Reindeer and Woodpecker

Chart - "Reindeer Sampler" - (kit)

Designer - Heart in Hand

Fabric - 32 count natural linen / silk

Started - 11 November 2001

Completed -17 November 2001

This is turning out to be a Woodpecker Week.

Today I'm featuring the smallest of my woodpeckers - The Downy Woodpecker. 

I've had a male at the front feeders with some frequency... 

...but Tuesday morning, a female Downy came by. 

She landed on the side of the suet feeder...

...but soon sidled around to have something to eat.

Wednesday's Frosty Walk

While the temperatures have moderated, last week was very cold.

It allowed me to take some frosty photos.

The day dawned dull and gray.

Rime coated most everything. 

Even the blackberries looked pretty.

The hawthorn looked especially festive.

Taupe and white.

Scotch broom with frost.

Bracken fern.

Douglas fir.

A mushroom.

Hazel brush.

Grasses.

Pine.

Brrr!  I'm glad I wore mittens!

Another New Start

When I'm disorganized and rushed, there's nothing like a pre-packaged kit to get me quickly back on track. Now I need to channel the sentiment: All is calm!

A blue sky day made it easy to see and enjoy this Acorn Woodpecker. 

I love how they march along the top of a branch, only to roll over and march along the bottom, because, hey they're woodpeckers!

This branch is a favorite perch. 

This one is a male.

Bright red head with white on the front of his face.

Bird Blob

If you squint hard can you see a Bullfinch?  Nope?  Not me either.

My Red-breasted Sapsucker has kinds of the same color scheme.

The bird came by two days in a row.

And I sorta' went crazy taking photos.

Can you see the new well just above his foot?

 His beak is about to strike it.

Here's a nice profile shot.

And another one.

All puffed up...

...still puffy.

Working away on new wells.

About ready to go back to work.

I think this is my favorite shot.

I like all the mosses and lichens on the tree.

One last photo of a beautiful bird.

Sunday's Hummer

We've had several cold mornings...

Thursday  morning began with a low of 17°F.

It is amazing that these small birds can withstand frigid temps.

Puffing up like this also helps to battle the cold - think down parka. 

Saturday's Critters

It has been very cold and I expected...

...that the chipmunks would go into a mini-hibernation.

Apparently no one got the word to this guy.

He was out on a bright 17°F morning.

Eat hardy!  You need the calories!

A couple of deer also came by.

This mom...

...and her child.

The fawn looked at me...

...but decided getting to mom was more important than worrying about me.