Monday, January 03, 2022

Some Local Beauties

      I thought I would share with you a few of the local beauties in my life, all seen around here recently. I beg to assure you that the list is not exhaustive!

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

     This common bird, is uncommonly beautiful.


     Rarely a day goes by without a Blue Jay, but they are never less welcome for their familiarity.
     Everyone should be so lucky!


White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)

     How many have I seen? Probably many thousands, and they are gorgeous and captivating every time.


Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)

     Perky and cheerful, bold and brazen, this little sprite enlivens every walk we ever take, never hesitating to accost us to see what we have brought for it to eat.


     We are unabashedly in love with chickadees.

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

     This delicate, beautiful bird takes its name from its mournful call. I confess that it does evoke a sort of sadness, yet it is at the same time a comforting and appealing sound.
     More often than not we get a picture of a bird on a perch, (a branch or a wire), and sometimes feeding on the ground. It seems to me that the picture below, which Miriam took a few days ago on The Mill Race Trail is exceptionally captivating, and quite different from the stereotypical image we are accustomed to.


Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)

     There are many no doubt who might not combine the words "beauty" and "Muskrat" in the same sentence, but they obviously have not opened their eyes wide.


     Muskrat numbers have rebounded since they are no longer extensively persecuted for their fur, and we frequently encounter these altogether delightful creatures.


     Someone possessed of more talent than I should write a Wind in the Willows type of story with a Muskrat as the principal character. I am sure it would meet with great success, both literary and commercial!

Lily 

     As Lily grows up she continues to provide so much fun for us all, and we are happy to surround her with love and care.
     She will tell you about our latest outing together in her own words.


     Good morning everyone. This is Lily. As you can see in the picture above we went for a fabulous walk on a snowy day in Ontario. 
     It was very special in several ways. We went to the Dom Cardillo Trail in Idlewood Park in Kitchener, a place we had not visited before, and my dad came along, and, best of all, my dog, Clementine.


     Clementine was born to run, and she is very fast, but when my mom calls her to come back, she does so right away, because she loves to be with people too.
     When you have a slippery snow suit it's easy to make your own toboggan run - and I did. David was always there to give me a little shove to get started.



     Being outdoors on a snowy day is so much fun.


     As always, sooner or later it's time to go back home, and when it is, sometimes a girl's got to show she's independent.


     Until the next time, hugs and kisses from Lily.

Miriam

     Beautiful, smart, witty, intelligent, kind, considerate, generous, impish, tolerant.....what more is there to say? How could I do without her?


Heather

     I was drawn to Heather from the moment I first met her, as a dedicated young biologist with impeccable credentials, when she came to help us at our bird banding operation at SpruceHaven. Little could I have imagined then that she would become such an integral part of my life, and that Lily would grow up with us, almost week by week.
     We love you, Heather.


  
Victoria 

     Intelligent, witty, a keen observer, a great companion, fun to be with.


  
     Since we are dealing with beauty, I can hardly leave you without a performance of consummate beauty, with style, class and sheer brilliance. Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZdXoER96is 
     Miriam and I are very fond of The Trout Quintet and sought a new (to us) version to listen to as we quietly enjoyed each other's company on New Year's Eve.
     How wonderful it is to see these young titans of the music world in their very early days, and to witness their sheer exuberance. When did you ever even see Zubin Mehta PLAY an instrument?!
     To see Jaqueline du Pré, and to contemplate that she would die tragically from the ravages of MS not many years later, adds a special poignancy to this performance. What a force she was, what epic qualities she brought to her playing.
     And, of course, Franz Schubert died before his 32nd birthday, and who knows what he might have gone on to compose?
     The back story is entertaining and interesting, but the actual performance is magnificent. We are privileged to watch, hear and absorb versatility of this 
calibre. I doubt that you will ever find much better.  
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

105 comments:

  1. You are really showing many great photos today, David! They are all so beautiful. I wish me some Blue Jays here, and can you send me some of them? ;)
    Take care of all your beautiful girls!
    Hugs and kisses, Marit

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    1. I just returned from the post office. They wouldn't accept my live birds. Sorry!

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  2. Hello David, first of all I wish you and Miriam all that is good for the New Year, but most of all good health. Than the birds you show us here. They are most wonderful indeed and the photos are again most wonderul too.
    Warm regards from a grey and wet Belgium, Roos

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  3. And than all the girls you show, who can not be happy with these loving woman near you.
    Regards,
    Roos

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  4. You take the time to appreciate life in all its beauty… and that’s a beautiful thing.

