December Swans

The sun was out, the temp was above 32, it was time to go for a hike. I thought it would be a good day to see if I could find any Tundra Swans and if they are in my secret place along the Minnesota River. I call it my secret spots, as I have only once in 10 years seen anyone back there. And sure enough, the Swans are there. I find a comfortable spot in the snow and watch. This time I observed the Swans blowing bubbles, as they looked for food in the water. The funny part, was that some had not mastered the art of blowing bubbles, but honked underwater. Now that is just a sound you don't hear everyday.

A Great Visitor

This past Saturday morning as Kim and I where having our coffee, I spotted a Great Horned Owl in the tree outside our four season room. Now we have head the owls hooting at night but have never spotted them. But this time, one showed up. Now just as soon as we spotted him, so did a Red Tailed Hawk and about 30 Crows. This lasted for about 15 min and then the Owl was done with the harassment, and off it went. Now if I can just get a Snowy Owl to show up in my yard!

Brrrrr

Brrrrr, it is cold, don't get me wrong, I like the cold. But it has been crazy cold the last couple of weeks. The other morning is was -17 for the second week in December! But the cold is making ice for ice fishing and that's good. But the cold looks like it is taking it's toll on the birds. The west cost Varied Thrush that has been around for three weeks is gone, I think it headed south. But the Goldfinch just puffs up, to stay warm in the sun.
Stay warm everyone.

Varied Thrush

Goldfinch

Sillver and Crystal

The tree is up and the house is decorated, now let's bring on Christmas! This year we decided to decorate using silver and crystal. I thought it was be easier then it was, it is hard to find silver ornaments. Thankfully, we have been collecting silver for the several years. Looks like the Varied Thrush is sticking around for the winter. It as been here all week long, so she must like the back yard.

Lost

Lost or just exploring? You have to wonder when a Varied Thrush show up in your back yard and is 1,500 miles offcourse. This Thrush normally lives within 300 miles of the west coast of the USA and it stopped in my back yard. Now will it stay the Winter?