Valentine’s Day bling
February 12th, 2010 by Kristin Green
Everyone deserves something sparkly – or at least shiny – in time for Valentine’s Day. Wasn’t it nice of Mother Nature to give us her latest gift – a 14 karat white-gold with diamonds storm (known in my household as The Apocalblyzzard That Wasn’t). We only had a couple-four inches of snow here but it was heavy and wet and even after 2 days of sun, it is still clinging to tree trunks and sparkling like jewelry. (I took the pictures first thing on the morning after. Hover over for captions and click on for a closer look.)
And what’s Valentine’s Day (weekend) without a love story? I’m not sure what made me stop and turn my gaze way upwards but after a moment’s reverie I spotted our resident pair of hawks (we think they’re Red-tailed) gazing back down at me. Red-tailed hawks generally mate for life and our female should be laying a clutch of eggs in the next month or two. We have seen them circling around a bit lately screeching and that, according to the wikipedia entry, is foreplay. — On that note, I’ll just wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day (weekend)!
February 12th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Oooh… how lucky you are to see the pair together! I sometimes see a hawk (no idea what kind–they’re so hard to tell apart) in this large dead tree on the edge of a woods on my way home from work, but have never seen two at the same time. Between them and the “bling” this is a lovely Valentine’s post.
Thanks, Kim! -kris
February 13th, 2010 at 11:25 am
On the day after the” Apocalblyzzard ” I saw a tiny clump of golden crocus blooming near Hope Street. Good reason for a happy, happy Valentine’s weekend!!
Jean, I keep meaning to look for that clump! Near Hope St. could be anywhere along my dog-walk… -kris
February 13th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
Wondrous. We also had close to zip for snow, which is a touch disappointing given that we’re in Lake Effect territory. I’m so happy for your hawks! We have a soaring, screeching pair of raptors I don’t recognize. Don’t tell the redtails, but I find these new guys more elegant fliers. And our redtails are going to be ticked when they return and find their territory inhabited.
Lynn, I wonder if you’ll get to witness some exciting fights over territory. I know who you’ll be rooting for. -kris
February 16th, 2010 at 10:04 am
Serenely beautiful pictures with love in the air…or trees.
Thanks, Layanee – I think it was love… -kris
February 16th, 2010 at 10:12 am
I was travelling the day of the non storm but it still wreaked havoc on my schedule. We got 2 or 3 inches here but driving to NYC the amounts steadily grew to about 10 to 12 inches. It looks like they had a lot of wind too.
The Hawks are fun to have in the garden. We have a pair and it really does keep the varmits away (they seem to know). Ours have had babies the last couple of years. Watch them quickly as they grow up very fast.
D.F., We got to watch one fledge last summer too. And we haven’t had quite so many bunnies in the garden lately… Or squirrels. -kris
February 16th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
The blanketed pond photo reminded me of Dr. Zhivago scenes–very cold and very beautiful. Thank you for yet another that I’mtempted to use as wallpaper. And a belated Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too. Now, on to spring…
Mum, Lara’s theme will run through my head every time I’m down there now. Thanks?… -kris