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.

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.