Another Christmas Day Photo

Merry Christmas

From our house to yours!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

Hoping you all have a Peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Whoop Whoop!!!

Today we hit the road and went to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge in Decatur, Alabama to see what we cold see.

The sun was shining and the birds were out.

The big birds that is! 

 There were many Sandhill Cranes and if you've never heard them you must look that up.

What a great sound they make.

Check it out here.

But really the best part of the day was seeing the Whooping Cranes mingled in with the Sandhill.

There were two. We were in an observatory building and at quite a distance. These pictures are taken through a glass window and heavily cropped.

What a great day! 

Whoop Whoop!!!

The Joy of Bird Buddies!

It got really cold the night before I took photos of my trail and the Red-bellied Woodpecker and I noticed the water in the bird bath had froze. I saw a Nuthatch was looking for a drink of water, so I ran in to get some to top off the solid mass of ice and leaves. As soon as I went in the house I saw a flurry of wings out the window. Guess who?

I'm so glad I got my Bluebird house set up this year.

What a super treat!

A Woodland Walk in the Making

 This past year I've started a little project in the woods. I'm creating a path that leads from my picnic table, through the woods and around to the swing. With a little inspiration I got from a new found Alabama garden blogger, Deborah, at Deb's Garden, I was even more motivated to get cracking on the job. Above I've already got cinder blocks awaiting a rustic bench topper.

 I've lined the walkway with tree limbs and am raking off the leaves to promote moss growth.

I have plenty moss to transplant in hopes that it will fill in over time.

 Deborah's blog is just full of great gardening information and when I mentioned to her that I was in the process of starting my woodland walk she quickly sent me her tips, having mastered the job with a lot of hard work and devotion. I'm sure she wont mind if I share them with anyone interested, here. 

I moved a few young Hellebores to the trail, my very first plants for the walk to come. They are still looking great after more than a week and the freezing temps we've had.

As I walked back up the path today my buddy the Red-bellied Woodpecker was busy at his favorite spot on the Dogwood. He loves to gather up sunflower seeds from the ground and fly them up to the tree where he pounds them until they open and are snackable! 

He starts at the top... 

...backs his way down...Ok you can't see him backing but I promise you he is behind the tree, backing... 

 ...see I told you...

 ...down to a certain spot, then jumps to the ground.

He then grabs a seed and... 

 ...flies up to his spot.

 Yes! I talking about you!

Hopefully in the years to come, I'll have a beautiful woodland trail that will brighten even the shadiest of forests!
Thanks Deb!!

Morning Photo

Hi all!

Trees are getting bare on the mountain!

The Confused Bluebird!

No honey...you're not a Martin...but it's ok, you're welcome to stay!

Creeper Camo

When I opened the door yesterday to check on the Nuthatches and Titmice at the feeder I noticed something a little different climbing up one of the trees.
A little camouflaged Brown Creeper!



They are not the easiest birds to spot but sure are special to find since they are not as common as many other birds in my woods.

 

They also don't hold very still so these photos are the best I could get.  They are however, much better than the ones I got last year at this time of this little Brown feller.

 

When I turned around I noticed something not so camouflaged.



One of my two beautiful Camellias is beginning to bloom.

 



When I turned around again, I saw other non-camo garden beauties.

 

This little Harvestman was doing his best not to be seen...



...but not these Salvia. (I'm pretty sure they are Salvia but if I'm wrong please feel free to let me know).

 

The Redbud seed pods stand out a little bit.

 

And this Dogwood is hanging on til the bitter end!

SNOW Bunting in Alabama!!!!

The news was out and Morgan and I decided to take the 15 minute trip...(ok we were on the way to my mom's anyway) to see the Snow Bunting that had landed in Guntersville!

Well, there were a few people there and I wanted to use my good birding etiquette so I didn't get too close to the bird and my view was obscured because of the extremely low profile of this hungry little bunting! He spent all his time munching on grass seeds.

If you will notice the view this little feller chose is a pretty good one so I'm thinking it's a pretty smart Bunting...good views....great weather!!

Who could ask for more!!

(I'm just hoping he won't be bringing any snow with him!!! PLEASE!!!)

Color



The front garden is covered in leaves and looking drab. It's been a while since the vibrant colors of Spring.




I built this rustic bench out of materials left here from the previous owners.
I just love it...as a matter of fact there is enough material to make 5 or 6 more!




And this is one of my finds at the Antique Shop I found the other day.
I thought it would make a fine planter and I paid a whopping $4.00 for it!
As soon as my mom saw it, she said..."oh that's a coal hod! We had them when we were kids."
COOL!!!

Antiquing

 My friend Katie and took a little trip down the road and checked out two antique shops not far from home. I just love old things and thought I'd share a couple pictures. The photos below are for my friend Kerry.

Kerry takes the best old bike photos I've ever seen!

 I chose this photo after taking 3 or 4 because the as the train was passing by, without noticing, the car here nearly matches the bike! NICE!!!

I LOVE old chairs!!

 But alas my wallet could not support bringing home any this day.

I did find a couple affordable items and I guess that'll make for another post!