This handsome bird showed up under our feeders with a big mob of Red-winged Blackbirds. The blackbirds seem to be bent on eating us out of house and home and we are seeing fewer of the other birds who have kept us company all winter. The Varied Thrush didn’t seem to take any guff off of them and shared his seeds with Mourning Doves, Dark-eyed Juncos, Northern Flickers and the blackbirds. He stayed for several hours. I hope he returns tomorrow. I looks forward to his ethereal song in the forest.
Seems like it has been snowing everyday recently. Sometimes the sun comes out and taunts a person with a promise of Spring, just around the corner. Even the Spring birds have returned. However, more snow is falling, even with a temperature well above freezing. It’s sure to turn to slush soon.
Back to flowers. This Bromeliad (related to a pineapple plant) has been with me for probably twenty five years or more. It blooms frequently, regardless of the season although more often, during the winter season. I am always intrigued by the intricacies of the flowers and how they change from being a bud to full bloom to drying out.
I spent some time Sunday near the river hoping to get photos of the hot air balloons. Instead, I mostly watched birds as the balloons floated overhead and down the other side of the valley. To see images of the balloons from Saturday go to my Reflected Light blog
At home, this Hairy Woodpecker was oblivious to the balloons landing across the valley.
With snow continuing almost daily, it seems like spring is a long ways away. A person may as well go skiing.
Suspension bridge across the Methow for skiers.
Friendly mules along the trail
The white one didn’t like the brown one
This one tried to eat my trail pass
This small accipiter visited our bird feeders yesterday sending all the little birds scattering. It didn’t stay long when it realized it would not be finding its dinner at our place.
My Everyday Photos 