We have had a number of very mild days which have been very welcome and have also made walking outside treacherous. The sun melts the top layer of snow during the day, the freezing night temperatures turn that top layer to ice!
Looking out the window this morning, just before stepping out to put corn out for the pheasants, there was a lovely surprise in the old apple tree out back;
A beautiful Pileated Woodpecker. We haven’t seen one for about three years now so were pretty tickled. Picture taken through back door window so we won’t discuss that the window might have been a bit dirty!
When I rounded the corner of the woodshed to go and spread corn in the corner of the garden – hmmm, I seem to be turning a few corners in my life this week – I was greeted with this lovely sunrise:
Down by the river, the water is flowing as the ice melts more and more. We’ve had some bitterly cold weather in January and now it is snowing again!
The Blue Jays are quick to spot that corn has been put out for the pheasants – even though they have their own feeders out front where sunflower seeds abound:
As you can see, I need a few lessons from my friend Rebekah about how to get really good shots of birds.
And, because it’s been a gloomy day, outside and in my heart, I thought I would end with a bit of warmth – wouldn’t it be nice if we could warm up our life in the same way we can warm up a photograph?








Jan 25, 2013 @ 22:25:19
I love how you are so surrounded by nature – and the photos you take are incredible! Those bird pics are truly impressive.
Jan 20, 2013 @ 17:53:13
A pileated woodpecker! What a catch! (Stormy morning, not dirty window.)
Wonderful photos from what I know I would dismiss as unpromising material.
Jan 20, 2013 @ 23:11:03
I find I have to look more carefully for beauty in winter as it is my least favourite season.
Jan 18, 2013 @ 10:37:34
A morning stroll with Joss – wonderful! Thanks!
Jan 18, 2013 @ 11:39:13
It was a nice morning for it. Today, not so much, as it is snowing and blowing. brrrrrrrr. best stay in with a hot cup of tea.
Jan 19, 2013 @ 01:15:50
Hey Joss; found you some more glory…
http://woodandfield.wordpress.com/2013/01/15/winter-as-seen-through-the-eyes-of-my-fellow-bloggers/
Jan 18, 2013 @ 05:46:41
This early Morning tour around your homestead is wonderful Joss! (Never mind the dirty windows ~ you should see mine!) We have snow here today, too ~ a rarity on this island so everything has ground to a halt.
I’ve turned a few corners recently, too, so this unexpected day of rest is more than welcome and I’m taking time to catch up on my email.
Jan 17, 2013 @ 21:57:52
Love that Pileated woodpecker!
Jan 17, 2013 @ 22:08:48
They are a gorgeous bird. One of my life’s magical moments was spotting a nest with two babies in it a few years ago.
Jan 17, 2013 @ 22:11:23
How wonderful! We have them here too, but I’ve never seen them nesting, only flying about and calling out in the early mornings.
Jan 17, 2013 @ 11:28:50
This is a beautiful post, Joss. I think your pictures are wonderful…nice shots. Happy winter to you. Hugs, Brenda
Jan 17, 2013 @ 10:24:48
Gorgeous!
Jan 17, 2013 @ 07:43:59
These are really beautiful pictures. I am going to go round my city neighbourhood when the snow and ice as gone and take pictures so you can see where i live. I think i would like to live next door to you
Jan 17, 2013 @ 09:42:16
Well, if you did, you could come by for a cup of tea and a visit any time! wouldn’t that be lovely!
Jan 17, 2013 @ 13:05:44
yes it would
Jan 17, 2013 @ 07:43:49
“Wouldn’t it be nice if we could warm up our life in the same way we can warm up a photograph?” What a pleasant thought Joss, especially if it felt like that wonderfully golden glow of a sunrise that you captured… Y’ know, everybody can’t “do” birds like Rebekah (or sunrise like you; )
Jan 17, 2013 @ 21:57:12
Thank you, Deb, for sending me here. Joss’ photos were great!
Jan 17, 2013 @ 22:17:48
: )
Jan 17, 2013 @ 22:37:08
Deb rocks!
Jan 18, 2013 @ 06:01:14
Hey you! Starting to feel better?; )
(Hugs: )
Jan 18, 2013 @ 11:47:10
yes, thanks Deb. Slowly processing through what is mine and what belongs to someone else to carry.
Jan 18, 2013 @ 13:27:47
Aye, slow and steady…
Meanwhile – just a twinge of green here; ) you’ve a lovely river there – to watch it flow away. D’you mind if I use it for a bit as well?
Jan 18, 2013 @ 19:05:33
go right ahead. Sit by its bank. The sounds, the movement, the flow are used to me standing or sitting there, sending out prayers and healing energies. You will be welcomed and supported by the river.
Jan 19, 2013 @ 23:34:32
Thanks for sharing your riverbank Joss.
And yes, it’s true,
Just can’t be blue
‘Least not when Colin James’
“Watchin’ the River Flow”…
Jan 16, 2013 @ 23:07:48
Pileated woodpeckers are such beauty! I love that red streak that gives them away…actually the noise calls attention to them first, lol!
Jan 16, 2013 @ 21:59:13
Hi and thanks for the ping! (c:
I love your pictures and your words too… Our blue jays in the park, are rather stand-offish.. One would think they’d be so used to people bringing them peanuts all the time by now … but no, they’re really skittish. The thing about the DSLR camera is that you can focus much faster than with a P&S or compact.
On Friday it’s supposed to get bitter cold here… for one day!
Jan 16, 2013 @ 21:44:35
It looks like a beautiful winter morning, Joss. I think you do a fine job capturing the birds with your camera.
Jan 16, 2013 @ 21:31:31
what beautiful birds…. I hope your heart warmed throughout the day…and thank you for the warmth you added to my heart.
Jan 16, 2013 @ 20:46:36
Love the woodpecker, Joss! We have several here but I haven’t got a photo yet – enjoyed seeing yours!
Jan 16, 2013 @ 20:35:32
Lovely pics.
Jan 16, 2013 @ 19:17:09
Joss I’m sat here this cold minus 5 night here with snow outside and your post warmed my evening. I just love those photos and those blueJays are lovely. We used to here a woodpecker in the woods near here. But its several years since I spotted one.
Thank you for taking me on a tour of your ‘back-yard’ so to speak.
Sending you some warm Thoughts to lighten that heart which was heavier than normal today.
Hugs Sue x0x
Jan 16, 2013 @ 18:19:34
Love the things that go on around us no matter what is going on in our own lives. They alone are good for the soul.
Jan 16, 2013 @ 17:30:04
Hazards and birds we do not encounter in this part of Africa!
Jan 16, 2013 @ 17:28:22
But your photographs DO warm up our lives!
Jan 16, 2013 @ 17:19:29
I love your pictures! Especially the sunrises and the Blue Jays! I hope you feel less gloomy soon! <3
Jan 16, 2013 @ 17:03:44
I always love your pictures, Joss, particularly those of birds. Thank you for sharing the beauty!
Jan 16, 2013 @ 17:04:36
Thank you for visiting which makes me realize I seem to have become disconnected from your blog. Must go rectify that right now.
Jan 16, 2013 @ 16:46:56
A good morning!
e
Jan 16, 2013 @ 17:03:48
a good morning indeed. Winter needs a few more of these!