The Cardinals Always Arrive at Dusk

- Cold and clear this morning. Typically this time of year, , in our part of Tennessee, the day/night hi/low is around 48/30 in the Sequatchie Valley and 46/26 on the Cumberland Plateau. We have had a few cold nights recently! The forecast is for milder weather across the area this weekend and next week.

- I observed several groups of Sandhill Cranes floating over the Sequatchie Valley this morning. The birds were in groups of 8-12 and, though I did not see them touch down, they seemed to be intent on landing in a field adjacent to the Sequatchie River. Some things warrant a quick detour from the highway......just to watch.

- Attached are several recent photos of birds on my feeders......

From bottom to top.....

1) A Common Flicker and Eastern Bluebird seem to be enjoying a casual moment.

2) A male Northern Cardinal perched stoically in the cold wind on the bough of a young Hemlock. The Cardinals always show up at dusk...sometimes as many as 6-8, males and females. They are always the last ones to leave the feeders.

3) A Red-Bellied Woodpecker caught in a curious pose as it peers around the suet feeder.

4) A female Downy Woodpecker enjoying the suet.

5) A Carolina Wren (not to be confused with Bewick's Wren), also found in this area...seems to resting comfortably after a snack. A closeup of this industrious little bird would show a bill configuration more adapted to other food sources. It must have been quite hungry on a cold winter day!

- I also observed Chickadees, Purple Finches, Song Sparrows, Mourning Doves, Hairy Woodpeckers, Goldfinches, White Breasted Nuthatches, Tufted Titmice, and even a Mockingbird during the day.

1-8-09 Observations

- Cloudy and cool early this morning, with a few snow showers, but the afternoon has been quite pleasant, temperatures in the 40s with brilliant sunshine and a refreshing breeze.

- Rain...we have had an abundance of rain recently (3-4" in the last 36 hours) and the creeks, lakes and ponds within our developments are at capacity. At our elevation, about 2,200' above sea level, we have no concern of flooding.

- I have spotted several deer recently. They are often quite difficult to see this time of year...especially against the brown leaves of a forest floor.

- Also, I have seen several raptors as of late....On a hike today, I saw three Red-Tailed Hawks and a Sparrow Hawk.

- Deer stories abound this time of year, and though I haven't hunted Odocoileus in decades, I am always intrigued by the stories. Many times I require photo evidence of the tale being recounted. We found a large buck recently, apparently badly wounded in a fight with another male deer. The animal was in such bad shape, we had to put the animal out of its misery.

At one time, it must have been an impressive stag, but at the time is was found, it was in a weakened and somewhat emaciated state. I would love to have seen the opponent.

- I have had reports of several Bald Eagle sightings near our properties recently. I hope for a photo soon.

- The attached photos of the mountains were taken on a woodland hike this morning. Each is worthy of many words.

- Also attached is a photo taken today of Canada Geese behind The Lodge on Lake George. They seem to be enjoying a lull in the action, as many of the birds had their head beneath a wing, snoozing in the sun. Like the Common Crow that abounds in our area, the geese seem to always post a lookout.