it didn’t really turn out as planned.
I’ll have plenty of time to study up and practice for the next celestial event.
I most likely will not have a post for Christmas eve or Christmas day ( which would have been a Forage Friday post) but I’ll be back on regular schedule next week. Until then good night friends and be blessed throughout your days.
Hey Friends! Just a quick reminder that Lloyds Lens Photography is available for portraits!
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