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  5. Yes, there is beauty all around us. I am glad that you like classical music, because I do, too. My blog post today describes the beautiful music performed by violinist Joshua Bell and his wife, soprano Larisa Martinez. Awesome concert here in Hawaii!!! Happy new year to you and Miriam.

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  6. I notice the pure blue of the bird and the fact that the child conquered the snow.

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  7. Hari OM
    What an array of joy in fur, feather and smiles!!! Thank you David, a fine start to the year &*> YAM xx

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    1. i perhaps should have titled the post "Fur, feather and females"!

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  8. A joyous post to start the year. Who could not enjoy the colours of the blue jay. A child enjoying the pristine snow create wonderful memories of a day well spent.

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  9. Enjoying the making of music on that YouTube post! Great background music...but I could certainly watch it as if in person! So glad that someone made this video! Loved your birds and Lilli's contribution!

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  10. What a beautiful post David - wonderful birds, great people, and princess Lily. Who could wish for more. I wish I had been there! Lovely to see all those faces of your gang! That must have been a near perfect day. Hugs to all of you, take care, Valerie

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  11. What a truly beautiful love filled post. Thank you. So very much. Both the musicians you mentioned died tragically early - but oh, what they achieved...

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    1. It seems to me especially tragic in the case of Jaqueline du Pre. All the advances in medicine were unable to help her, whereas Schubert died during an era when longevity in life was far from certain. And she was so full of life!

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    2. And there is STILL very little they can do for people with MS other than monitor and relieve some of the symptoms.

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    3. Sadly, you would know better than most of us, Sue.

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  12. Stunning David, each and every one of them special for their characteristics and love of life and living ... so brilliant to see. I must come back to listen to the links ... and will do! I'm about to listen/watch a programme on bird song - actually now I see the blurb it's on animals singing ... introduced by David Attenborough ... I've had a day and half on the computer!! I'm seeing what vino is on offer!! Cheers and a very happy New Year to you and Miriam and your local beauties ... Lily is a delight to see - cheers again - Hilary

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    1. The programme was extraordinary ... I'll be writing it up 'soon' ... quite amazing ... cheers Hilary

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    2. Glad you enjoyed it, Hilary, but I would have bet money that you would.

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  13. The people around you make life wonderful I would imagine, David. You are a fortunate man. I hope your good fortune continues this year.

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  14. Beauty surrounds us. I've always enjoyed blue jays and used to be so amused when they would make their imitation hawk sounds to drive the other birds away from the feeder! Brown jays here and Yucatan jays nearby, but not blue jays. Thanks for the Youtube link.

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    1. I have seen many Brown Jays, but Yucatan Jay would be a new species for me.

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  15. Beauty is a terrific theme to start-off the New Year and you are, indeed, lucky enough to be surrounded by it. Happy New Year to you and yours and may the delightful Adventures of Lily continue far into the future!

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    1. Lily's adventures will doubtless continue, although not with the same frequency. As of today, Heather returned to work, so we won't be walking together as frequently.

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  16. A wonderful post to introduce us to your world: beautiful persons, a lovely little girl, your Country, nice birds and a friendly dog. Thanks for sharing.

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  17. What a lovely set of photos David, the one of Miriam is stunning. Not sure about all that snow but then you know how much I hate the cold Brrrrrr.

    Looking forward to trying to keep up with blogs this year. Cheers Diane

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  18. Hello David,
    Wonderful photos of the birds, Miriam and Lily and her family. Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

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  19. hello David
    for you and Miriam first of all a great new year and of course health and many great photo moments and trips with lily .. I wish you that ..
    then I see in the pictures that Lily and Clementine go well together in terms of color, good color so nobody gets lost in the snow .. Thanks for showing us
    Greetings Frank

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  20. What a delightful post, David. A blue jay, a muskrat, a Lily, a Miriam and so much more beauty. Thanks for sending the link to the Trout and including it here. I've been trying to nail time to sit and savor and it may well be today. I've been trying to catch up on too much and now might be the time for "me-time." This will be a worthy way to spend that time. I send many good wishes to you and Miriam for a wonderful new year filled with many discoveries, avian and otherwise. I hope you'll get to travel again but I'm not sure anyone could find more beauty in their own backyard than you!

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  21. A life surrounded by good friends, nature's beauty and a lovely family. Have a fantastic year David, filled with much happiness and health.

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  22. Hi David, the photo's you're showing of the birds are great, the species are indeed wonderful, all of them. Also the photo's of the women around you but your words that descibes them and honour them are so much worth! I'm glad that you enjoyed the music so much, these are little treasures that are worth cherishing. A big hug to you and to your wonderful Miriam.

