Snow Last Night

©2012 Ken W. Hall

©2012 Ken W. Hall

©2012 Ken W. Hall

The photos and information below were sent to me today by my husband, Ken.  We enjoyed quite a treat this morning.

We've had no snow for quite a while now-until last night. We had gone to an event, the Chamber of Commerce Christmas event that began at 5:00 pm.

With the festivities in full swing someone glanced out the window at the lights. An old friend was visiting. Snow was falling in small flakes and there was lots of it. There was no wind so the magic was evident, quiet and peaceful.

We woke up this morning remembering yesterday's bird visits. The usual birds, finches, redpolls and a lone mountain jay feasted and chattered wildly in thanks for the seeds. We had not seen a jay for maybe two months. We commented that maybe it was left behind in the migration, sort of a bird without a purpose.

During our morning coffee and tea time suddenly we became aware of the purpose for yesterday's lone jay. He was a "scout". And then in races the flock of jays, probably 15 - 20 of them descended in mass. The smaller finches and all those of that size with flurried wings scattered to the wind…nowhere to be seen or heard.

What was different this time the jay hoard descended on the feeders was that they brought the summers young addition to the flock! Easily evident because of their rounded bodies, shorter beaks and sans the squeaking of the adults in the lead of this raid, the young ones were far less camera shy than the hardened adults. The jay families are of the crow family so the calls can be heard as they approach. 

This is why we share our "baby album" of our new family. May life be gentle to us all.

                                                                                                      --- Ken W. Hall