The weather was bitter, bright and cold yesterday morning. Walking and looking for birds has been iffy lately, but I wanted to go for the walk at least, so I went to the Chicago Portage for the shortest day of the year. In spite of the bitter cold, there was no perceptible wind and the sun was warm, so it was actually quite pleasant. And perking up the scenery was some evidence of the previous day’s snowfall.
Muskrat Estates had a little snow cover and the water had turned to ice.
A Song Sparrow ventured out into the open for a moment.
A couple Northern Cardinals offered somewhat obscured views.
Another view of the snow and ice on the water.
A young Red-tailed Hawk came in and sat with its back toward me. I watched its back too long.
The Red-tail outsmarted me by refusing to move until my lens was drawn to some distant Canada Geese.
I doubled back along the paved trail, seeing nothing until I came around toward the parking lot and found a couple female Northern Cardinals foraging on the ground.
A Red-bellied Woodpecker, the same individual at the top of the post, was in the treetops.
By the statue, a European Starling appeared.
Then I noticed American Tree Sparrows foraging in the plantings that were installed by the foot of the statue this past year.
Dark-eyed Juncos also were there.
It’s hard to believe that the days will start getting incrementally longer now, but we are already looking forward to it. In the meantime, there seem to be enough ways to get through the cold weather. This morning the Unity Temple Choir sang with the Chalice Singers, the children’s choir, and we will sing Tuesday night for a candlelit service.
I have been enjoying my new oven. The first thing I did was bake four loaves of Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Bread on Tuesday night. On Thursday after grocery shopping, I made some roasted veggies.
While standing on the back porch waiting for the new oven delivery, I watched a Red-bellied Woodpecker on the peanut feeder.
I hope to be back with more photos of winter birds and maybe a recording or two. I wish you warm, loving and peaceful holidays.
A very nice video oof the woodpecker, and the bread looks most tempting too.
I don’t know who I like feeding better, birds or people.
The cell phone camera is much improved. It thankfully ignored the screened window.
Well that bright sun did wonders for your photos. After so many cloudy days the crispness of the shots was very noticeable. Glad to hear the stove is in a working well.
Thanks, Bob. It looks like we are in for clouds and even rain this week. I’m taking advantage of the compromised light to get the baking done in the morning, so I’ll miss a few walks between now and Thursday.
Savor the trekking down time and the joy of baking. Saw Jose and George on the trail this morning. The place was very quiet with no one else there. Perfect time to put the new oven to work. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Bob! I hope to see you soon afterward. I am almost sorry I didn’t go out this morning, it’s warmer and not windy, would have been nice, but I was exhausted yesterday after baking and swimming (I had “breakfast” at 4:00!) and we have an early call time tonight, so I have to use my time and energy efficiently. Indeed I was the only person at the Portage on the 21st save an intrepid runner. I am glad you saw José and George, I saw them last week. Cheers.