Reflections and more

Two more sleeps until Christmas. I know this because I read Jen's blog. There are two blogs that give me great pleasure that have little to do with bikes, birds or beasts and everything to do with parents' love for their kids. Jen's is one, and Cristina's is the other. I recommend both blogs, whether or not you have children. There is fine writing and a world of fun in both.

My Christmas sentiments boil down to appreciation for the family and friends in my life, and that brings me to you, as you read this blog. I have come to think of those of you who comment as friends, and for those of you who have barely enough time to read, let alone put your thoughts together to make a comment, I feel your presence and appreciate it. Some of you have your own blogs, or post pictures on photography sites, that bring your lives a step closer to mine. It is remarkable to me how often things you have said, or pictures you have posted, slip into my mind as I go about my days. To each of you, Christmas seems the perfect time to thank you, and to wish you the very best of whatever makes life good for you. May 2010 bring contentment and laughter to you and your loved ones, both human and critter. Whether we have our own pets and children, or whether we enjoy those in the families close to us and to those in nature, it seems to me kids and critters have their own especially contagious way of pointing out the opportunities for fun and beauty in life. Thank you for sharing some of those smiles and thoughts with me.

And now, my photos of the last couple of days, all taken around Jericho Park. Experimenting with the camera, lots of mistakes, but many good moments, and lots of fun too.

Red-winged blackbirds are busy these days, and very entertaining to watch.

I've been noticing reflections in the pond lately.

I'm a bit late this morning, and want to post before I take Black Jack out, so hope I'll be forgiven for hasty identifications. I'm going to say American Wigeons here. As always, I appreciate corrections!

Trying higher iso's here, so grainy background (a ship), but I thought this seagull looked almost like a sculpture.
Two lovecrows.
I don't think I will ever get tired of seagulls in flight.
Parent and child?
Sparrow at the fishing dock
And, another seagull.
Black Jack, with her, what Bill calls "Wild-eyed Orangutan" look. When she isn't exploring rocks, hollow logs will do just fine.
American Wigeons
Black-capped chickadee? Vireo?
Looks like this squirrel is suspended in air, but it was resting on a tiny stub of a branch.
No guess, but I finally found the single-point focus and liked the background here.
Bad picture, but I loved watching this little fellow. It pulled and pushed, and I could have sworn I heard grunting as it puffed out its belly.
More reflections.
Geometric shapes in the form of a female red-winged blackbird.
There is a flock of these hanging around. They are more friendly than they were in the summer, I think because they are not getting fed as regularly, now that the temperatures are colder.

More shapes, in the form of a mallard.
And, more reflections.
Signs of Christmas
A spotted towhee to conclude this post.
Thanks for reading and the very best of the season to you!