Winter Arrives Early

Regardless of the timing, winter brings a change in prominence of the locals.  The non-snow birds disappear, leaving others behind to be better noticed.  In particular, as long as all the water is not completely transformed to a solid, a variety of interesting critters provide entertainment.

There are plenty of scrumptious weeds under the moving water.
The geese are more welcome at this time of year
because they are not keen on defecating everywhere one walks.

The male hooded merganser also likes the water.
A bit skittish, he has yet to provide the photo op desired,
where individual feathers are on display.

Unlike the chickadees, who are paid models.

For a few black oil sunflower seeds,
they're more than happy to pose.

And to provide motion studies.

The herd heard there was food next door.

This charm of goldfinches did not need to go that far.

What should you call beavers without flat tails?
You oughtta call them otters.

Backlit and in the shade,
he provides a fine silhouette,
but the subtleties are lost in the shadows.

But he doesn't care.
He's having fun.
Otters always look like they're having a good time.

Sharp-eyed Mary spies a large bird in the treetops.
Who could this be?

Correct!
The American Bald Eagle watches from the treetops.
Come closer!

Oh yeah!
A visit to the water's edge
provides a more detailed pose.

The wind and driven snow are giving someone a bad feather day.

No matter.
The regal pose is recovered.

Now where did I put my cell phone?

Regal once again,
even if the talons don't penetrate the ice or granite.
(And there were no messages.)