Laid round bare shoulders, winter white,
a veil, with diamonds dripping,
she steps slowly forward.
All stand.
And in the bower, birds.
Come along in Red Canoe as she explores the quiet backwater of Ohio's State Parks and the scenic streams and rivers of the Midwest. Discover the beauty hidden beyond the water's edge, quietly waiting, past access points, often only inches deep!
Come browse my photography site, Nature Remains: nothing but a photograph, for full-page slide shows of my favorite images and opportunities to purchase them.
In Spring of 2008, I began the study of 2 vernal pools on my property as part of the Ohio Vernal Pool Partnership monitoring program.
My 2008 journal includes the first photos and findings, as I studied this fascinating wetland area just a few steps beyond my backdoor...
2009 photos and findings,
2010,... again!
Now, 4 years later, another season is just days away!
Travel beyond the Midwest has taken me to some beautiful places. Usually off the beaten track, these places are WILD!
Acadia National Park
New River Nature Festival
Olympic National Park
Pictured Rocks and the UP
Voyageurs National Park
(click on the text above each photo for a quick get-away)
A regularly appearing feature, "Have you seen..." takes a closer, more patient look at things usually not seen in a flattering light.
Take a look!
Each spring, as winter lessens its grip and days warm with the first fragrant breezes of a new season, we collect sap from our Sugar Maples and produce just enough syrup for ourselves for the coming year.
The progress of this year's backyard endeavor is illustrated here.
Summer 2008, the tiny jewel of the avian world, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, nested just feet from my front door. Pictures of her nest and the changing lives within are collected in this journal.
From life the size of a pea....
Cats that come to stay
(click on the text above each photo for stories in these collections)
33 comments:
What a lovely set of pictures. I do not get Purple Finches, a Tufted Titmouse, or Carolina Wrens at my feeders. I am glad we got snow rather than ice in this storm even though the ice is pretty.
Beautiful pictures Nina and even more beautiful words. I can see all in my minds eye.
I can't help feeling sorry for the the birds... I'm glad you have the ice to photograph so nicely but I hope it all melts real soon!
Mary
For either one reason or another, we don't see these type's of birds around here. Wish that we did. I do have a bird feeder out in the front yard, but just don't see them. I like your great pictures that you have taken. You've done a great job. - Les
These are absolutely stunning.
These branches have come CLOSE to our window, under ice, the weight bearing down.
And, with the brightness all around, the photos I've been able to get are some of my favorites of all time!
Yes--even more important than ever--feeding the birds. Their world has been encased in inches of impenetrable ice!
What an awesome little gallery of photos! I can see why they've become your favorite!
The beauty of the fluffed birds nestled in that wintery wonderland is absolutely stunning.
This morning when I arose, two carolina wrens were heard... inside my garage! They quickly escaped when I opened the garage door.... Lovely photos....tufted titmice are becoming some of my favorites!
Lovely words; lovely photos. Thank you.
A winter bower of ice and thorns, filled with tiny delicate birds - amazing photos!
Wow! Amazing pictures of nature at its fullest…wish everyone knew how fragile it is, how easy to save it.
Best,
EcoPanas.com
Lovely birds in the ice. Hope the stuff melts soon.
These pictures are so beautiful and interesting. I've never seen birds perching on ice coated branches.
Beautiful. And those birds look chilly!
As always Nina, stunning pictures and prose. I love how all of the pictures are in harmony with one another.
Fantastic shots.Each bird has it's own little ice castle.
Blessings,Ruth
Wow,wow,wow. I think these are my favourite photos of all time, too!! Beautiful, thank you.
Nina--I love the way the photos show the birds with their feet tightly grasping the icy branches. I wonder--do they feel the cold on their feet?
Beautiful set of photos Nina. I especially love the cardinal. As treacherous as ice and snow can get it creates a beautiful world. Keep those little birdies fed.
Sorry for the ice but . . . . it really does make STUNNING photos! BRAVO work!
Whenever I see Carolina Wrens in the snow, I feel so bad for them. They aren't meant for this weather - but who is?
Sooo beautiful!!
Loved your 'ice beads' post :)
Well, of course the Carolina Wren is my favourite! (if I only knew which one it was). My feet are getting cold just watching these pictures. Beautiful photos.
Carolina (it really is my name)
awesome! all series of winter pictures are beautiful. Check out my camera critters here and thanks for leaving a comment.
Gorgeous shots!
These are absolutely gorgeous photos! Thanks for sharing.
Giggles--I am becoming fond of Titmice, too. They're fairly comfortable getting quite close, and, unlike the chickadees, sit still long enough for their picture!
KGmom--I think they DO feel the cold--can you imagine, not having one square inch of your world un-iced?!
Toni--aren't the colors on Mrs. Cardinal wonderful--almost a bronze--and she has red eyebrows!
Carolina--sorry to not have them better marked--the Carolina Wren is the next to the last photo (small brown bird)
Just in case others are curious:
1. Tufted Titmouse
2. Purple Finch
3. American Goldfinch
4. Chickadee (not sure which)
5. Carolina Wren
6. Northern Cardinal
These are fantastic photos!!!!
Beautiful icy winter wonderland, I just hope the birds find enough food!
Letspaintnatature--
Me, too! And in an ice storm, especially, bird feeding can be far more than a birdwatchers' hobby. It can be a real life saver!
each shot is beautiful!!
wonderful framing
This are beautiful pictures, Nina. I love pictures and poetry!
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