More Delights - Gustatory, Floral and Avian

     In our backyard the two most common species continue to be Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) and Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), both lovely, and both very welcome.

     Now I know that you all realize how difficult birding is, and the sacrifice we have to make to tear ourselves away to the outdoors, the privation and hardship we suffer, so we need a special consolation from time to time.

     Miriam's world-class focaccia bread had just come out of the oven, so what to do but dip it in a little mellow olive oil and balsamic vinegar. If a glass of wine (or two) should accompany the pleasure, then so much the better.

     It is an experience close to ecstasy, to that I can attest, and Miriam will join with me in bestowing on it her unreserved seal of approval. The Sua Maesta balsamic was a very kind gift from my good friend, Brian Smith, who purchased it while on a recent visit to Italy. It was so kind of him and we have become true aficionados of this sublime substance, whose origins no doubt hearken back to the hallowed halls of Roman deities. 

     Perhaps some of you know that balsamic vinegar originates in Modena, also the birthplace of Luciano Pavarotti, whose young voice was as sweet as this balsamic. One small city produced greatness on two entirely different levels, but both without equal.

02 February, 2024

     We took a little drive through the countryside on one of the few sunny days we have had. 

     Even at this time of the year, the local rivers have not frozen over.

     Incredibly, some optimistic people are already tapping for sap; never have I seen this activity so early.

     During the only cold snap we had all winter, when temperatures remained quite low for a few days (not even very low, but quite low), ice had obviously formed on still or sluggish water. Here is what it looks like when it breaks up.

     Mostly, however, it is tranquil, and achingly beautiful too.

     A Mourning Dove was content to catch a little sun.....

     ..... and a White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) went about its business.

04 February, 2024

At Home, Waterloo, ON

     I was amazed to see Snowdrops (genus Galanthus) blooming in the garden.

     I have never seen them so early - and they are in a sheltered spot too.

     A Seven-spotted Lady Beetle (Coccinella septempunctata) was active - equally a surprise at this early date. 

     This species overwinters in sheltered locations, typically under leaves or behind bark, in crevices, in garden sheds and other structures.

      Winter, such as it is, evidently holds new surprises for us. What is next, I wonder? Will it be as benign as a snowdrop, as delicate as a lady beetle on the snow? Perhaps better to brace yourself for something a little more serious, I say. Who knows what lies in wait? I'd be willing to bet it's not good though.