Monday, November 30, 2020

They're Back

 Design - "Turkey"
Chart - "Fall Fields"
Designer - The Prairie Schooler
FAbric - 28 count Lambswool linen
Fibers - DMC - 2 strands over 2 threads
Started - 16 November 2014
Completed - 17 November 2014

When I looked at the birdfeeders the other day... 

I noticed a mixed flock, of American Goldfinches, Lesser Goldfinches, and Pine Siskins.

The Pine Siskins gathered on the wire of the deer fence.

See the bright yellow wingbar?

Probably two dozen birds.

I'm hoping they now will show up more regularly.

Sunday, November 29, 2020

Sunday's Hummer

Just one female Anna's to share today.  The mornings have been very cold.

When I take the feeders outside I've been greeted by 4 birds. 




Saturday, November 28, 2020

Relax

 

I hope you are still kicked-back... 

...and taking it easy post-Thanksgiving.

Friday, November 27, 2020

Lots and Lots of Little Birds

Design - "Thankful"
Chart - "Twice Blessed"
Designer - Hands to Work
Fabric - 32 count Jack's Rum linen
Fibers - GAST & WDW - 2 strands over 2 threads
Started - 28 November 2017
Completed - 3 December 2017

 

What's that? 

Look at all those little birds. 

I had a large group of Pine Siskins fly in on Saturday 11/21/20.

I think there were upwards of 75 birds...

...or even more.

They are easy to ID with their sharp pointed bills and bright yellow wing-bars.

So far these larges groups fly in and then fly off again. And I do not see Siskins for several days.  I'm hoping that a few will decide to stay in the area.

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Happy Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

  

I know most of us are celebrating a bit differently this year with smaller and more intimate gatherings. But after dinner you can still go outside and take a walk...

...or better still, take a nap if you are so inclined!



Wednesday, November 25, 2020

A Pre-Thanksgiving Walk

We are going to eat  too much right? So let's take a long walk to prepare.

In late November I look down as much as I look up to find beauty.

I like the structural nature of the Teasel this time of year.

We still have some color in the forest - this Vine Maple for example.

Looking down: How many different colors and textures are there in this composition of moss, mushroom, leaves and lichen?

A Cottonwood leaf - there's one large tree that is still full of color.

With the recent rains, both of our seasonal creeks are running apace.

Water droplets on an Oak leaf.

Small ferns amongst the moss.

The colors of the Turkey Tail mushrooms were bright on a gray day.  No, we won't be eating any for Thanksgiving dinner no matter how appropriately named they are!  I have no idea what the day-glow yellow growth is.

I love the color of this blue / gray lichen.

There are still a few Apple Oak galls on the Oak trees.

These last couple of storms dropped the remaining acorns...

...and most of the Oak leaves and smaller galls as well.

One of our cherries though still has 'shout out' color.

It was a nice surprise to find this cluster of rose hips.

Look carefully and you'll see that Mr. Gray Squirrel is looking back at you.
He was down by our largest seasonal creek.  We've not had any Gray Squirrels up by the house for 2 or 3 months now.  I don't know if it is because of the cats and hawks, or if this time of year they move down the hill to work the Oak trees during acorn season.    

I'll end the walk with the last apple on our wilding apple tree.

It looks like the top is splitting - the next wind storm and it will tumble to the ground to the delight of the deer. 

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

We're Almost There

Design - "Thanksgiving" (kit)
Designer - Heart in Hand
Fabric -32 count Summer Khaki Belfast linen
Fibers - GAST & WDW - 2 threads over 2 strands
Started - 20 November 2011
Completed - 22 November 2011

The male Lesser Goldfinches are still bright and cheery.

It's nice to have a splash of color.

Then there are the Steller's Jays.

Not only are they colorful, but they are LOUD!

That bright eye is indicative of just how smart they are.

Monday, November 23, 2020

Autumn's Little Guys

Design - "Autumn"
Chart - "Autumn Samplers" #66
Designer - The Prairie Schooler
Fabric - 32 count Wichelt Lambswool linen
Started - 10 November 1997
Completed - 25 December 1997

 

The Oregon Juncos are back in full force.

I counted over a dozen Friday morning.,

They are generally ground feeders...

...but will come to the deer fence feeders to eat.

That's also what this handsome Fox Sparrow is doing.  Generally a ground feeder, he's willing to hop up on the deer fence and get a quick and easy bite.

Goldfinches continue to be present.

I saw a couple of Pine Siskins too, but was not able to get a photo.