A couple days ago while skiing I saw four Water Ouzels, (also know as American Dippers) hanging out together in one of the irrigation ditches. One of them was plunging its’ head into the water looking for food. Dippers are “equipped with an extra eyelid called a nictitating membrane” that allow them to “see underwater, and scales that close its nostrils when submerged.” They are North America’s only aquatic songbird. I just had a small camera so I couldn’t get as much clear detail as I wanted on this cropped image but it gives a little glimpse into the world of these birds that I see almost every day bobbing (dipping) in the cold water. They make Jordy the Samoyed wish she could fly as they zip up and down the water ways.
Last night on the way to the mail box the air was filled with the trilling songs of Red-Winged Blackbirds. There were several groups of them creating a surround sound effect. Three of the black dots in the trees are blackbirds with one Magpie off to the left.
We have a good amount of snow and it has been colder so the snow is sticking around.
Today the sun cast tree shadows.
The dark patterns were a contrast to the brightness of the day.
The undulating shapes, the light and darkness felt like an invitation…
