Head-winds

Although the day arrived with abundant sunshine, it was also accompanied by icy cold temps and high winds.  Which meant that yours truly was bundled up from head to toe when I went out to see what I could find.  Turns out that the starlings that showed up during the snowstorm haven't left ...and they've evidently invited some friends.  Not the most welcome of yard birds as they tend to be very aggressive around the feeders.  But, they are also beautiful at this time of year, one of the only birds that is "fancier" in the non-breeding season and much duller in their breeding plumage.  Anyhooo, this one was trying to fly away but was having trouble getting any speed up as it was flying directly into the wind...which worked out well for me in terms of getting a few flight shots.  You can see snow blowing around in this shot - I find it rather distracting but didn't have the patience to clone it out.

Took all the tax paperwork over to our accountant today - big thing off my to-do list.  Stopped in for a quick visit with MIL who was in pretty good spirits.  We're busting her out tomorrow for a day at our house, complete with homemade meatballs and spaghetti that Hubs is making.  Will be interesting to see how she does when we take her back tomorrow night.  

We are in for several very cold days and then what looks like possibly the biggest storm of the season on Tuesday/Wednesday.  Yikes.  Doesn't seem fair after those record-breaking warm days recently...  But, on the flip side, I put down some more wild-flower seeds (lupine, this time) in my garden this week and they need a good cold period to germinate, plus some water - looks like they'll get both.

Thank you for all the lovely comments on my cardinal yesterday - I know that the males get all the buzz, but I think the females are just as beautiful in their own way.  No signs of the fox so he/she must be keeping close to the den right now.  Sure would like to get a snowy-fox shot...

Be well, people.
xo
Debbi