Black-capped Chickadees

Chick-a-dee-dee-dee

Chick-a-dee-dee-dee

Chick-a-dee-dee-dee

Have you ever been outside and heard a feathered friend calling chick-a-dee-dee-dee but just did not know which bird it was?  The answer is revealed in today's photos that feature Black-capped Chickadees.  These rather small birds are common in Iowa and are often spotted at backyard feeders or hanging on chunks of suet or, as shown in these images, on other prepared blocks of food.  During the past month while out taking pictures, I was delighted to see a variety of songbirds, including these chickadees, some nuthatches, a Brown Creeper, a Tufted Titmouse and a Red-bellied Woodpecker.  If you are a birdwatcher, I would enjoy hearing what species you have seen this winter.

Winterscapes: At the River

"Of winter's lifeless world each tree

Now seems a perfect part;

Yet each one holds summer's secret

Deep down within its heart."

                                         --Charles G. Stater

Still Leaf Looking

Last fall I featured several pictures of colorful foliage and was saddened when the green, orange, red and yellow hues disappeared from trees and were eventually swept away by wind, rain and then snow.  But being a devout lover of leaves, I always seem to spot them--even amid the white stuff!  Recently, while traipsing through a mostly snow-covered park, I discovered some of the flimsy autumn remnants fully submerged in puddles of melting snow and immediately put the camera to my eye!  And, of course, these are the images featured in today's post.

Ice Fishing in Iowa

Brrrrrrr!  Just looking at these pictures makes me shiver, and I don't care to recall how cold I was while photographing these avid outdoorsmen.   Nevertheless, ice fishing is a popular pastime during a long, frigid Iowa winter, and today's images also give a glimpse of the all the equipment used by these hardy anglers.  And, to all of you out on the ice, be safe, enjoy the solitude of the tent and remember this familiar statement, "A bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work."

In the Fog

Recently our temperatures were above freezing and the foggy conditions were a direct result.  So, I spent part of a day outdoors capturing some of these unique images while also trying to avoid the extremely muddy and wet areas of the park; however, at the end of this hike in the heavy haze, my jeans still looked as if I had been wading in the river.  Despite the soggy terrain, I enjoyed walking in the misty shroud created by Mother Nature and getting shots of these rather common scenes amid the mysterious backdrop the fog provided.

On Thin Ice

Winter often poses additional challenges for wildlife, including finding water for consumption and bathing.   Since birds/waterfowl need clean plumes in order to create adequate insulation to survive in such harsh conditions, we often see hundreds of Canada Geese wherever there is open water.  And, even though these big birds are sometimes noisy and leave a lot of undesirable droppings, today's photos provide a glimpse of their reality during a cold, Iowa winter.

Mustache Made of Olives

Well, I know most adults repeatedly tell youngsters not to play with food; however, during the holidays I sure enjoyed the little ones and their creative endeavors with carrots, Play Doh, olives and so on.  Now, since I am simply the doting aunt, watching my nieces and nephews do things they usually don't have permission to do at home, humors me and gives me plenty to photograph as well.  And, if you need any ideas for alternate uses of black olives, consider a mustache for a new look in the new year!