Rainbow and Sunset

As Hubby and I were driving home, we happened to notice one of the most beautiful sunsets we have ever seen in our beautiful valley.  We pulled over and got out of the car to watch it.  As we turned around to leave....on the other side of the road was an amazing Rainbow!  Life is GREAT! 

Coop

We had more snow over the last few hours, another 3 inches.  While I'm house bound I'm constantly watching the birds out the windows of my home. I noticed a adult male Coopers Hawk sitting in a tree at the far end of my yard. All my feeder birds were acting normally.  I put the bins on the Coop and could see why the feeder birds weren't  concerned, he had a very full crop. He was all fluffed up and sitting on one foot.  Nap time. 

A sign

This morning I'm back at the bird count.  A coop came by, and must have scored because there were still birds sitting frozen still all over the place.  I looked out the window trying to locate where the Coop was and I see a very large bird NW of my house, it's circling, it has very long straight wings, grab my bins which gratefully were within an arms length, and quickly look at the bird, knowing already, it was a BALD EAGLE!  Beautiful adult bird flew right over and went towards Greenwood Lake.  AMAZING moment!  Blessings are everywhere, you just need to open your eyes and see them! 

And....

It is snowing AGAIN!  I know the secret to enjoying the Winter despite frigid temperatures and a few feet of snow on the ground.   You must find a outdoor sport that you love.  Snowshoeing is mine.  Today I took Monty and out we went.   There aren't many trails broken up in the park, so we went only as far as the trail went.  If the wind wasn't blowing so hard I would have walked longer. It was magical being up there all alone while it was snowing, although it was the last thing I wanted to do today, it was wonderful, I am never sorry for making the effort. Another item I find indispensable for a successful snowshoe is Mushers Secret for my dog.  It is a necessity to keep your pups paws from getting too dried out and cracking and causing him misery.  I  take a big lump of it and slather it on each paw very thickly.

I am loving being home alone.  It is so nice to just be able to do what ever I want, when ever I want to do it.  I've been cooking nice meals and enjoying each moment.  The Bird Count is still going on, today is day 2.  It is the perfect weekend for me to be constantly watching birds.  The Olympics in Sochi is also on TV and I've been watching Hockey non stop for two days. Team USA played Russia and won!  Super exciting game. I went to the Library and took out a book to read, The Big Year, and two Comedies to watch. Life is beyond good.

Change

Full Moon

Full Snow Moon

Blessed Day

From Hubby!

Valentines Day Dinner for One! 

Tonight I find myself completely alone at home, except for my handsome sidekick Monty.  My hubby and middle sons all left for their annual trip to GA.  The full moon was at 6:53pm and I went outside and watched it rise over the pine trees.  It was spectacular.  What an awesome night it would be for a snowshoe with 2.5 feet of snow on the ground, under that gorgeous moon.  I am going to savor my time alone and put it to good use taking care of me.  The silence of the house is deafening, I can actually think.

The Great American Backyard Bird Count is this weekend, 2/14-2/17.  I had a great start for my report, the flock of Rusty Blackbirds were here bright and early for their cracked corn. I also had flyovers of Canada Geese, Black Vulture and American Crows.  Tomorrow I hope to get out and do some birding else where.   There is a Barn Owl being reported out in the Black Dirt, I will go for him at dusk, also hope for some Harriers and Short-eared Owls.   Until next Wednesday....it's all about me!  I'm not going to waste a moment. 

Winter storm PAX

Another storm is upon us.  This one bringing up to 20 inches.  How wonderful to stay home and watch all it's glory from the comfort of my warm home.  I put out tons of food for my feathered friends, mostly under the eves of my home.  Tomorrow is the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. 

-3

This morning I looked at the thermometer after I came in from feeding the birds, I couldn't believe the temperature. 

Annual Eagle Trip

Photo by Matt Zeitler

Yesterday we had our annual trip over to the Hudson River to look for Wintering Bald Eagles.  We Start at the Goat Path which is about a mile down the road from the Bear Mountain Bridge and we end up at Croton Park.  We counted a total of 153 Bald Eagles.  The river is full of ice floats this year which the Eagles utilize to sit upon and eat their catches.  Absolutely amazing day with my Hawk Watch friends.

Today we had about 6 inches of snow due to winter storm Maximus.  We had a wonderful day at home watching the snow fall.  We are expecting another storm, Nika to come in tomorrow night, that one could bring 12 or more inches.  My flock of Rusty Black birds continue.