    Marianne

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  23. lol, you have lots of beauties around you. :) Both family and wildlife.

    Seems you liked my critter art for Eileen. You are welcome to visit my artblog if you want to see more. You link up with Rains meme and so do I, my link there is always to my artblog. :)
    Happy New Year to you and your family.

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  24. Beautiful post, for the beautiful birds that you show us, I especially like blue jay, but above all you show us, you already speak very well of the people around you and you appreciate a lot, it is not difficult to imagine that you are very happy with they. I wish you a good and prosperous 2022.

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  25. My favorite birds, and then the display got better. Thank you.

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  26. I love and appreciate the beauty you share with us through your amazing photos.

    I wish you a wonderful new year and look forward to blogging with you in 2022.

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  27. You describe your favourites very beautifully and I can well understand why you are fond of them.
    I wish you a happy new year with all of them - and with even more.
    Many greetings from Lisbeth

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  28. Gostei de ver estas belas fotografias.
    Aproveito para desejar um Excelente Ano de 2022.

    Andarilhar
    Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
    O prazer dos livros

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  29. What a lovely roundup of your local beauties David.
    It is interesting that you should mention Jacqueline du Pré - I too was thinking about her as we watched the 2022 New Year's Day Vienna Philharmonic concert being conducted by Daniel Barenboim. I was a great fan of hers and recall how I had travelled up to London to attend her particularly poignant memorial service. What a sad loss she was to the world of music.
    For me, Jacqueline du Pré's recording of Elgar's Cello Concerto still retains it's magic.
    A Happy New Year to you both.

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    1. I think that retain is an understatement, Rosemary, the passage of time only enhances it and makes it more special. How fortunate we are that with today's technology we can still listen to her, indeed to watch her perform.

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  30. Very sweet words about the ladies in your life! ♥♥ Besides the beautiful Muskrat, I am seeing all of the birds you showed today. There is a BIG Blue Jay at my feeder, I'm trying to get a photo, it's HUGE...never saw one that big. I hope I can capture it for you to see!

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  31. A wonderful tribute to the birds and ladies in your everyday life, David.

    I've never really been a fan of 'classical music', but I can claim to being introduced to Jaqueline du Pré by my school art teacher, Nell Todd, who was her godmother! It was, of course, very early in her brief but wonderful career (around 1963). I seem to remember that she actually joined in with an art lesson!

    Best wishes for 2022.

    With love to you both - - - Richard

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    1. If you can spare the time to watch the video, Richard, you might enjoy seeing it, classical music or not!

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    2. Thank you, David - now watched. Such a joyous occasion and amazing talent!

      Saying I was 'not a fan' was, perhaps, a bit trite. Classical music is something that I have never paid much attention to, but sometimes I hear pieces that I very much like. Smetana's Vitava comes to mind - possibly influenced by my aquaintance with that river! Probably my favourite piece of music of all time from any genre is Rodrigo's adagio from Aranjuez. Whenever I conjour it up in my brain, as I am wont to do when I'm alone (but not lonely) in a dramatic environment (on a misty mountain, for example), its beauty will inevitably bring me close to tears. There's just one other piece of music that has a similar effect and that was from a progressive rock band - listen if you dare! :- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXrpFxHfppI&list=RDvXrpFxHfppI&start_radio=1&rv=vXrpFxHfppI&t=61


      Incidentally, watching that video made me realise that I probably prefer chamber music to full orchestral pieces.

      Thank you for exercising my brain - - - Richard

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  32. De beaux portraits animaux mais aussi humains!
    Passez une bonne semaine

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  33. A bevy of beauties! You are blessed, indeed. I think my husband would enjoy the video. Thanks for sharing!

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  34. Bluejays are beautiful bullies.

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  35. Buenas tardes, amigos míos, precioso reportaje el que nos muestras y compartes. Es un placer ver como se va haciendo poco a poco una mujercita nuestra querida y adorable Lily, gracias por compartir esos momentos de felicidad.
    El vídeo es una preciosidad de buena música por esos jóvenes talentos, el futuro está asegurado.
    Os deseo de nuevo todo lo mejor para este nuevo año que acabamos de comenzar.
    Con todo mi afecto y cariño un gran abrazo, amigos y compadres.

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  36. Me encantaría ver algún día un bello arrendajo azul por Béjar.
    Felicidades por las preciosas mujeres que te rodean a diario David. Lily cada día está más linda.
    Abrazos para Todos.

