late December

Christmas was quite an event. We spent 2 1/2 days making a variety of appetizers, soup, dips, and party food for the Christmas Eve dinner. Our 5 guests were very appreciative and photographed the holiday table. Sunday we attended a church service, went caroling at a nursing home, and visited with some of her relatives. A very nice day.
.......Snowy Owls are being reported in Colorado !! A week ago one was seen in the NE corner of the state, for 2 days, and disappeared. Monday we drove south to Aurora following another report of a Snowy at the dam for Aurora Reservoir. Several housing developments have been built along the water, so we wended our way thru the narrow streets looking for a view across the frozen reservoir. At our 3rd stop we met some birders who confirmed the owl had moved to the south. We found our way back thru the subdivisions to a walking/ biking path. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon to be walking across a snow-covered field. It really did look like tundra in some places. No Snowy Owl appeared.
......Tuesday, after some errands, we stopped at St Vrain State Park for an hour of duck watching. Redheads, Buffleheads, Ring necked Ducks, a Canvasback, and a few Northern Shovelers. Robins and Song Sparrows surprised me. Late afternoon we returned to Latham Marsh and were treated to a show by the Short-eared Owls. Female Northern Harriers were looking for dinner as well.

Photos of the Short eared Owl, and the Harrier. photo credits to Nina Hansen.