Trip to Henderson.....

We keep looking for the large masses of Snow Geese and White-Front Geese that are usually here this time of year over in Henderson, KY.  We went one day this past week to check on them.

Being a holiday there were scads of hunters out in the fields around the preserve area.  I think it was spooking the geese.  We saw this one flurry of them rise up out of the corn way back off the road where I couldn't see them well or take good photos.  That was the largest group we saw.  I don't know if our unseasonably warm weather is making a difference in the numbers or if they just took a different route this year, but so far we have not seen the large numbers we usually see.  We'll keep checking on them at least once a week.

Looking at the water here, you can tell the Snow Geese have been there....little white feathers everywhere!  We saw this pair of Shovelers, and that duck behind them, I think, is a Gadwall after consulting with my blogging buddies who know ducks better than I do.

Another shot of them shoveling away for food.

The Shovelers were fairly close to the road in one of the flooded fields and there were several pair.

The female Shoveler

We also saw Mallards and Coots.

The "Coot Armada" swimming away from me when we stopped the car.

This Coot dug up a tasty plant to eat.

Hiding in the high grass

Picking along the edges of the water.  I was hoping for a shot of their big feet :-)

We saw several swarms of Red-wing Blackbirds in the fields.  Not a great shot but it gives you an idea of the numbers.

Our temps are so warm at the moment that I saw daffodil greens poking up already!  Not a good thing....much too early.  I assume this warmer spell won't last.

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When not out looking for birds I have been doing a lot of quilting.  Just finished all the squares for this scrappy quilt top.  Still have to decide if it gets some borders or more squares to make it a bit larger.  I love working with all the bright colors in the wintertime.

A wet sloppy snowy morning......

I woke up to sloppy wet snow falling.  It only snowed for a couple of hours and all melted later.....but it was pretty while it lasted!

A view of the front yard while it was coming down.

 The squirrels showed up before I even had time to get the food out there!  They backed off while I put out the food and came back immediately.  At one count, I had 7 in the front yard and 2 on the deck.

Chowing down on some sunflower seeds.

Getting more snow covered :-) ........ Frosted squirrel.

One of the ones in the yard out front.  It was funny to watch them try to find a place to eat where there wasn't already another squirrel.  Poor birds didn't stand a chance for awhile.

 But there was plenty for the birds, too.  A Goldfinch on the wire feeder.

Enjoying a gargle at the fountain.  That background is a huge puddle in the driveway, but they prefer the fountain for their drinking.  Just like humans with their fancy "bottled water".  Always seems silly to pay more for the same water that comes out of the tap that you are already paying for......and environmentally unfriendly as well.  OK....no sermon intended!

Lots of cardinals out and they always look so pretty against the snow, but I had problems finding one that would pose for me.

I believe this is a Hairy Woodpecker.....longer beak, bigger in size.

This may be the same one.  It liked this particular feeder area.

 Mrs. Red-bellied was back again today.  I haven't seen a male recently.  I hope she has a mate somewhere around.

The Carolina Wren was trying all the feeding areas.

It liked the pine cone.  I need to renew the peanut butter coating on it.

But it found enough to eat.

A couple of favorites stopping by......

Two of my favorite birds stopped by.

 The Chickadee making a selection from the rail.

Looking them over before choosing.

The Titmouse found the one he wanted.

Home birds....

Not too much happening here and busy with the holidays, so I haven't taken a lot of photos.  Here are a few bird shots I haven't posted yet of the home birds.

"Big Red".....any of my male Cardinals.  He doesn't really like to pose and usually flies away the minute I approach the window.  They are so skittish.

Giving me the eye, but hasn't decided to take off yet.

I try to keep very still so the only thing that he notices is the focus light.

Juncos are always around all winter, but I never seem to get a very good portrait of one.  I would say this is a male....they are darker on top then the females.

The happy Titmouse finding a bit of peanut.  He isn't sure he really likes this feeder....too much work.

The Blue Jay wouldn't come close yet, but I saw him on the big maple tree the other day.  When we get snow, he gets less nervous and more willing to come in closer....especially if there are peanuts.

Mrs. Red-bellied still hanging around.  I can tell it is the same one by that little spot in her red feathers.

A full length portrait.

A bright sunny day that was rather mild, brought out several doves.  I don't usually have too many around once it gets cold.

The Downys are always around, thankfully.

Mr. Downy using his tail to brace himself.

I was hoping they would try my pine cone with the peanut butter and crushed peanuts.

Striking a pose.

She tried the peanut feeder, too.

So did the White-breasted Nuthatch!  Always happy to see any of the nuthatches.

The Titmouse hasn't decided about the pine cones, but tried it.

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In case I don't get any more photos up before Christmas.....

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

I appreciate your visits and comments and enjoy visiting all of your blogs, too, even when I get behind.

Red-bellied Woodpecker.....

Yesterday , it was the Red-bellied Woodpecker that stopped for some suet.

This is the female....gap in the red on the head.

The light was just right to show her red eye, but the shadows from the feeder were a problem for lots of lines where I didn't want them :-)

A very beautiful woodpecker and always a joy to see at my feeders!

Cropped in for a closer look.

There are those pesky shadows again.

Not a lot of variety, but she stayed long enough for me to enjoy watching her.