Morning Joy

This morning as I looked out I saw one solitary Downy

Woodpecker clinging to the feeder pole. Not moving just
clinging.

As I looked around no other birds were in sight.
I bet that a hawk was nearby so I grabbed the camera
and went from window to window trying to see in the
trees. Nothing. I quietly opened the back door and tip-
toed out. Just as I got to the end of the deck.... I saw
movement ... there in a tree nearby was a sharp-
shinned hawk. I raised the camera praying the
settings were right and got three shots before
he flew off. I saw he had prey, a bird but
couldn't see what kind.

He turned his head towards me .....

Gave me one last look....

Leaned forward and then was gone!

The whole thing lasted about 7 seconds but it made my day.
A few minutes after he flew the little Downy also flew away
glad it wasn't his day to be taken.

To God be The Glory ~~ Great Things He Hath Done.

The Year in Photos

As I looked through my photos from 2008 I couldn't believe
how many there were. I have created the slide show above
with some of the highlights of my year. Each one holds
a memory for me and takes me back to where
I took the picture. . . .

Pale Male in Central Park -
Short eared Owls in an old strip mine -
Kestrels in a small town -
Bald Eagle at a local Park - and many more....
See for yourself.

May all of my fellow bloggers have a Happy New Year
blessed with good health, happiness, love and friends
you can count on. I will be seeing
you on the blogs you've created!!

God Bless you All.

To God Be the Glory ~~ Great Things He Hath Done

Dog Bowl becomes a Bird Bowl

It's strange how one little bird sitting on a bird bowl
can lift your spirits and make you smile.

My husband and I set up my Christmas gift, the
bird bowl on top of my bird bath and I decorated
a bit with a grapevine wreath and then I waited.
I had to work all day yesterday but hubby said no
birds came that he saw. Humpf!! maybe it's not gonna work.
Was he really looking?

Early this morning while working around the kitchen

I saw movement and grabbed the camera. A little goldfinch
was the first to check it out......

move around...

Have a sip....

and smile....

Success! Fresh unfrozen water for my
feathered friends. mission accomplished!

A Blue jay watches from a branch of a nearby tree. He looked
so pretty with the morning sun on him.

A gust of wind ruffles his head feathers..

To God be The Glory ~~ Great Things He Hath Done