Juncos on the Stick Feeder.

One junco to the right of the suet.

One above the suet.

So far the crows have not found this suet.

Spotted Towhee and Sparrow

Spotted towhee and sparrow on the fence together.

 

Nature Obscura Book

I am re listening to this book on my morning walks in the preserve. 

Turkey Tail Fungus

 

I found several turkey tail patches in the preserve today.

Just in time for Thanksgiving. 

Fox Sparrows

I found a small flock of fox sparrows in this clump of sticks.

I am hoping some little birds will find these sticks and the suet.

The crows are dominating the other suet feeder. 

Owl in the Big Stump

Gary cut out this owl out of a cedar fence board.

I put him in the large cavity in a big stump in the preserve. 

He is so cute. 

This shows where to find the owl stump.

 

Trametes versicolor Turkey Tail Fungi

Mindy and I found this beautiful fungus on a tree stump at Lake Lois.

Trametes versicolor Turkey Tail Fungi

It grew on the sap line of the tree trunk.

Trametes is a genus of fungi that is distinguished by a pileate basidiocarp, di- to trimitic hyphal systems, smooth non-dextrinoid spores, and a hymenium usually without true hymeneal cystidia. The genus has a widespread distribution and contains about fifty species.
Trametes means "one who is thin"; versicolor means "of various colors" in reference to the strongly zonate (color zones) cap.

Crows

Crows dismantled the bird feeder, hanging around a lot these days. 

Squirrel Tree

I love watching the squirrels in their special tree trunk.

They go up with a mouth full and leave it in the large cavity at the top.

There are several small squirrels in this area.

Pair of Spotted Towhees

Nice to see and hear a pair of spotted towhees.

Would love it if they nested in my garden. 

Frequent Visitor

 

Pond in Preserve

This pond finally has some water. 

I thought there was a waterfowl but it was a stick. 

We will need to do some bird sitting here in spring. 

Orange Jelly Fungus

This is growing on a stump in the preserve.

I'm watching to see if it will grow. 

Toadstool Mushrooms

There are so many cute mushrooms popping up in the Preserve. 

Mushrooms and Fungus

These turkey tail mushrooms are starting to grow again.

They thrive in the winter rains. 

As a bracket fungus, named because of its shelf-like form, its job is to break down 

either the lignin or cellulose in rotting wood.

Northern Flicker

I love it when the northern flicker visits my garden. 

 

Woodland Creek Pond - Wigeons

It was fun to see geese and wigeons at this pond. 

There were buffleheads in the water. 

This time at this pond made me realize how much I miss the lake. 

Killdeer

These killdeer kept a few paces ahead of me. 

They were a beautiful pair.

I hope they find a good place to nest next spring. 

This was across the street from the Villages construction.

Bird Scope

Got out his scope, but it's too cold to sit for long. 

Small Flock of Doves

These doves were at the end of the Arrowroot loop. 

Little Brown Bird

I took this picture through the window.

It is one of several that come onto the patio and peck at the carpet.

This might be a sparrow. 

More Deer and Buck in Preserve

Buck with white patch following a doe. 

This gives a good view of his markings.

White on the inside of his legs. 

This is very interesting to watch. 

Tree Stump with Large Cavity

 

This tree stump has so much character.

A great cavity for a large critter. 

Northwestern Salamander

Found this northwestern salamander on the patio step this morning. 

It is common in western Washington.

Described as brown with a rounded snout.

Squirrel

This squirrel is taking chunks out of these sunflowers.

Squirrel didn't seem to mind the pouring rain.

Native Red and Yellow Columbine

I am pleased to see some leaves on this native columbine.