I See You!

Grackles are, in my experience, very spooky birds, quick to startle and not particularly inclined to pose for pictures.  Except that right now there are a couple of males visiting every day who've gotten quite used to me and, as long as I don't make any sudden moves, are content to let me get my fill of photos.  And while grackles aren't well liked by some people, I find them very entertaining and also quite beautiful when the light hits them just so.  Not to mention that they have so much character, as I've attempted to capture here.  

I hadn't seen the swallows for the last few days and assumed they'd moved on.  So when Hubs told me he'd seen a fox with prey being aggressively attacked as it passed by the nest box in the front, I dashed out to have a look.  To my surprise, the nest inside is well underway although not yet lined with the trademark feathers that the females always line the completed nest with.  But very exciting that they are committed enough to be building the nest!  

Meanwhile, I have pulled the trigger on the next trip which will be to south Texas to photograph whooping cranes and then on to the photography ranch that I went to several years ago.  And Suzanne and Wendy and Beth (who we met in South Africa) are also booked.  The trip is in mid February so a great time to flee the winter here in NJ for a week.  And something to look forward to before Hilly and I head to the Amazon next summer.  

Our neighbor's had us over for coffee and brownies (Hubs abstained but I happily ate one) so I am skipping something dark today.  I'm a sucker for baked sweets, especially brownies and cookies.  I enjoyed every gooey bite!

xo
Debbi