Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Out of the fog!

How time flies! Well, the fog has finally lifted and here’s a sight at the harbour last Friday after school. It was good to at least see shades of pastel.

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On the weekend, I ventured out into the back yard since the fog had lifted and most of the snow had melted ~ not all, mind you.

Here’s frog beside his mushroom, looking forlornly at the rose garden!

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As I was checking out this part of the garden, something was not pleased by my presence as is heard in this video:



At first I couldn’t spot the critter, but I finally did see it running up and down the trees seemingly madder than a wet hen. I took a few photos, but they didn’t come out very clearly ~ Suddenly it jumped over and landed on the bird feeder in the neighbour’s yard. I wish I had caught that leap on camera!



Here’s an interesting remnant of winter which I lifted out of a covered folded garden chair. It looks like an ice sculpture of a cruise ship I think.

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I meandered my way to the front garden, and discovered this:

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What do you think it is?

There were also some signs of spring tucked here and there:


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The dark-eyed juncos were happy to find their bird feeder free and clear ~

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I noticed a new visitor in the cherry tree watching them flit around, and I managed to get a photo of this Varied Thrush.

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Here’s another photo I took the next day:
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Later on I noticed a funny little bird hopping around on top of the bird feeder ~ it was up, down, all around...


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Until at last it showed its face ~ a Black-Capped Chickadee ~ Isn't it sweet!

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We have been fortunate in not receiving the onslaught of snow expected today as “Canada was grasped by another arctic front” (weather forecast talk), however it was icy cold and windy. Brrrr.

My new job is going along well, but I am ready to flop when I get home, hence the lack of blogging! I have noticed it being lighter in the mornings and evenings though ~ tomorrow, Jan 28 Sunrise 7:52 a.m. Sunset 5:07 p.m.

How does that compare to where you are?

8 comments:

  1. The ice looks kinda a big shells.

    I love birds! They are so neat...

    Good to know that your job is going well.

    Here in Jakarta, the sunrise is around 5.30 am and the sunset is around 6.15 pm.

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  2. Good to see that the fog has cleared at last!
    It looks like it was well worth venturing out into your back yard. They're terrific photos. It must have been so pleasing to see the birds and some signs of spring. That really does lift the spirits when it's still winter.
    There are squirrels down the other end of the allotments which is not good news!
    Today it was sunrise at 0745 and the sunset will be at 16.40. It's raining today so it was still dark this morning, but when it's sunny the days are noticeably longer.
    Good to know that the job is going well, if a little bit tiring at present.
    Take care! xx

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  3. Ooooh! I'm loving all the signs of a thaw. That image (after the "cruise ship" one is just so cool with those seashell-like spreading swoops. As for the junco, is it wearing a tee-shirt? I see hats and scarves were left at home this time ;-)

    Well, you know what's going on here.... actually, the rain is gone and the Santa Ana (hot dry) winds are back and we'll be in the 80s by the weekend. Weird huh?

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  4. Hi Selba ~ well the ice that looks like a shell is the ice formed inside the scalloped bird bath! I lifted it out and that's the shape it was in! I bet you have beautiful birds in Jakarta! You have a much longer day than we do at this time :)

    Hi Flighty ~ Yes, it is a relief that the fog has cleared...we had so much snow and then the fog! Nice to know that spring has still decided to try and poke its nose out through the chill. It's good to see the birds flitting around again too. Your sunrise and sunset seems fairly similar to ours. The jobs is taking some adjustment, but it's good. :)

    Hi Nikki ~ Glad you liked the icy shell that came out of the bird bath. It was really pretty and the first time I've ever seen the bird bath freeze up. I must get back to birdnoggin and see what the birds are wearing these days. It's still chilly! You have interesting weather ~ no wonder your roses are well on their way with the rain and then heat. My brother is heading down to California soon in his motorhome ~ he's ready for some sunshine!

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  5. Haha, I always laugh when squirrels chatter, they get their little selves so worked up about it.

    I do miss those black-capped chickadees, they used to chatter at me too, from the trees in our yard in Texas :)
    They always came in groups, with their companions the tufted titmouse - very cute.

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  6. Aha, so that's what caused the scalloped edge! The birdbath!

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  7. Hi Liv ~ Yes, that squirrel was making a real racket and running up and down like a 'nut'! The little chickadees are very cute ~ my photo was taken through a window so not as clear as it could be. I was surprised to see the bird bath all frozen over, but loved the scalloped edge on the ice!

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  8. Love all the pics, Glo. Especially like the birds and the remnants of winter. Still looks a bit cold — but fresh!

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