Tuesday, December 23, 2008

AFTER THE STORM

The freezing rain hit and then remained on the south-facing windows,
framing the winter scene with 'frosted' glass...


It seemed the storm would never end.


The winds Saturday night were thankfully much less than predicted.
The snow they said would fall, fell, and fell, and fell some more.
It was relentless and, though it may not look like it in this picture below,
when the snow stopped, we ended up with at least a foot of snow
on top of the ice we already had.


However, Monday showed signs of a brief respite from all the precipitation.
That was when the wildlife returned en masse to the lake...

Hummingbird

Hawk

And even an unusual visitor to the lake.

So following the lead of this trumpeter swan,
I'm going to sail off for now and
wish all of you seasons greetings and a happy, healthy new year!

~Aerie-el

12 comments:

  1. Very beautiful after effects of the freezing rain. You have a Merry Christmas too.

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  2. Thanks, Tina!
    Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
    ~Aerie-el

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  3. Merry Christmas!!!! Beautiful wildlife photos!

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  4. Is that a ruby throat hummingbird surviving those conditions?

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  5. I'm always sad when the hummingbirds leave our area. You are lucky to have them in winter. Surviving winter conditions make them even more amazing.

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  6. Chandramouli S--Thank you for stopping by and commenting!
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
    ~Aerie-el

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    MNGarden--I've been told by the local bird experts that we have Anna's Hummingbirds who stay here year-round. It is strange to see one in the snow though. I liked how this one had it's feathers all puffed up. They are feeding a lot this morning, with the snow coming down hard again.
    Thanks for leaving comments!
    ~Aerie-el

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  7. Hey Aerie-el!

    Wow! Looks like you got hit hard too! Thanks, for stopping by and for the compliments on photos. I think your photos are amazing! Have a Merry Christmas- and you try to stay warm too.

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  8. Hi Tessa, Thanks for the positive feedback! I enjoyed your blog and will visit again soon.
    Merry Christmas and warm regards, Aerie-el

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  9. Beautiful photos!
    I have a friend in British Columbia that showed a photo of an Anna's Hummingbird that he took Christmas Day. It's amazing they survive in such cold!

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  10. Thanks Kylee!
    They are amazing little birds. When our cold snap continued longer than normal, I noticed them hovering at the vacant feeder spot, awww poor things. So far they've already drained one batch and I'm getting another ready to refill now.
    Hope you're staying warm and dry there!
    ~Aerie-el

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  11. More snow this weekend? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I hadn't heard that. I hope we are spared. In fact, if I never see snow in my yard again, I will be happy (although I know that's not realistic). Hope you are staying warm and snug. Nice swan! And great hawk shot.

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  12. My sentiments exactly, Karen!
    We had family who planned to visit over the holidays and they had to cancel for weather too. This white stuff falling from the sky has worn out its welcome! Blah, blah, blah.
    It was extremely windy today and power at the office went out. I finished my project from home-snug, safe, and warm :)
    Hope all is well with you and yours!
    ~Aerie-el

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