Tag: birds

Have you walked on water?

I’m not asking because I think you’re superhuman. I’m trying to find out if you’ve been ice fishing at any time in your life.

St. Louis is too mild to depend on any pond or lake freezing thick enough to be safe. But I grew up 400 miles or so farther north near the Mississippi River. In this region, barge and boat traffic comes to a halt in early winter and resumes when the ice breaker comes through towards spring.

This dam, near Alton, Illinois, attracts a different sort of winter fisherman. This one has feathers and was recently officially recognized as the Official Bird of the United States of America.

As the northern portion of the river freezes, the birds migrate south — to open water. This area is popular with both bald eagles and birdwatchers.

In the sweet historical romance, Stitching a Dream, the river freezes and halts the steamboats to fictional Elm Ridge, Illinois for a portion of each winter. Check out some of the town activities in January 1852, when the town is at its most isolated. Link to the book’s Kindle edition follows: https://amzn.to/3VwoeFh

Imagine a winter day – in a snowy climate. Now add some colorful figures in an arrangement pleasing to the eye.

Do you suppose that was the assignment to the artist for this puzzle?

The bright Adirondack chair offers a contrast to both the snow and the faded birdhouse. The birds – more than I can fathom together even if a feeding station was just off screen – supply additional pops of color plus interesting shapes. The chipmunk is a surprise. I’d expect him to be curled up below ground taking a nap.

Do these species of bird visit your yard or local park in the winter?

In the sweet historical romance, Stitching a Dream, geese migrating south for the winter get a mention in early November. Click on the link for more information on this story set in 1851 Illinois. You’ll meet Polly Black, a single mother seamstress, and her new neighbor, Kurt Tafel. https://amzn.to/3VwoeFh