It is the first day of winter! To me one of the best crimson displays of the holiday season is the bright red alert patch on the crown of the tiny male ruby-crowned kinglet. The alert patch is only seen when the male gets excited and instantly on guard.
At long last … it will be official … the Bald Eagle will be the National Bird and Emblem of the United States!
https://www.audubon.org/magazine/bald-eagle-about-officially-become-our-national-bird-thanks-man
The dainty Carolina Chickadee was exuberant in hunting its snacks and delighting my heart with its aerobatic explorations.
music Morning Dance by Northwestern
The day started with dark roiling clouds. Wind disrupted electricity flow as the noon hour struggled to provide a bite of lunch with trees losing last leaves. Rain pelted anyone who streaked toward cars for a drive home. Then everything stopped and all breathed the other worldly golden hour. You don’t dare blink and then the twilight has begun.
Grayced the Cat Night Prayer
now I lay me
down to sleep
near warmth of friend
as night brings cold deep
dear Creator please soon send
heart heat that is shared key
opening dreams of tranquility
Bald eagles really enjoy cold weather. They’re even happier if it’s a very windy cold weather day. On the left is the female bald eagle and on the right is her mate. They are both eager to get up and out and about and continue preparations for the breeding season.
doc ellen's journey 