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  37. Querido David mi enhorabuena por vivir rodeado de personas maravillosas. Las fotos son espectaculares y las aves preciosas. Los arrendajos aquí son bonitos ,pero nada que ver con ese. Y como no lo mejor de todo es ver a Lily, crece muy rápido y es una niña preciosa y alegre, me encanta verla. Muchas gracias por compartir algo tan especial. Con cariño para todos/as un fuerte abrazo.

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  38. Beauties, all. I enjoyed the music. Happy New Year to you and Miriam!

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  39. Admittedly, you had me fooled, David when you started the post with: I thought I would share with you a few of the local beauties in my life . . . and then I saw that magnificent bluejay and later muskrat and enjoyed both. But, then the real beauties came into view: Miriam, Heather, Lily and Victoria, all lovelies and obviously you appreciate all of them. Sending the very best wishes to all for a good and happy 2022.

    Thanks, David, for your wonderful posts last year and looking forward to future ones. Also thank you for your comments on some of my posts.

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  40. You are one very lucky man, David, to have so much beauty in your life - and even more fortunate that you know how to appreciate it! :) xx

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  41. Se os ve muy felices. Dale abrazos a todas, especialmente a Miriam por esas fotos maravillosas, yo siento un poquito de vergüenza por las mías ( de pájaros ), también abrazos para ti, de esta amiga extremeña.

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  42. Miriam's photo of the Mourning Dove is captivating, although I'll confess that I laughed at the Muskrat. There's just 'something' about the creatures that appeals -- like Porcupines and Beavers. I so enjoyed seeing Lily and Miriam's photos, and your other friends. As you say, even with the complexities of today's life circumstances, there's beauty and love to be enjoyed and appreciated.

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  43. Now, that was a very beautiful post - I sure smile big now, thank you!

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  44. Beautiful photos of this first getaway of the year, I wish you and Miriam wonderful. I like to see that your girls are so beautiful!
    Many kisses.

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  45. Jays are pretty good photo subjects.

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  46. That second photo deserves a quote.

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  47. Oh, I did enjoy this post, the photographs were all so lovely.
    So good to see Lily with her mum and dad and dog, what a lovely family.
    That is a lovely photograph of Miriam too.

    My very good wishes for 2022, and I look forward to seeing and reading your posts in this brand new year.

    All the best Jan

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  48. Perfect pics David. The Bluejay is a pretty bird but pretty bossy. Love the Nuthatch pic and the wood he is on. Lily is too cute.

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    1. I wonder what Blue Jays might say about humans?

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  49. What a gallery of beauty! You are rich in appreciation.

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  50. Beautiful birds in their natural setting and a most wonderful tribute to the ladies, specially to Miriam. I very much enjoyed Lily's words about the walk. She is so cute :)
    Wishing you and Miriam a wonderful 2022!

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  51. A lovely post David :) A Happy New Year to your and your family.

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  52. Beautiful. And love that header photo

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  53. Wonderful pictures. Blue Jays abound in my area too, but they're such loud obnoxious birds. The little Chickadees are a favorite. Haven't seen as many in recent years though, not sure why. Would like to get rid of the crows, they are loud, dirty and chase other birds away. Cute little one there in the snow. The name Miriam, not a common name; makes me smile as it was my Mother's name. Her nickname was Mimi.
    Sandy's Space

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    1. Blue Jays are not nearly as loud or obnoxious as humans; as for crows they have more intelligence than most people you will meet. Why we continue to make these anthropomorphic judgements about other species amazes me.

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  54. David - you are surrounded by beauty - of all varieties. But Lily steals the show, especially the "independent" shot! Happy New Year!

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  55. You are really blessed with beautiful birds, beautiful people and especially having cute and adorable Lily in your outings. Stay warm and stay safe.

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  56. David, I also love the muskrat. they sometimes appear near my garden, because there is a natural reservoir with plants. Tits also always fly when they see people in the garden and squeak, as if asking for food. Of course, on my arrival, I left them pieces of lard in a small net so that they would peck it out.
    Lily is a beautiful girl, it seems she has a character. I liked the Trout quintet, they are such young people.

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    1. I am always happy to know that you are dedicated to feeding the birds, Nadezda.

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  57. Wow wonderful bird, wish you a happy start of the year

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  58. Wonderful photos and that blue jay is beautiful. I have only recently seen a jay in my little garden in the UK - brown with a flash of blue on the wing in my willow tree but since I have made my garden more wildlife friendly it's amazing how much more visit, especially the sparrow hawks taking an interest in the little birds. Thanks very much for the visit by the way. Michelle

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  59. Hi David,
    A sublime post dedicated to beauty in nature and the people around you. I loved the photos of these beautiful birds, the enchanting Lily and the precious smiles of Miriam, Heather and Victoria.
    What beautiful words for each of these people, especially those dedicated to Mirriam.

