Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments,
embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.
- John Boswell









Today I was able to capture a picture of the birds that gather for warmth and sustenance in snow covered yards, fields and orchards.

We have a brave troop of quail that delight in the bounty of summer, and follow the trail of seeds in the winter with diligence, hope and an almost military orderliness.. Here they are, scavenging beneath the bird feeder where the small wild birds have spilled seed on to the icy snow the surrounds the apple trees in the back yard.

One of their favourite route marches is a single file encirclement of the fence that surrounds the garden and upon which we grew scarlet runners this year, in a dense mass. I watch them through the lacy vines as they pass, one by one, - and above them the look-out on the fence keeps a sharp eye out for stealthy neighbouring cats, or circling hawks.

Out here in the country there are tangled vines and piles of prunings which provide shelter. Along our driveway, and around the house the quail pick at the gravel and small stones, so this is where we scatter seed to make their foraging extra rewarding.


The amaryllis today, - four beautiful blooms and a companion stem reaching the blossoming stage.