The Blue Jay is native to North America and tends to stay around all winter. They can be very aggressive, actually mean to other birds, but it’s still nice to see them against the snow. They mainly feed on nuts and seeds so they tend to show up every day to the bird feeders when snow covers the ground.
Black Vulture Today, I was reminded of vultures. Vultures are not so common locally; although occasionally you might see one. The Black Vulture is a fairly large bird of prey 22–29 in tall with a 52–66 in wingspan and weighting 3.5 to 6.6 lb. Its plumage is mainly glossy black while the head and neck are featherless showing its dark gray and wrinkled skin. This Black Vulture image was captured in Everglades NP; just standing near a small lake with other vultures of various types.
Santa While shopping yesterday, all of the sudden; there’s Santa. Just as big as you please; walking on the sidewalk in the outside mall. He carried a basket from which he gave small presents to children shopping with their mom’s and dad’s. When asked about his snow umbrella, he responded that it kept the snow off his spectacles and more importantly the presents in his basket. He walked along the street, looked into numerous stores, and greeted everyone with a hearty Ho, Ho, Hooo. Then, suddenly, he was gone; nowhere to be found. Just before I was going to give him my list! He was probably tired from walking all day. He needs his rest; only twelve more days to Christmas!
Small but Mighty Black Pug Yep, this time of year I’m mighty glad to have a nice warm house. Don’t forget to consider rescuing a Pug for Christmas. Pugs “on the lamb” don’t survive for long. A nice warm carpet can be a Christmas blessing for a lonely Pug and a blessing for the entire family. Pugs love everybody. As a reminder, pure bred Pugs come in only two colors; black and fawn.
Northern Cardinal Suddenly, the Cardinals seem to be back; perhaps they never left. Cardinals don’t migrate and they don’t molt into a dull plumage, so they stay breathtakingly beautiful against winter’s snow. Northern Cardinals tend to sit low in shrubs and trees or forage on or near the ground, often in pairs. This male Northern Cardinal appears to be following the norm.
Super Cub on Floats What, a Super Cub on floats in December! Well, some folks are already looking forward to next summer. What is more like summer than a Super Cub taking off with one float still in the water. Next summer will come. In the mean time, this same Super Cub will have skis on this winter. You don’t have to be a bush pilot to enjoy flying a Super Cub on skis. Just make sure you wear warm cloths, gloves, and boots!
Cooper’s Hawk Recently, on walkabouts and even drives, hawk sightings have increased. Most hawks in this area are Red-tailed Hawks. Although the Cooper’s Hawk is smaller than the Red-tailed Hawk, I really like their refined look and sleek build. This image really shows off their plumage.
Cold Snow Flurries With colder temperatures only snow flurries fell today.
