On vacation

In Florida

Beech tree

frost

frost, moss, pine needles, leaves... all on a chilly morning

first snow

We had the first snow of the season last night.  It's not much, but it is real snow.  (We did have a few flakes the other day, but they didn't stick so they don't count.)

 

 and here are a few gleaners from under one of my feeders a couple of days ago

woodpecker

Oh my - I got a treat today - a pileated woodpecker on a tree in my neighbor's yard, and then in my yard a little later on.  First I heard it, and then found it - they aren't too hard to find if you know they are around since they are so big and make pretty distinctive noises.  I suppose they are so cool because I don't see them very often.  My neighbor mentioned seeing one a week or so ago - I wonder if this was the same one? 

Moon and Venus

December 2, 2010, 6:30 am

Not a great photo - it's from my phone - but vaguely captures what was a beautiful sight.