Saturday, November 22, 2008

Life is a Balancing Act

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Especially for birds . . . never knowing quite where their next meal will come from . . . trying to stay warm in the harsh weather . . . looking for water to drink when everything is frozen over . . . and shelter during the storms.


Our backyard feeder is full and there's plenty of suet for those who need it. We also have the bird bath heater running, which is highly appreciated.





If you live in New England than you know today (Saturday) is one of those days that chill you to the bone. When I took these pictures this morning my exterior thermometer in my SUV said 23 degrees. My hands felt every degree of it.



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Surprisingly the birds never seem too affected. They are far hardier than me on this cold morning.





These bunch of nuts were even taking baths! But what else is there to do at 7:30 am when it's 23 degrees outside? I think the guy on the left is smirking. Or winking.



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The Mallards were much more subdued. In fact the male and female on the right were trying to catch a few winks. Bobbing perfectly in sync.

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sharon! I am in love with your pics!!!! You take the best pictures ever! I just picked up a Digital Photograpy Book from Barnes and Nobles!Back in July or August I posted some Sepia Shots. They turned out better than I expected. I love Photography! I wouldn't mind taking a class or two.

Stay warn Girl and keep the lovely pics coming! How's your little teen doing?

xoxoxoxoxoxo
Donna

Laura said...

Gorgeous pictures, Sharon! I got a chill just reading your description of how cold it is there! Love that first picture the best. Have a cup of hot chocolate tonight!

The Berry's Patch said...

Girl, you need to visit the west coast to thaw out. It was around 80 today. Bring the birds with you. They are beautiful! :-)

A New England Life said...

Hi Donna,
Thank you! I sure try but it's not always easy. I wouldn't mind taking a class either but I don't think I'll ever get that fancy. As for my teenager . . . she's a teenager! Up and down all the time.

Laura,
A cup of hot chocolate sounds delish! I made cookies instead ;)

Berry Patch friend,
You aren't kidding! I need to get there pronto! And I'm sure the birds would be happy to come along.

Sharon

Saucy said...

Those are such beautiful pictures, you should consider publishing a calendar.

Mary said...

Sharon,
these are beautiful! I really love the one with the bird in flight over the boat... hope you are staying warm. It was really cold here in NJ today, too. :)
Mary

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

A wonderful selection of pics Sharon. I do feel sorry for all will animals and birds during the winter.

Beth at Aunties said...

I am with Saucy! The pictures are so darn beautiful! I'd buy a calendar!
I can't believe how cold you all are. Our weather has been so beautiful! Around 60 degrees and we are not complaining. It is suppose to change on Thanksgiving, with possible snow.
I have been noticing Fredrick... are you refering to the same Fredrick which called our house/or his mew, home for so long?
Thanks for the Photos....the birds are beautiful!
Continue to enjoy your weekend!
Beth~♥

A New England Life said...

Jeeze Beth, I wondered if you would ever catch on! lol!

Thank you ladies for saying such nice things. I sure do wish it were 80 degrees here instead of the 20's but we take what we are given and do the best we can. I'm just glad I'm not a bird.

Kim said...

Sharon, I love your pictures. Is the lake close to your house? You are so lucky!

Another cold one today her in MA, it is supposed to warm up a little tomorrow. I can't wait.

Stay warm!

nikkicrumpet said...

I can't believe you even dared go outside to take those gorgeous pictures....it is SOOOO COLD! And thanks for the reminder...I just glanced out the window and my platform bird feeder is looking a little empty....dang they sure do go through a ton of seed this time of year! Have a beautiful day....and try to stay warm!!

Jenn: said...

Your photography is so impressive, Sharon! I love the one of the birds bathing. Keep warm!

Vanessa said...

hey, i popped over from in a soft light. i love your latest post! the top picture is my favorite!

Elise said...

Hey Sharon!! Thanks for your advice for my dining room. I am so impressed with how supportive you are of your daughter. I was a little "different" in high school and my mom was indulging and I really appreciated that she let me be me.
Elise

Unknown said...

Your photos are really fantastic and you are living in a wonderful piece of land. It looks like a fairytale to me.

Suzy

Anonymous said...

Virginia is cold today too with light rain. Not as cold as you, but still enough to want not only a coat, but a warm scarf as well. The duckies look very happy today!

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Alyson | New England Living said...

Awesome pics, Sharon! I spent Saturday in NYC. And, yeah, it was FREEZING! Thank goodness it's calmed down a little.

Jayne said...

What a beautiful blog you have Sharon. I will be adding you to my list of places to visit. Thanks for stopping by my Journey Through Grace. :c)

nina at Nature Remains. said...

I love those geese--such detail in their markings.
And the bright bill is such a contrast to colorless feathers.
Very nice!

Unknown said...

Amazing work, Sharon. I love your comment about the "nuts taking a bath." Thank you for sharing.
big ole hugs to you!

Liz Harrell said...

These are such gorgeous photos Sharon! We've got ducks near our house and I always feel SO sorry for them when the lake freezes over. But somehow, they're always ok.

Mary said...

Each photo is just beautiful. Listening to Josh Groban put me in a theater.

Lovely.

A New England Life said...

Thank you all for stopping by!

Kallen, I was actually at a local, slow moving, river, about 10 minutes from my home. Thank goodness for warmer days, right NE ladies?

How sweet to see a few new faces : )

Alyson, you went to NYC? I'll BET it was cold! Can't wait to see pictures!

Nina, for some reason I believe those Geese are domesticated Geese, not wild. I don't find them any where in my bird book. Hopefully they will be okay for the winter.

Mary, you must have a better sound system than me. lol!

Sharon

The Real Estate Talker said...

Beautiful Blog, love your photography. I live in New England, Shrewsbury MA. Where abouts do you live? Stop by my blog and say HI, I love visitors
Blessings~Cheryl

Wendy said...

Beautiful photos! I'm enjoying catching up on your blog.

Claire Brocato said...

Hey Sharon,
You are such a trooper, being out and about in below-freezing temps at 7.30 in the morning! What stunning pics...I particularly love the one of the white bird swooping over the lake! So poetic! I am bookmarking your blog and hope to visit more often!
Hugs, Claire and Abby xoxox