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  60. Hi David,
    Great and tender words...!!
    Lovely little girl and her dog.. Miriam, Heather and Victoria.
    Life is so Beautiful! Great start of the New Year.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Hugs and kisses to you both.
    Maria

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  61. Hi David - what a great post - you are surrounded by beauty! Local patches (and people) should always be given the love they deserve.

    Hope all is well.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  62. Hello David,
    Love the Blue Jay images, I really love all the bird photos. Well done!
    Cute shots of Lily, she is growing up quickly. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

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  63. What a great read. As an FYI, for awhile, Blue Jays seemed to become a rare sight here in Connecticut US, but I don't know why. (Maybe 30 years or so ago?)

    We just had our first "significant" snowfall (you'd probably call it a "dusting" compared to what you get), and I forgot to shovel a path to the bird feeder, so I need to do that still. And now with the snow blanket on the ground, radiational cooling will be dropping our overnight temperatures into very unpleasant territory. BRRR.

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  64. Many true beauties here :)
    I would love the Blue Jays to come here! The coolest hair-do.

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  65. It took me almost as long to get to the bottom of your comments as it did for me to read your wonderful, powerful post this week. I have shared life with all of the birds and critters you reference here and have loved their presence in my life as well. I too love the Chickadee and used to laugh at their antics in the summer when they brought their fledglings to our feeders. Your wife, family and friends are blessed to have you in their lives as well and what you feel for them is precious. I look forward to sharing more of this New Year with you ... be well and stay warm.

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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    1. You have quite a way with words yourself, Andrea. Thank you.

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  66. Beautiful lineup of photos today! That's a pretty fat muskrat. Sure it's not a beaver?

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    1. It's a muskrat. We always check for the tail to be sure, but beavers look somewhat different, especially if they bare their teeth. We do see beavers along this waterway, rarely, and usually right around dusk.

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  67. Surrounded by beauty. What a fortunate person you are, David!
    Thank you for sharing not only your magnificent images, but the link to some very special music.

    Uplifting in all departments!

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  68. Such wonderful birds you showed. Especially liked the Nuthatch. Lily seems to love the snow. How cute she is. Happy new year to you and your lovely gang.

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  69. No doubt about it: you had a good time with your local beauties

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  70. Stunning blue jay portraits, David!! Absolutely stunning. And the girls in your life are just as much do. But, still, all in all Lily comes over me...so precious. That last image says it all to me...all too soon she'll leave and live a life on her own...keep ahold of her as long as you can. (my youngest grandchild is 27!!)
    May all of us birders show well for 2022...and thank you for sharing your link at I'd Rather B Birdin'

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  71. Hello David,:=) A touching tribute to the great composers and musicians we have lost. Schubert's Piano Quintet, the Trout" is so beautiful. I watched the video, but have listened to the music before with my husband. Even as a young girl I enjoyed watching Jacqueline du Pre` passionately playing her cello. A sad loss indeed!

    Your post is just full of love, and appreciation of nature, and your loved ones. The blue Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch, and one of my favourites the black-capped Chickadee are lovely captures, and I agree with you that the image of the Mourning dove is in an unusual setting which makes a beautiful image. I am not really familiar with the Muskrat, but can see it being appreciated in illustrations in children's books. Which brings me to Lily, and how much I enjoy seeing her playing in the snow. You are truly blessed David, with the women in your life.
    A big hug,and best wishes for you and your family.

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  72. I like blue jays. I know some people don't like them as they tend to scare off the smaller birds, but they looks beautiful against the white snow. I haven't seen any for a while. Thanks for sharing the photo. hugs-Erika

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  73. OK blogger is playing games with me. This post only just showed up, and all that showed up was the bluejay. Then after I comment the rest of your post shows up. That is so weird. I enjoyed seeing and reading about Miriam, Heather and Victoria, and of course Lily. Clementine reminds me a little bit of my dog Maddie too. Hope January is going well for you David. hugs again

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  74. We don't have Blue Jays here, Stellars though. Love seeing photos of Lillie. Have a great day.

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  75. ...ah, to be young again and play in the snow.

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We acknowledge that the land on which we are situated are the lands traditionally used by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral People. We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge, laws, and philosophies of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this land today. We are all treaty people with a responsibility to honour all our relations.

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