Feathered friends of April

The last few days have been overcast and chilly with early morning frost. There is still snow in lots of places but it feels like the first day of spring today. Warm and sunny! Yeah. The birds that we love to see and photograph are returning daily. Someone new everyday now. Red Winged Blackbirds rising from the willows at the creeks edge. David got a couple of pics of two Sandhill cranes on the meadow this morning though this is not the first sighting this year. And our little finches are back at the feeders; pine siskins, house finches and purple finches ... Yellow headed blackbirds (just a few) and Red winged Blackbirds (abut a hundred who stay all summer and serenade us with their beautiful songs ) Flickers Robins, of course. And shorebirds in the shallow pools of melted snow on the hay fields ... a pair of Lesser Yellowlegs have been visiting this week.Lots of delightful Junco's and Sparrows ... and last but not least; a soft spring sunset over the meadow last night. Life is good and we count our blessings!

Mid March on the Meadow

A walk about with camera in hand . . . time to enjoy the disappearing snow, the blue sky with cotton-ball clouds, songs of the Red Winged Blackbirds and that sweet spring bud; the pussy willow.

An early February Sunrise over the Meadow

Good Morning Meadow!

and a soft sweet sunset at the other end of the day.

Snow blankets

January snow falling

Our roadThe 7 km that David looks after... this was the view ahead of him as he plowed last night.

Along the way he snapped a few pics

Here's the 'homestone' under a blanket of snow; the boulder at the top of our driveway that marks the entrance to our place...

Here's the same scene in August.But for now, we are deep into winter; enjoying the contrasts and the quiet. And thankful. Ever thankful.

Bright Blessings

An Irish Blessing on this first day of the new year.

May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you, and all your heart might desire.