23-Dec-2019
Northern cardinal, male
One of many cardinals noted in the garden just before Christmas.
23-Dec-2019
Crabapples (Malus)
Still remaining on the tree, when many other trees had lost their fruit to hungry birds and squirrels. These too will be eaten in time and by spring the tree will probably be emptied of fruit. When I was there, there must have been at least eight, if not nine or ten cardinals in the tree feeding on the fruit.
23-Dec-2019
The Ravine
A burst of winter sun over the ravine. Although the pond was frozen, the stream emerging from it and running down through the ravine was still open, providing water for any wildlife that needed it.
23-Dec-2019
The pond in winter
Covered in snow and a thin layer of ice, there is no open water in the pond. Some years the water has remained open near the bridge, and one memorable year a large section was open, even on very cold days, and scores of Mallards took up winter residence. I don't think that has happened since then.
23-Dec-2019
Sky over the garden
It was a day of both grey, cloudy skies and sunshine when I walked around the FWG just before Christmas.
