Early Morning Musings

I woke up early today, right before the sun rose over a frosty landscape. 

I saw an eagle making his early morning flight over the house, 

from his mountain roost to his daily hunting grounds. 

Behind him flew two ravens.

Ravens will follow bears, coyotes, cougars and eagles to help clean up any kills. 

Nature values cooperation. 

It is unusually cold here and we have had several nights of hard frost due to the clear skies. 

I woke up to a sparkling world. 

It was important for me to get up early because I had to put out the nectar feeders for my over-wintering Anna's Hummingbirds. On these cold nights I have to take the feeders inside so they don't freeze. 

This photo was taken this morning. 

This little beauty is a male Anna's. 

His dark head flashes brilliant ruby in the sunlight. 

The cold, frosty air and early morning light illuminated jet trails streaking through the sky. 

These two looked to be very close together, but of course they were probably miles apart. 

I did hold my breath for a moment.....

Finally, the sun broke free of the mountains and spread its welcome light and warmth across the landscape.

Sunlight filters through the bedroom curtains as I wake my sleepy Mr. for one last day of work this week. 

I make my way into the kitchen to brew a pot of steaming coffee
 and light the morning fire in the wood stove. 

Whitey is reluctant to leave his cozy quarters on the day-bed, but Champ is ready for his morning walk...... 

He waits for me on the deck after going through the pet door, 

still a little sleepy-eyed with messy bed-head fur. 

But I am not ready to brave this frosty world quite yet. 

I pour myself a cup of coffee and fill my bucket with bird seed as the dogs excitedly jump and bark.

They love our morning walks.

I love these rare sunny days as the sunlight streams through the windows.

I down my coffee while impatient dogs try to hurry me with imploring eyes and restless feet.

I quickly throw on my warm, red plaid flannel and grab my supplies - bucket of seed, suet cakes, hot water to melt ice in the bird bath, and trusty camera.

Weenie Baby and Peanut refuse to brave the cold and hate wearing their sweaters, so we leave them basking in the sunlight until our return.

I have been pet sitting these two little ones for several weeks until my daughter moves to a new home.

The cottonwood trees bravely stand bare against the dark evergreens in the morning light.

Even this time of year, subtle colors beautify the landscape.

Gray trunks and rosy branches give a painterly quality to the wintry scene.

Moss grows thick on every surface in the damp, cool air.

Sedum glows under a layer of frost.

Feet crunch as we walk along, while hungry birds patiently wait for a hand out.

A tiny Red Breasted Nuthatch peeks around the tree as I fill the feeder.

Chickadees, Juncos, Stella Jays, and shy Mourning Doves wait patiently nearby.

Red berries are ripe on the Holly tree, providing treats for Robins, Waxwings, and other berry eating birds.

While my mind drifts to visions of holiday decorations....

With the birds fed and the dogs taken for their morning walk, I head back inside to the warmth of the fire.

Peanut says hello!

I will be taking a short break to spend time with family -

So I will wish all of my American friends a Happy Thanksgiving!

And thank you to everyone for all of your sweet visits and lovely friendship.

xoxo

Choose thy friends like thy books, few but choice.

- James Howell -

I do then with my friends as I do with my books.
I would have them where I can find them, but I seldom use them.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson -