It's Not Yet December...

but I want to sing Christmas Carols today!

We're receiving our first snowfall. I don't think it will amount to much, today...
but
HOORAY!

These first three photos were taken at 9:45 A.M.
(You might notice a change in the bird-care methods this Fall.
Mr Shady mounted a birdbath on the front deck railing --
guess I won't be using the birdbath on the ground, a bit sad --
and a heavy duty bird feeder hanger!)

The photos below were taken almost exactly two hours later...

(out back)

And what's this?

Just keep watch! It's not "shady" but will work in it! ;-)

Look forward to December! It's coming!!

Some Winter Bird Photos

We woke up to SNOW this morning. Our forecast sounds blizzardy with lots of snow? these next couple of days. Fairly unusual weather for this SE Iowa location. We'll see what happens!

I'm going to take you for a little walk around the house... Sidney (dog) and I just couldn't help but take a little jaunt!

North side of the driveway

Now we're south of the driveway, in the front yard.

In the raised bed gardens... Echinacea in the foreground,

Miss Coneflower with her winter bonnet.

Backyard view

Untrimmed 'Autumn Joy' sedum

Perky

Wren house is now waiting until Spring for its occupants

Now... for the birds.
I could hardly wait until this moment!

I pulled the tripod out of the basement, set it up in the living room, and mounted the camera. It didn't take long, and the birds began showing up.

My problem is that I was pretty far away and photographing at an angle (60 degrees?) through the window. My camera is a 10x optical zoom. But I took these at a 29. But I'm not sad. I'll continue working at this! :-)

Mr. Tufted Titmouse

Miss Goldfinch (quickly entering her winter phase) and Mr. T.T.

Mr. Black-capped Chickadee-dee and, again, Mr. TT

I'm not quite sure Who that is back there, but on the left we again have Miss Goldfinch and on the right we are happy to introduce Mr. Nuthatch!

Juncos don't Have to wait on the ground for the leftovers All the time! :-)

Mr. Red bellied Woodpecker stopped in for a look and a sample.

And Th-th-th-that's All, Folks!

Nothing Shady here! ;-)
Have a great day.

What Happened? What is This?

It's

Snowy Sunday!I'm also participating in Nancy Bond's First Snowfall Meme at Soliloquy
Click on the tab at the top of her header to see other postings.


My prayers for safe transport for those Near and Dear that traveled,
and snow after Thanksgiving were answered.
Did you see yesterday's post... how beautifully clean was the yard?
And then, what did I say?

Please Snow?

Yipppeee! I woke up this morning to this!!!!!
You may click on the photos, some enlarge more than others.

This is the bed that houses 'David' phlox, a few hosta,
my new hardy cyclamen. Beyond it are the raised beds.

Let's go for a walk around the house!

We're standing in front of what's left of 'David.'
Do you remember that poor little Balloon Flower
that cried for a little more light?
I moved her, but she was never the same. Perhaps she'll do better in 2009!

Purple Coneflower seed heads are wearing their Winter Finery!
Oh, boy! I wanted to chop this fellow down all day, yesterday!
Now I'll have to wait awhile.
Who plants a pine Right next to the house?
In front of a window?

Our friendly squirrel-folks were out before I was!

A view of the backyard woods. :-)

This is the view behind the little screen...

...and this is the view from the front.
A burning bush near the garage.

This little view shows trembling water droplets.
It's above freezing, so the snow may not stay too very long.

Today's snowfall has ranged from large, feathery snowflakes to the thick dusting of dandruff that's falling right now.

And now, if there are any leaves on the ground... they're lurking under the snow!

:-)