There are many early indicators of a seasonal shift from Winter to Spring at Wachusett Meadow Farm in New England — an increase in snowshoe travel, strong shadows and patterns, running streams, melting snow patches on stone walls, diminishing icicles, sheep wool thick enough for shearing and diverse creatures sunbathing and feeding.
The clouds accumulating before last week’s Winter storm felt ominous, yet were mesmerizing. In relationship to the landscape, they provided an experience of dramatic movement during a shift in atmospheric pressure.
My point-and-shoot camera enables me to see amazing details, even at a great distance. During a recent walk at Mass Audubon Wachusett Meadow, I thought I saw a nest swinging near the top of a tree. Thanks to my camera, I was delighted to discover that it was really this gorgeous Barred Owl!
What could be more enchanting than waking up to eight inches of fluffy chiffon covering an otherwise Spring-like day?
The cardinal spreads the news: Yet another Winter Storm Warning for Massachusetts.
This red squirrel took great care to find, examine, select and enjoy only the choicest of black sunflower seeds from the treasure trove beneath the bird feeder.
The meadow may be snowy (and more snow is on the way), but I am imagining the transformation from Winter to Spring and finally to a hot Summer’s day.
The recent Super Moon provided a chance for experimentation with filters and editing.
Even within the short space of an hour, the Winter light in New England can intensify color dramatically.
In Massachusetts, the return of the red-winged blackbird is a welcome sign of Spring. Luckily, this one doesn’t seem to mind the snow.
Jewel-like colors can be found in lively meadow lands as well as quiet cloisters.
(Window photographed at St. Joseph’s Abbey, Spencer, MA.)
The Sun was perfect for capturing “eye light” in animals and birds of different sizes. A close inspection of the squirrels’ eyes reveal barns and landscapes of the Audubon. The eyes of the titmouse and the northern cardinal are harder to decode, but they sparkle charmingly, anyway.
The “Prague Sun” is the most valuable object in the collection of the Loreto Liturgical Treasures in the Czech Republic. This breathtaking Sun shape is made of a high gilded silver from 1699 and weighs over 12 kg. It is decorated by 6222 diamonds.
On a recent walk by a familiar stream, I was dazzled not by gilded silver or diamonds, but by glistening ice in sunburst patterns around a stone.
(Prague Sun photograph courtesy of Creative Commons.)
While crunching through my yard after the latest storm, I was surrounded by the juxtaposition and sequence of patterns created by the January light.
The sociable black-capped chickadee is the state bird of Massachusetts. It does not migrate, so its cheerful call can be heard in any season, anywhere from backyards to deep forests. It is a delightful companion all year round.
On a chilly New England afternoon, the Northern Cardinal and the American Tree Sparrow shared a feast at the Wachusett Meadow Audubon in Massachusetts. Neither bird paid attention to me.
