One Hazy Morning On Stewarts Landing

There was a time when sleep was less of a challenge.  However, rising shortly after the sun does provide opportunities.  Sipping coffee and idly looking out the window is one, particularly when that window provides a view over the water to the forest beyond.

What's that white spec in the trees?

Looks like an eagle.

Yes, definitely an eagle.
Of course, he is not following the modelling agreement,
and has landed too far away on a hazy low-light morning.
On the positive side, this provides excellent rationalization
for expensive new camera equipment.

"You lookin' at me?"

"I really don't care."
He sat for 40 minutes,
waiting for the easily distracted photographer
to lose interest.

Fortunately, there was enough coffee
to merit waiting until he finally prepared for action!
(This shot taken just after the impressive weight reduction technique
all birds use prior to take-off.)

Now away, down low over the water.

A quick splash and upward again.

It appears a fish has taken advantage of the eagle's
"Swim near surface, fly high" offer.

But the fish won't be taking advantage
of that offer again.

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.)