Hushed morning

There is something decadent about not even getting dressed to take pictures. It was so easy, ... hang out window and try focusing on a snow flake. A little magic from the 18th floor without even having to put on leaky boots.

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Practice makes perfect

Squirrel scrimmage. Practice for the circus?, social skills?, puberty? family life? Two sweet youngsters romping.

Playtime is good.

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Very nice duplex

The birds were out yesterday finding seeds under newly bared soggy leaves, but the best spotting was the raccoon checking out a new den. Downstairs was checked for fit. Then upstairs was checked for all necessities, gnawed a bit, viewed, all in order, moved right in.

I think this was previously a squirrel den. Not anymore.

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From the 15th

When the weather is bad I stay put. These are from strolling on December 15th. The cedar waxwings flew into the Tanner's Spring area.

Knock, knock, anyone home????

It was bound to happen, a peanut tree near the Oven.

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Strolling in the gloom

The snow is not longer pure white. The favorite sledding hills are growing bald. The overcast sky renders everything muted. The little birds are hunting for food as soggy leaves surface.

Now that the trees are bare it's possible to see the nests from summer. Beautiful woven oriole's nest by the side of Turtle Pond.

Our West End Avenue great horned owl. The pigeons love him.

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Found food, sort of

Food is where you find it..... first meal at dropped muffin at entrance to the park.

Next attraction at the suet feeder.............. not so easy to reach..... unless you have wings

There are several trees near the Great Lawn that have been berry-laden for a while. Not anymore. Finally, the birds are stripping them bare. This is easy for the tiny birds who can perch out on slender twigs, but the robins have a harder time. The twigs can't carry their weight, so the robins lunge, or hover and snatch. It's like watching a basketball game, - leaping up, snagging a berry. Now the trees are almost free of berries. There seems to be a schedule for what gets eaten when.

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

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