Sunday, December 28, 2014

December Photo Scavenger Hunt

Christmas is over; the house guests have gone...
Time to get back to photography fun!

Early December brought frosty stormy weather, followed by torrential rain, causing flooding in the low lying areas...all that coupled with king tides made for an interesting month.  By the time Christmas rolled around, the weather had become much more pleasant, with many people out and about walking off their Christmas indulgences!  Here are my photos for December's photo hunt:


The first few photos were taken 'where the river meets the sea' during the frosty days.

1.  Where you stood:

From the shoreline, I saw this juvenile Bald Eagle perched on a post.  The tide was high, reaching much farther up the post than I'd seen before.


2.  Down low:

Frosty ground covering under foot ~


3.  A view from here:

Looking at the high water levels, I noticed the swamped grasses along the shore ~

 On my previous visit, the grasses were still looking storm-weathered but more visible:

 4.  A favourite thing:

One of my favourite things is taking photos of Bald Eagles, and here is a juvenile in flight ~  Notice snowy peaks in the background.


 5.  Front door:

There is a winter Jasmine bush right outside my front door that serves as a food source and resting spot for the many small birds that venture into my yard.   I have seen hummingbirds, sparrows, wrens, towhees, chickadees and nuthatches perched on its branches, or flitting through the bush.


6.  Sweet:

I baked some lemon frosting-drizzled Ginger Crackle Cookies for my three nieces, snuggling in a few gingerbread candies amongst the baked goods.  I placed the cookies in a 9" square covered baking dish, and gave the dish/cookie combination to each of them.  They were well received :)


7.  Christmas:

A Christmas visitor ~ Santa Claws perfectly bedecked!  A wonderful surprise to see a male pileated woodpecker visiting the red oak tree in the front yard.  Notice his jaunty red moustache.



Lo and behold, Mrs. Claws visited the next day! (No red moustache).


8.  Decoration:

Whoops!  I noticed that strong winds had bowled over these Christmas garden decorations ~ an upsy-down-daisy polar bear among other things ~


9.  Tree:

No, not a Christmas tree, although mine was sparkling in its glory with 'Snowbird Star' on top :)

This is a three-parter ~ A tree catching the rays, and dripping with moss ~


One of the numerous uprooted trees floating in the ocean.  Erosion of riverbanks caused by the stormy weather, heavy rainfall and flooding took its toll.


and I liked this tree silhouette with father and son out for a walk.  I also thought this one photo covered many of the categories for this month ~  


10.  Tradition:

It has become a tradition for me to give my nieces a homemade card and goodies for Christmas ~

Here is my card for the niece who likes owls ~ not Ho, Ho, Ho, but


The owl card idea came from here.

11. Black and White:

One of the photos I took of crows high in the trees, had a black and white atmosphere about it, so I removed any traces of colour.


12. Whatever:

It's been awhile since I shared a photo of the sea lions taking a break from salmon feasting, basking on the breakwater pontoons. 


Thanks again to Greenthumb for sponsoring these monthly photo Scavenger Hunts.

Thanks you again for visiting my blog and leaving your comments throughout the year :)  Here's wishing you all a fantastic 2015, as the New Year approaches.



24 comments:

  1. You always have a great collection of photos and a unique perspective on what you've been asked to hunt down. I love your homemade card. And your cookies.. .let's just say that we're at risk of the keyboard shorting out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Hilary :) As you can see, I like making/baking things ~ those cookies are drool worthy ~ and the aroma fills the house with gingery smells!

      Delete
  2. You have had a busy month. The owl whatsit is great.

    I always enjoy the views you choose. It is a beautiful place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Adrian... I think the owl whatsit is a whoosit, but close enough ;) Yes, the scenery around here is fantastic...great photo opportunities.

      Delete
  3. A great set of photos Glo - wishing you all the best for 2015.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Elaine ~ and best to you too in the coming year :)

      Delete
  4. A lovely selection of photos to see the year out, I especially like 5. and 10. I always enjoy reading your posts and commenting.
    Thanks, and to you too. Flighty xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Flighty ~ you are definitely a reliable commenter, which is much appreciated :) Glad you enjoyed my photos!

      Delete
  5. As ever these posts really fascinate me, I loved the eagle pics, I couldn't take my eyes of the woodpecker and as usual envy you your amazing sea loins!
    How lovely those moss ridden trees are too! Your little owl is simply delightful!
    All the very best for the New year Glo, I hope it's a marvelous one for you and yours.xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Snowbird! Although I have seen woodpeckers visit here, it's not that often, and just seemed perfect to see that red head at Christmas :) Glad you liked my owl card and the mossy trees. I wish you a wonderful year also, and look forward to more of your adventures.

      Delete
  6. I love all your wildlife and nature shots - so different from my own landscape. Those cookies look delicious and are making my tummy rumble! Happy new year to you and your family. x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Julie :) So pleased to share this part of the world with you! The cookies are worth a tummy rumble...they're really tasty! Happy New Year, to you and yours, too!

      Delete
  7. Thanks for taking part in the last scavenger hunt for 2014, what a another great group of photos. I really like Christmas, where you stood, and whatever you want. Happy new year. Greenthumb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Greenthumb, and also thanks for continuing on with the hunt. Happy New Year, to you and your family!

      Delete
  8. What a great collection! Like Julie, I enjoyed the wildlife and nature photos. I love hoo hoo hoo card and it looks like that polar bear had a wild night!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Louise. Glad to know you enjoy the nature photos, and loved my card :) Yes, it was so very gusty here for awhile, it's a wonder we weren't blown into the sea!

      Delete
  9. I think I want to move to where you live! So much beautiful nature and wildlife. Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Christina... yes, it's a lovely location with lots of photo opportunites... Wishing you a Happy New Year, too!

      Delete
  10. This is a gorgeous collection, Glo! What lucky nieces to have a sweet and personal Christmas gift tradition established by you! It was fun to see the sea lions basking on the pontoons! Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Fundy Blue. Glad you enjoyed my photos... It takes quite awhile to think up something creative for my nieces and I should probably start about now to get ready for next Christmas! Those sea lions are very entertaining to watch... Happy New Year, to you, too!

      Delete
  11. Love the eagle on the post, its ragged feathers 'dove tail' perfectly with the top of the post. Happy new year to you and yours...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi UPDD ~ yes, I can see the feathers dove tailing it with the top of the post, now you mention it! Thanks! Wishing you and your family a wonderful 2015 as well!

      Delete
  12. What delightful birds you can see from your home- love the idea of the santa woodpeckers!!
    I am a little late to the party this time! I love the views along the lake too. The sweeties look great too! Beautiful!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kezzie ~ so pleased that you enjoyed my photos! Glad you made it to the party :)

      Delete