Sunday, December 27, 2009

Snow and Bird Watching



Today we got about three inches of snow. Being from Alabama, I really dislike the long winters here in Indiana, but I've grown to love, really love, watching the snow fall while the birds flock to my feeders. It brings me incredible pleasure to sit at my kitchen table, sipping on coffee, with my camera close by snapping pictures of the birds. I use my swing frame for a bird feeding station and the birds come right up to the patio, even as close as the door. The pictures aren't as clear as I'd like since they are taken through the sliding glass doors, but from the warmth of my kitchen, I get some pretty good photo opportunities.





I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Our Christmas was different this year since we weren't able to travel home to Alabama. There have been many years with plenty, but this was a very lean Christmas for us. We are still kind of reeling financially from the previous job losses. That is OK, thankfully my children are older and they understand. It also helps us to put our faith into practice since we acknowledge that the real reason for the season isn't about gifts, but about celebrating the birth of our Saviour. We know this is just a bump in the road and we also know there are many who are in the same boat. We hope and pray that 2010 will be the year that we get firmly back on our feet and we are striving toward that end. I hope that 2010 is a year of peace, health and happiness for each of you.

25 comments:

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

What beautiful bird pics! Hope you have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Blessings,
Linda

Debra Howard said...

What a pretty post. robin, I love all your pics. Your kitty looks so sweet and all those lovely bird pics. Great job.
Debbie

Rosemary said...

Love the birds too. Even from Canada winter and snow can be too long.. Wishing you a much better year to come.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Gorgeous photos Robin. Love seeing your kitty. She looks so sweet in the basket. I too love to watch the snow come down. Yesterday we had enough to almost cover the grass but it didn't stick to any of the pavement. I am glad you had a good Chrismas with everyone healthy. Health is a major gift.

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

Hope that 2010 is a year full of blessings for you and your family.

Your picture of that hawk is very well done.

Gail said...

Robin, I had a wonderful Christmas...thank you very much. The birds add so much to gardening enjoyment in the winter. We don't get snow cover, but they flock to the feeders when it is cold...The Cooper Hawk is a beautiful bird~~I am so glad Mr Cardinal escaped this time! have a very happy New Year. gail my first Kitty looked very much like yours!

D said...

Robin, as time goes by perhaps you may look back on this Christmas as having been one of your best. My husband and I have simplified ours over the past many years: our message continues with our children and gchildren and that is 'if you make us something, then that is a gift we will cherish... but don't spend money on us'.

Thank you for allowing us to get to know you this year, and we wish you a New Year filled with good health and much Joy! Diana

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Robin,I understand the lack of gifts,but I think you had some priceless gifts in the form of birds.God provides in unexpected ways and all these birds are a gift from Him.I enjoyed looking at each one Thanks for sharing them
Blessings,Ruth

honeysmom said...

You have inspired me to add some more bird feeders in my yard. The pictures are terrific!

Shirley said...

Hi there Robin, I love your bird photos in the snow… especially your red cardinals. I can also completely relate to your enjoyment of sitting watching them through a window with a camera nearby :-D

They are definitely a joy to watch at this time of year. I’m not particularly enjoying our extended period of snowfall at the moment I must confess. Lots to see through my window though ;-)

Just wanted to stop by and wish you and yours all the best for 2010 :-D

Katiejane said...

Beautiful bird photos and I hope 2010 is a better year for everyone.

Lona said...

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas Robin.
I have been doing a lot of snowbird watching lately also. They are really depending on the feeder now with the snow coverings.
Wishing you a New Year filled with, love, good health,family, friends and lots of Flowers.

Anonymous said...
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debsgarden said...

The photos of the birds are beautiful. And thank you for the reminder about the true meaning of Christmas. Much of the world has forgotten. May you be blessed in the coming year.

Bren Haas said...

I love your kitty! You have to share your bird photo shoot secrets with us. I have a hard time getting them to sit as nice as my kittens do for me.

Can't wait to follow you in the New year!

Layanee said...

You have painted a perfect Christmas picture here in these photos and the Cooper's hawk shot is just unbelievable. Peace and joy to you.

F Cameron said...

Robin,
Your photos, as always, are so beautiful! I always enjoy the wonders you post.

I'm glad you had a good Christmas. We had a good one here as well.

Since you're from Alabama ... my son, the archaeologist, is heading to Mobile in late January to work on phase 3 excavations of early French sites for the university. He's very excited about this project and will be in charge of his own crew for the first time.

Hugs,
Cameron

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Hello Robin,

Your photos of the birds are just beautiful! I have looked through many of your past posts and have enjoyed getting to know you.

We are one of those in the same boat as you. We are currently awaiting a response from an interview my husband had 2 days before Christmas. Our hope is in God and perhaps this will be an answer to many prayers.

Thank you for visiting my place and becoming a follower. I am really looking forward to getting to know you better :)

Kindly, ldh

The Giraffe Head Tree said...

This Alabama girl was in your neck of the woods for Christmas, Robin! We traveled north of Indianapolis Saturday just in time for the Big Snow. We watched it fall down in huge, fluffy flakes all night and the next day. My brother-in-law wasn't fazed by it at all so we traveled around. Their bird feeder was also a popular spot for Cardinals - once I counted 11 Cardinal Couples at one time! My daughter enjoyed making her first snowman EVER so it was like a dreamy holiday window in time, you know? I'm sorry you couldn't make it to Alabama this year, Robin.

Joanne Olivieri said...

Your bird photos and mosaic are adorable. Have a wonderful New Year.

Naturegirl said...

Robin! Love the photos that you share today! Oh my the last of your furry friend..priceless. Mine also love those ((tiny)) baskets!!
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
No snow here yet! hugs aNNa xo

Dee/reddirtramblings said...

Robin, I hope 2010 finds you all happy and healthy with lots of $$$ flowing into your home. Hey, it can't hurt to ask. :) No one takes better photos of birds than you do, and the sled with the skates is lovely.

Did you know we have a tabby cat who looks just like yours? Ours is named Sophy, and she's why the birds sometimes run away here.~~Dee

Anonymous said...

As usual, our thoughts are similiar. I too dislike the long, cold winter, but I can enjoy the pretty snow falling and cute little birds visiting. Hope your 2010 is a good one!

Kerri Farley said...

I really LOVE your snowbird pics...and so glad the cardinal got away. Like you - I have a good view of the birds from my kitchen table. Many of my pics are taken thru the sliding glass door.
LOVE the Kitty in the basket and the ice skates too! Very creative shots Robin!!!

Anonymous said...

I was really caught up with the beautiful bird pictures and then the cooper and then as I scrolled down and saw the cat, I just laughed. Great post - Gloria