The trees were covered with a light layer of frost this morning, which glowed when the sunlight landed on the frost.
Frosty Sunday Morning
Picture of the Day for January 14, 2017
With the temperature climbing into the teens after lunch, my cats enjoyed the warmer conditions to play in the snow. Trouble, my male, was the great hunter as he tried to stomp on the mouse under the snow, but the ‘fearless’ male jumped back whenever the mouse squeaked and so the mouse didn’t have anything to worry about.
Scaredy-Cat
Picture of the Day for January 13, 2017
The chickadees were busy coming to the bird feeders on this cold day, but in addition to the sunflower seeds, they were lined up at the suet feeders too.
Chickadee in the Cold
Picture of the Day for January 12, 2017
The sun was out bright today, reflecting off the new coating of snow but as most typical clear January days, it was a cold one so not as pleasant hiking day. A July hike through a field of summer wildflowers sounds like a better option to me.
A July Hike Admiring Wildflowers
Picture of the Day for January 11, 2017
As the snow began to fall, something larger swooped down near my head before flying up to a large pine tree. This juvenile bald eagle’s head wasn’t as white as the snow yet as some brown still shows on its head. Bald Eagles take about five and a half years to mature to the typical white head and tail and solidly dark chocolate brown body, legs and wing feathers of an adult. Immature Bald Eagles can spend the first four years of their lives exploring of vast territories and can fly hundreds of miles per day.
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Picture of the Day for January 10, 2017
The wind was roaring and blowing the snow around which caused me to get a face full of snow when trying to clear the driveway. Listening to the roar of a waterfall and feeling the fine mist on my face on a summer day would be a better way to spend the afternoon.
Sounds of a Waterfall
Picture of the Day for January 9, 2017
A sunny July day hike and a picnic under the shade a of big oak tree would be more desirable compared to watching the huge snowflakes which are falling right now, a heavy blanket of white snowflakes.
Picnic under the Oak Tree
Picture of the Day for January 8, 2017
After several clear cold days, the clouds have rolled back in which may block the sunrises and sunsets for a while as it tries to snow.
January Sunrise
Picture of the Day for January 7, 2017
Some people are more adventurous than I am and will hike the frozen trail back (after the snowy forest roads) to see this waterfall in the winter when it creates a pretty ice formation. I prefer the 1.2 mile hike in the summer when it is warmer than subzero temperatures to see the seventy foot falls, including this last bend for the final drop.
Final Drop of Morgan Falls
Picture of the Day for January 6, 2017
The temperature overnight was colder than predicted so the birds have been busy coming to the feeders this morning to get some food to burn to stay warm. Feathers, specialized scales on legs and feet, and fat reserves help birds survive the cold temperatures. They will also fluff feathers to create air pockets, catch some sun on clear days, huddle together while roosting and even shiver to generate more body heat. But even with all these adaptations to stay warm, some birds will still succumb to frigid temperatures during severe winters.
Getting Fuel for the Cold
