Spring sunshine,
You bring joy to my soul,
Forgiving of cold, winter nights.
Gentle but then, so warm to my skin,
My wildest dreams take flight. -Yoli Fae
Winter is beautiful and fairly mild here, and we've actually had a few warmer days lately, with the sun peeking through the clouds for a few hours before the cold and rain return. I remind myself to be patient, and that spring isn't officially here until March 20th,
but those occasional bits of warmth make me crave the smallest ray of sunshine even more as I eagerly await my world once again filling with the softness of spring. I look forward to the arrival of crocus, hyacinth and daffodils, and the sound of returning birds singing about winter adventure, as well as new songs from birds who remain here for the winter.
My mind is filled with visions of warm days, of shedding shoes, gloves, scarf, and coat. Trees budding, bees returning, garden dirt being tilled, and nests being built.
I imagine the joy of closing my eyes and feeling my heart touched by the sound of birdsong, and the warmth of sunshine on my face.
I've been enjoying getting classes together for both this year and next. The 4 classes I'll be teaching in Melbourne, Australia next year are finished, and I'm pleased at how it's come together. The site for the 2012 retreat will be open for registration March 31st, and I'll post again closer to that date in case you'd like to take a peek!
Below are a couple digital collage using scans of previous work and my bird photos that I put together the other day. I look forward to creating more.
As I pass the kitchen window, I marvel at the variety of birds that gather here to eat and share their beauty with us. Below is the very shy Downy Woodpecker. They're so shy and elusive that this blurry shot is the best I've been able to get. In fact, I don't even see them when I'm outside, so I was thrilled that I captured this one through the window.
Here's another Woodpecker that I was able to photograph through the window. I couldn't figure out what kind of Sapsucker he was, and after a bit of research we think he's a hybrid from Red-Naped and Red-Breasted Sapsuckers. We were pretty excited to stumble on information about Sapsucker hybrids as well as a photo of one that was very similar to ours. I didn't know hybrid birds even existed!
Oh, and remember Mr Squirrel that I posted a photo of a while back? He's decided to stay, and brought his Mrs home to enjoy the bounty. Although we've only seen them together a couple times, we watch Mr S carry food up into the Pine tree next to the Maple where we feed everyone (he now has his own feeder), and we're pretty sure Mrs S will appear again soon with little ones in tow.
We see signs of nest construction- broken twigs and small chewed branches that have fallen on the ground, and we're pretty sure our first gray squirrel family have planned to stay a while and entertain us as they raise their family. The pine is old with suitable forks and cavities that they would like for their nursery. I plan to go out with binoculars and try to see the nest as soon as the sun comes out again.
Before signing off, I had to share a couple shots of a red-breasted Nuthatch. The first one makes me smile. Their antics make them one of my favorite birds. They're never right side up for long.
Warm wishes for a fabulous and wonderful day from the beautiful Ms Tulla and I.
Your bird shots and collages are simply sublime!!! LOVE THEM!!!!
Hugs to Mz Tulla and yourself!!
Posted by: Elizabeth Woodford | 03/27/2011 at 03:45 PM
Thanks for sharing such beautiful photos and your art!
Posted by: Karen Owen | 03/26/2011 at 09:14 AM
Wonderful photos and post. Enjoyed immensely. Thank You
Posted by: Peggy Beck | 03/21/2011 at 03:45 PM
Wow DJ! I know you wield a camera, but had no idea what a fantastic photographer you are. I am so impressed and one of my favorite subjects as well...birds. I love that you have such access to our fine feathered friends...and the furry ones too. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful art.
Posted by: Renee Troy | 03/20/2011 at 07:16 PM
Fantastic photos, DJ! You must have a very powerful lens to capture the fine details of feathers and fur. And the way you feature your photos in your work is exceptional.
Tootles
Diana
Posted by: Diana Frey | 03/19/2011 at 07:33 PM
You and your camera make a wonderful combination!!! Your birds are spectacular! It is always such a joy to come by and see what you are going to share with us
Posted by: Laurie May | 03/19/2011 at 11:05 AM
oh. my. goodness. how do you get these incredible shots like the bird taking off. i just loooove it and am so jealous of your photos, they are beautiful. i don't get the variety of birds that you do. maybe i need to use a different food to attract more love those, but not sure about the squirrel. they are food hogs, lol. thanks for sharing with us.
Posted by: maryk | 03/19/2011 at 08:24 AM
Tulla has such soul. Wonderful photos and work.
Posted by: Bren | 03/18/2011 at 04:59 PM
What marvelous bird photos!!! That "lift off" one reminds me of a photo you took in Kauai. Now Miss Tullah ... yeah, she could steal my heart.
Posted by: jan | 03/16/2011 at 03:19 PM
Fabulous photos! Spring is only a vaguely hinted at promise here.
Posted by: Joanne Thime Huffman | 03/16/2011 at 10:09 AM
Thanks for your wonderful post! Your amazing photos and words have me in joyful anticipation of spring and the song birds arriving back from their adventures. The nuthatch is also one of my favourite birds. They are so funny and sweet!
Posted by: Katja | 03/16/2011 at 09:07 AM
I LOVE LOVE your bird photos...as always, DJ!
Looking forward o more art.....
Posted by: Steph | 03/15/2011 at 08:02 PM
Oh, so glad you're having a nice day with your wildlife! Hunting season has officially begun here, as max just shared his first bounty--a rat splayed out on his back with his innards removed and placed into piles in my studio. Good think he doesn't have access to your birdies...good grief.
ps--I much prefer your version of wildlife
Posted by: Cindy O'Leary | 03/15/2011 at 03:47 PM
Your photos are so beautiful to look at!! I'm waiting for that feeling of the warm sun on my shoulders..
Posted by: Janet Ghio | 03/15/2011 at 02:37 PM