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.
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
An annual six legged (or more) race involving a person and a dog and they must stay connected throughout the race. In addition, there are costume contests for all the heats and a grand prize at the end of the races for best overall costume. If you like dogs, skiing and winter, this is about as much fun as you can imagine!
So we made it to Open Merc in Twisp this week. Lots of good local musicians playing a nice mixture of original music and famous tunes as well. The Merc has great acoustics and is a wonderful place to hear music. I think they said the next one will be March 23rd. But check with the Merc website to make sure. Don’t rely on my memory! If you are wondering about some of the props in the background, the Merc is also having rehearsals for its upcoming play – The Hobbit. Ken was the last to perform and he had two really fun accompianists – Egon Steinebach on harmonica and Brad Pinkerton playing the mandolin.
My Everyday Photos 