Tulips and Daffodils

  These are transplants, and I'm not sure how they'll do here.

New Crepe Myrtles

This little guy isn't at all comfortable yet. He's only been planted a couple of weeks, and already he's covered with snow. Hmmmmm. I hope he doesn't get discouraged.

 

Trees Ready for Spring

The big-boy ash tree is already getting little fuzzy blossoms.  

Trees Getting Ready for Spring

The established crepe myrtle is showing tiny buds.

Roses Love Snow

If you listen closely, you can hear the rose bushes saying "Aaaaaaaaaah, this feels good." The snow will actually keep them warm and unharmed from the crisp temperatures.

Snowed in our Valley Yesterday

We didn't get as much snow as expected . . . not nearly as much as our last snowstorm a month ago, but always welcome.

A Kettle of Turkey Vultures

I just found out from a representative at the Audubon Society that my photo is of Turkey Vultures. See the reply to my email:

"Nice photo! They are Turkey Vultures in a kettle. Some of the birds in the photo show the wide wings of Turkey Vultures. Some of the birds show the dihedral (slightly upturned wings making a shallow "v" shape) characteristic of Turkey Vultures. And, the way they are floating in all different directions in a kettle is also characteristic of Turkey Vultures. By the way, I counted the vultures in your photo. It looks like you got a picture of a little over 50 individual Turkey
Vultures. Continued Happy & Productive Birding, (signed) "

Nice term: kettle.

So, I think my next big purchase will be "good" binoculars.

And I'll be able to actively participate in the upcoming backyard bird count Feb 13 to 16, 2009.