2010 was a Gray Jay

eyeing my hand.
It took

what was offered,
robbed me whenever

I turned my back,
glued what it stole

to branches above
the probable snow line.

With glowing hearts

No top ten list here

...I'm afraid. No "best of" list. That's just not me. Not these days. But I'm happy to present this pic of my latest purchases.


Crow by Ted Hughes.

Complete Physical by Shane Neilson.

Lakeland by Allan Casey.

Can't wait to read them.

*
I've also been painting, which gives me plenty of time to think. I posted my latest watercolours here.

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch

...showed up in our yard with some Pine Grosbeaks this morning. I took these pics with H's camera, but it's heavy and I cannot hold it steady. A cold triple pane window doesn't help. I'm posting these anyway as this is an unusual sighting for here. I did take video as well to back up the sighting. It's clearer than the pics.












Update: It came back this afternoon, so I tried again. It's a manic eater, so its head is blurred in many of them, but I managed to get some clearer shots. Still not the best.








Update: I uploaded the video I shot of the bird this morning to YouTube. Click here. (I'll likely replace this video later on with one H just shot in HD.) Those of you who have been here will recognize the legs of our big tray feeder. H just got home from work and is watching the Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch right now.

Update: Here's H's video of the bird from this afternoon. Way better!

I've said I don't write book reviews, but

...you'll find a capsule review by yours truly in today's Winnipeg Free Press.


I had the pleasure of reviewing The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America by Donald and Lillian Stokes. The limit was 100 words. I rarely say good morning in less than 100 words, so needless to say it was a challenge.