Almost February

Design - "Frosty Valentine" (Black Sheep kit)

Designer - Ewe & Eye & Friends

Fabric - 32 count Cameo Rose linen

Fibers - Anchor - 1 strand over 2 threads

Started - 1 February 2008

Completed - 25 February 2008

I think this older finish is the perfect one to share as we transition from January to February.  A snowman with a heart on his hat and a banner "for you". We shall have to see if we end up having a frosty Valentine's Day.

While most of the quail milled about on the grass below...

...this male kept watch from high up a sturdy blackberry vine.

He sounded his alarm call without ceasing...

...but no one else appeared to be disturbed.

Winter Stitch and Winter Bird

Design - "Cold Hands Warm Heart"

Designer - Lizzie Kate

Fabric - 16 count Stardust Heatherfield

Fibers - GAST & Rainbow Gallery Wisper fibers

Started - 10 January 1999

Completed - 6 February 1999

Gosh I've not stitched on Heatherfield for years and years now.  And as I remember Wisper fibers are a challenge as they stretch out and tear apart. 

I've not seen my Chestnut-backed Chickadees for a week or so.  But the Black-capped Chickadees are busy at the feeders. In the winter they eat about 50% seeds and berries...

...and 50% insects, spiders & suet.

So this guy was thrilled with all the small insects flying about. 

I think he was a bit overwhelmed by the sudden bounty.

Where'd they go?

There they are!

Yummy!

Sunday's Hummer

Just one bird to show off today. 

My early morning male Anna's.

He is quite active early in the morning...

...and then again late in the afternoon.

When he is not at the feeder...

He maintains watch at the edge of the backyard.

There are lots of good places for him to perch.  

Saturday's Critter Report

Parvati and I have spied a couple of bunnies at the edge of the berm.

And with milder weather, my foursome is making daily appearances.

Doe #1.

Doe #2 (aka The Fawn)

Doe #3.

Doe #4.

Missing A Nose...If Found...

Design - "Mr Snow"

Designer - The Knotted Tree

Fabric - 32 count raw linen

Fibers - GAST - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 27 November 2005

Completed - 5 December 2005

Here's another older stitch that I don't think I've ever featured.  Looking at it now it is apparent to me that the poor snowman has lost his nose.  If you find it, please let me know!

I am seeing more hawks more often. Both Cooper's Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks.  My flock of Bushtits came by Tuesday afternoon and while at the feeders a Sharpie darted in fast as lightening!  I loudly clapped by hands and the hawk darted off.  I think all the Bushtits made it away safely. 

Sharpies like small song birds like the Bushtits and the House Finches... 

...and the Juncos.

The Cooper's Hawks prey on larger birds like Starlings...

...and California Scrub Jays.  The jays are generally pretty good about sounding the alarm if they see a hawk in the area.  Bottom line though, everyone has to eat!

Tea Anyone?

 

Design - "Teapot - January"

Designer -Just Another Button Company

Fabric - 30 count WDW Dolphin linen

Fibers - GAST - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 17 February 2008

Completed - February 2008

I don't think I've ever shown off this snowguy. I like the colors used and the big carrot nose.

Yesterday I had only about a dozen quail, but earlier in the week there were almost 60!

As the morning sun drifts down on the backyard, the quail come out of the 'pucker-brush'.

I always spread out some sunflower seeds on the ground near my feeders. 

The birds preen and peck as they stroll around the backyard. 

Right now everyone gets along.

I think I have about equal numbers of males and females.

In a couple of months they'll start pairing up and territorial battles will commence. 

Wednesday's Walk

We are having a stretch of nice rain-free days.  Come on outside with me.

The creek starts on the other side of the road.

In then crosses under the road through a culvert...

...and emerges on our property.

The waters have to be fast and high for me to pay attention to this little part of the creek. 

It makes a nice habitat for licorice ferns. 

I'm still enamored with the red branches of the Osier Dogwoods.

And I'm relieved that our "Leaning Tree" does not seem to be leaning as strongly as it did in the ice and snow.

Look!  A Song Sparrow is giving us a private concert.

Dorothy's Creek is close to overflowing its banks.

Look closely!  

I think you can get a glimpse of the rare Teal Down-coated Meadow Stomper! 

I used to collect rocks like this as a kid.  Strong rains would bring them to the surface of our gravel roads and creeks.

As I expected, the Madrones show the effects of nice, snow, and extreme cold temperatures.  A bummer as they had started to recover from our severe weather during the winter of 2012/2013. Come on Madrone - you can do it!