The Eagle Strikes

Lots of action for what started as a clear sunrise to a peaceful winter's day. It was the great clamor that alerted my wife to this morning's events. She looked toward the Elks from the island to see--and hear--a great cloud of crows hovering over a black area of ice. As she pulled her binoculars for a closer look--up from the multitude rose a Bald Eagle with the remains of a crow--feathers still flying from the carcass. The crows followed for a ways--but kept a respectful distance. The eagle took his position in his favorite tree on the point near White Creek, complete with the remains of the crow, and the other crows retreated to our point deck tree to continue their noisy confab.
Then, after a short time, they all flew to the feathered pile on the ice where the deed was done. Here they formed a circle around the feathers--not picking at them--but as if in solemn observance they formed groups of four to six and began a long period of clucking. After a time, they all dispersed, and we have reclaimed our quiet winter's morning.

The Ice is Here

Swans on the way to Big Island.

On the way back to Rain Creek.

Have you ever left your home for a long trip, or closed it for the Winter? If you do like I do, the last thing before you leave you'll take a last tour of all the rooms.

Sometimes I think the swans are the same. They almost never venture from the South Shore and Rain Creek--save for just before the lake ices over. At that time they take a tour of the "rooms" at Big Island and return. The last two winters they made their tour precisely one day before the lake froze solid. This time around they made the trip a couple of days early. Today, I held a 1/4 inch chunk of the lake's surface in my hand. However, I think we will be back to open water by day's end. I wonder if they'll be back?

The Coots are also confused by the sudden freeze. They have congregated on our shore side lot. I almost never see them out of the water--but the sudden icing left them with no other option.

If you look closely around here in winter--you will never find a dull moment.

EAGLES!!!

We now have two Bald Eagles working the Eastern shore between the Elks and the county ramp. One plucked something from the lake--couldn't tell whether is was a duck or a fish--and flew to the tree on the point halfway between the Elks and White Creek. We never get tired of watching them. Here's hoping a nest follows.

Happy New Year

There always seems to be a moment on a cloudy day, when the sun finds a place to shine through. Maybe that makes a good New Year's wish. May the sun shine through for all your days in 2012.

First Snow

We add some lights to the flag pole for the holidays.

The first snow of any substance. It's been a pretty forgiving winter so far.

Merry Christmas!

With very best wishes from Treasure Island.

The Birdy Bush

It is the lady of the island's habit to put a row of sunflower seeds on the railing of the kitchen deck at the beginning of each day.

We have a flock of sparrows on the island that is quite dispersed among the many trees. That is, until they hear the call "birdy, birdy, birdy." Then they all fly to the bush at the kitchen deck railing to watch eagerly as the morning's snack is laid out.

I could only catch a representative few with my little camera. Often the center of the bush will hold another twenty or so.

The Squirrels are always happy to help with the clean up.