Sunday, November 8, 2009

A lovely day

We are experiencing a spell of Indian Summer here in southeast Ohio, and I knew that the weather was going to be excellent today.... clear skies and highs near 70 degrees. That means open windows, and even as I type I hear that cute little Golden-crowned Kinglet tsee-tsee-tseeing in the trees.

But the day got off to an especially wonderful start with some special sightings in the "yard".


I spotted this lovely doe from the kitchen window while I was doing some dishes.


Going, going, gone...

She didn't stick around too long once I came outside to photograph her, but that's okay. We made eye contact and enjoyed the smell of the crisp air together before she took off.


This cute kitteh also showed up in the driveway this morning. I've never seen it around before, so I don't know which of our neighbors it belongs to. I hope it moves on before Emmett becomes aware of its presence (although kitty could probably outrun our geriatric ol' boy).


Dark-eyed Junco, March 2008

Finally, I'm delighted to announce the return of the Dark-eyed Juncos to our yard! It's possible they've been around for a few days, but this is the first time I've spotted them. I saw at least 4 of them, and hopefully I'll see more when I start counting for Project Feederwatch next weekend!

AND... on a note completely unrelated to nature: I finally made a batch of pumpkin-pie flavored meringues this morning, a baking project I've been considering since this time last year. I'll let you know if they turn out, but so far it looks like they will be a success.

12 comments:

Erica Houskeeper said...

That first deer photo is amazing! The ones of her dashing off into the woods are great, too. She is beautiful.

It was definitely a great day to be outdoors taking photos.

Steve Willson said...

I also thought this was a good open window day. While I was enjoying the weather outside, several Asiatic Ladybugs found their way around our new window screens and are now enjoying the weather inside.

Monika said...

Beautiful junco shot! I'm jealous of your warm weather. We're definitely into the chilly depths of fall out this way.

Kelly said...

...I had my windows open as well. To date we have not yet turned on our furnace. I think this is the longest we've gone without any freezing weather. I'll take it while it lasts! Your deer photo is beautiful...and I love the little kitteh! Our juncos keep coming and going. We don't have a big flock yet, just a few here and there. I love them so...

Heather said...

Erica - Thank you. I spent a brief period taking photos in the morning, but I spent the rest of the day in the kitchen. D'oh!

Steve - Somehow, I don't know how, the ladybeetles have not found us this year. We have a bunch of dazed houseflies in the house, though.

Monika - The warm weather won't last, trust me, but we'll take it when we can get it. Do you typically have Indian summer in the Pacific NW?

Kelly - Wow, I can't believe you haven't had your furnace on yet. Are you saying you haven't had at or below freezing temps yet? Wow, that Ohio River must keep you guys insulated! We had several mornings below 30 degrees just before the warm-up hit.

FAB said...

Hey Heather, what a beautiful portrait of the Doe. Great views from your window. FAB

Anonymous said...

Great shots. How did do that b/w to color thing?
Our juncos came back this week, too. Didn't get any photos, though.

Heather said...

Frank - Thank you so much! I felt very lucky to spot her.

Sandy - Thanks. The mixed color/b&w effect was achieved in Picasa using an effect called "Focal B&W."

Carol Mattingly said...

Great shots Heather. Love the deer shot. Carol

Heather said...

Carol - Thanks so much for your comments!

nina at Nature Remains. said...

I love your yard--and the glimpses you share with us from it.

Heather said...

Nina - Aww, thanks. If you're ever over by Athens let me know! I'd love to have you over to see our woods in person!