DECEMBER is a month of hope!
Cold yes, dark yes, but the gloomy grey days of November have generally given way to sunnier, brighter days. At least, so it generally is here in southern Ohio, and I hope for you too. Then the winter solstice marks the shortest & darkest day of the year, but we know that immediately after that each day gets that wee bit longer and therefore lighter. Not just hope, but proof that spring is on its way. And all month we look forward to Christmas, the happiest, most hopeful day of the year. December is the month of planning, of preparation, shopping, wrapping, baking and FUN (if we just don’t let ourselves get overwhelmed).
All the while we know that Breagha and Millicent are warm in Africa. We pray for their continued safety, as well as that of other osprey that we follow. But not all the birds desert us for the warm southern climes. Some are well adapted to our northern winters and are still here, providing enjoyment and often appreciating our bird feeders.
Here on the Gabfest, a music night “around the world” has been suggested. We hope to hold this in early December. Also, I’m sure that later in December I, and probably others, will want to play some Christmas carols. Whether this will be an organized Music Night or just spontaneous music remains to be seen. Also a few of us are planning Christmas cakes. A Christmas music night may be organized around these presentations.
So once again, I issue an invitation to all osprey lovers to come on in to the Gabfest chat room, where we can enjoy the warm fires and chat about all things osprey as well as most anything else that crosses our minds.
Mike H has posted a lovely photo of "Frost on Glass" on the Main Blog. Surely you will will want to check it out, if you haven't already.
Unknown said:@CC, your video link isn't of the Ontario feeders
Imagicat || Tiger's links || 2022 LG Obs
@CC, thanks I can see it now. Pretty birds which of course we don't see in the UK. I've shot a video of our native (Eurasian) Jays which feed in my garden which I thought you might like to see for comparison. Very different in colour and and somewhat larger but I think just as attractive.
Best viewed in full screen
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Very beautiful coloring TeeJay. The same movements and behaviours. I ownder what they would make of each other if they met? Our blue jays are quite raucous.
A Ruffed Grouse made an early morning visit to the Ontario feeder
Hi TeeJay, it does seem that the grouse likes the early morning hours to visit - it certainly is a treat to catch it. I am also happy to see the colorful Xmas decorations still up there!
As you are online, CC, do you know what this finch like bird is? I'm trying to get to know some of your North American birds.
Hi Tony, I do not think that is a finch - I think it is a sparrow, but I am not sure which one it is. Two different types are very common here at my house - one is the house sparrow and the other is a chipping sparrow. I believe these two are house sparrows (one on the penguin is female).
The one on top of the house is a mourning dove. I think they a little dim-witted... :)
Unknown said:Hi Tony, I do not think that is a finch - I think it is a sparrow, but I am not sure which one it is. Two different types are very common here at my house - one is the house sparrow and the other is a chipping sparrow. I believe these two are house sparrows (one on the penguin is female).
Thanks, CC. I didn't even consider a Sparrow but I can see it could be. It looks a little different from our female House Sparrows but I'm happy to take your word for it.