Sunday, December 6, 2009

First Snow-- Purple Finch and Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Yesterday, I awoke to 3 inches of snow on the ground. Darn--I had to go to a meeting in town in the morning (where there was little snow--only slush and freezing rain). When I returned, I bundled up and went on a walk.


At noon, the snow was still coming down and sticking to the trees like cotton candy.


The field across from our land did not seem to have as much snow. Maybe the wind blew it away.



Later (while watching endless college football), I heard a bird fly into our new patio door. The Purple Finch sat on a chair for a long while, then flew up into this burning bush about 10 feet from the house. I was glad he flew off later.


This morning, a male Red-Bellied Woodpecker enjoyed a suet cake. No other bird will challenge him at the feeder.

Even though winter is not my favorite season, I don't mind that this snow is sticking around for awhile. Hope it stays until Christmas but around here, that's doubtful.

14 comments:

  1. Although I have made a BIG point of not ever wanting to see snow outside my door, I do miss the beauty of a snowfall. (Please don't tell hubby or the kids--they will never let me live it down!!) :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. My sister lives in Williamsburg now, I remember when they lived in Reston & we were there for Christmas & attending Midnight Mass in just a dress because my winter coat was too much in 75 degree weather. But the following day weather got more seasonal, the temps in the 50's!

    I graduated from Marymount late 60's & when I would leave for a weekend visit home Id be wearing just my suede jacket & freeze when the bus stopped at its destination!

    I wouldnt trade the 4 seasons as Autumn is my favorite for warm temperatures year round!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love the first picture - I am so partial to road and path pictures, and the freshly fallen snow is so beautiful in the trees and brush.
    Very nicely done!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lovely snowy shots Joan! I has so happy the snow stuck to the trees...but not to the main road.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Christina--Williamsburg is quite a bit warmer than here in the mountains. I bet a Williamsburg Christmas is wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  6. bettyl--I'm with you on the snow. I wouldn't miss it that much if we didn't have it but enjoy it, mostly from my window.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Valerie--thanks for the note about the road picture. I do like road pictures too.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kerri--the highway was slick when I went into town but of course, our secondary gravel road was fine.

    ReplyDelete
  9. ...the snow is so pretty, isn't it? We had about 1/2 of an inch today--nothing, but it was pretty when it was falling down early this morning. I love it when everything is turned into a winter wonderland!

    ReplyDelete
  10. One of the joys of living in most of Virginia (I'm in Central) is that we do have four seasons and - most importantly - if you don't like today, just hang around for five days and we will give you something different.

    Happened to drive from Roanoke to Richmond on Saturday and passed thru everything from sleet to fluffy big flakes, to fog on Afton Mountain, and drizzle by the time we reached the capital city. Glad you posted the road pictures because I wanted to stop and take some, and my battery was dead.

    But.... the purple finch is gorgeous. Love your photos all the time. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've had a wonderful visit~~We rarely get snow in Nashville, but it's a treat when we do. Loved the woodpecker and finch shots~
    gail
    clay and limestone

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi, I saw your name on another blog, and came to see your blog. You live in a very pretty area. I don't remember where the Blue Ridge Parkway starts in your state, but am thinking it's east of you.

    I enjoyed your photos. I think that's the same kind of woodpecker that lives in my city neighborhood.

    ReplyDelete
  13. your photos are so beautiful - sharp and clear.
    fun to see the snow and the critters!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lovely winter photos and I especially like the long snowy road.

    ReplyDelete