Short-Eared Owl at Night

I usually can only go on Sunday afternoons. Up until now this winter I have not seen short-eared owls, except at quite a distance. Tonight I saw them closer, but still not very close after sunset.

Short-Eared Owl at Night

Weekends are not a good time to go. I have been going on Sundays since early December with little luck. It is crowded and people tend to be loud on the weekends, hence the owls stay far beyond the distance to take a decent photo. Not a good recipe for chances to see them up close. This was just after sunset. Here’s hoping I have better luck in the future.

Hawk Opening Act

The main attraction at one place I visit is short eared owls. I usually can only go during the weekend. Too many people are there then, so the owls do not come close to the areas you are allowed to stand while visiting. Occasionally, on a weekday they may come close to the photographers. However, so far I have only been able to stop by on one day during the weekends. Luckily this hawk has started to entertain us. I think it either wants to know what the fuss is, or it is a diva. The hawk seems to be saying, “Look at Me!”

Hawk Opening Act

I believe it is a red -tailed hawk. It is obliging and lands on trees, buildings, and posts. Sometimes the opening acts are better than the main show. Don’t discount them.

Speakeasy Motors

A Speakeasy is a place where alcoholic beverages were sold illegally during the Prohibition years in the USA (1920–33). Some think the word came from speak-softly shops, which were illegal drinking establishments in England and Ireland in the 19th century. Since alcohol was illegal people needed to be secretive. Customers were expected to speak quietly while inside the establishments to avoid being found out. Speakeasies in the USA did not become well known until 1920, when an amendment to the Constitution outlawed alcohol. In New York City there were between 20,000–100,000 speakeasies.

Speakeasy Motors

Driving on a rural road, I came across this vintage vehicle being used for advertising. It is advertising Speakeasy Motors. I love finding repurposed old vehicles. How about you?

Male Mallard Headshot

We have experienced a lot of rain and many cloudy days since the start of summer. This picture of a male mallard was taken on the Hudson River when a break in clouds formed. It was a short window.

Male Mallard Headshot

This male mallard is enjoying some corn. Try to enjoy the sunshine, even if it is only in short spurts.

Fishkill Doors

I found some more doors! This time in Fishkill, New York. Many of these doors may be newer ones, but they have character. They also have nice wreath displays. 

Fishkill Doors – with a wreath that is unique
Fishkill Doors – this family totally renovated this old house over the past few years
Fishkill Doors- the Old Dutch Church built in 1725. It was used as a prison during the Revolutionary War
Fishkill Doors -I believe this house had several nice things as a part of the display spread out across the porch. The husband came out and said the wife does these displays herself.
Fishkill Doors – These doors look original.
Fishkill Doors – more likely a modern one
Fishkill Doors – cemetery chapel I am not sure how old this building is.

It is very hard for me to pick a favourite. They are all good in their own way. The first four are a four way tie first place for me. What do you think?

It was another dark and dreary day in a sea of dark and dreary days. Still trying to get out regardless. The walking trails in the woods are far too muddy to traverse. Don’t count out days that do not cooperate weather wise! Have a happy and safe New Year!

Red Hook Doors

I love old doors. I went on a short trip through Red Hook, New York and some of the old doors stood out to me with their Christmas greens. Included are a few I saw.

Red Hook Doors- My favourite- Unfortunately I could not get too close. I took this from the sidewalk and there was a bush in front of the view.
Red Hook Doors- single door
Red Hooks Doors- Houses with 2 doors had two wreaths
Red Hook Doors- Double Door Double Wreath

The weather has been very uncooperative this week. We have had dark skies and rain. Seeing the decorations has been a highlight. My favourite is the first one. Which one is yours?

Grinch House

Took some family on a ride on some streets in another county that were said to have good displays. One house stood out for me. It was the house that was made to look like Grinch. (I took the photo with my phone).

Grinch House

This Grinch House light display came complete with his dog. The windows are his eyes. The attic window is his hat. The door appears to be his nose. They are making him smile. Have you seen any unique decorations on your travels this year?

More American Coot

Would the American Coot still be here on Christmas? Yes, it was. Before heading out Christmas morning I stopped by the river to feed some ducks and the lone American Coot was still there.

More American Coot – Following the Ducks

This time it fuly came out of the water to where the corn was. He was actually one of the first to come up on land. I actually got a better view of the coot’s legs than during the summer. They are still greenish and very lizard looking.

More American Coot- Heading towards the corn.

He has come close to shore many times, but this is the first time I have seen him go after the corn I leave out. I am guessing this means there is less for it to eat in the water. I am surprised this bird is hanging around.

I hope you had a Merry Christmas and have a healthy New Year!

Christmas Sheds

These were taken on the NY – Connecticut border. I personally like the two darker colours, but that is just preference.

Christmas Sheds – Dark
Christmas Sheds – medium
Christmas Sheds – light

It seems as if I am seeing less decorations this year. The houses with children ten to have the blow up decorations. Some houses have wreaths, but to me it seems there are less. Maybe it is the sign of the economy, things costing more, and people having less money. How is it in your neck of the woods? Are there more, the same amount or less decorations than before COVID?

Two Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Planning some Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the future? Here are two more.

Elf on a Shelf Ideas – Pirate

Having the Yeti/ Abominable Snowman along with Rudolph can make the set up more interesting. For this one I made pirate patches for their eyes and covered the elves head with cloth to make it look like a pirate. The treasure chest I believe I got at Hobby Lobby and the gold coins (Chocolate) are sold at many places before the holidays.

I had this larger tub already to hold washcloths in my bathroom. It was a good size for an elf. This one is larger than soap size. These bathtubs are popular in soap size, so even a good size for some smaller elves or other characters. Merry Christmas!