I heard an unusually big sound of wings between me and the creek this morning, and looked up to see a pair of Bald Eagles!! I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen this bird before ever, and were they actually right here a few steps from my own house?
Yes, they were. They were leaving the branches of a tree as I walked by, and flew low through the creek bed a little farther, lit again briefly, and then lifted up into the blue sky above me where I got a movie with my phone, of them circling around me and the treetops. They are not too high and small in the movie to recognize their markings and confirm who they are. I can’t get over my astonishment, but I don’t mind it hanging on to me longer….
Also down by the creek many of the trees have colonies of mistletoe like this. One day I counted several dozen “decorated” trees, and when I went back in the evening the light was perfect for documenting the clumps that I normally don’t pay attention to.
Much prettier sights are also to be seen looking up:
I heard a lovely choral Christmas concert performed in our church last week. Beforehand all the electric lights were turned on, and looking up there one could see the dome brightly even though it was night! For the winter liturgical services we still only use candles, even at night, so it was different to get this view:
I have started cleaning up the garden in preparation for the dormant season. The sunflowers are still blooming, but I don’t want to wait until a frost hits to try to stuff them all in the bin, so I am filling it with sunflowers weekly. These Delta Sunflowers are the best! The birds adore them, too — Every time I go out the front door, a dozen are under the thicket, where a million seeds must have fallen by now and are still dropping.
I brought in the last bouquet:
In the back garden, Christmas is more obviously on the way!
Gladsome Lights 
You take such beautiful pictures~~Gretchen. You have a real talent for photography.
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One beauty after another…
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I love that little house so much, so darling! nice post this and the one before on the moon! Wonderful to notice the beauty around us!
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Eagles are not uncommon around here but mistletoe growing as it does in big clumps, now that would be something to see! All your photos are lovely.
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The sunflowers are marvellous! Are you liking how your new garden is working for you?
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Its all so pretty Gretchen, oh my goodness to see Bald Eagles like that. I need to put the rest of my garden to sleep. Its is so beautiful.
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That little playhouse is just adorable. Isn’t a Christmas concert at church just wonderful for enriching the spirit and drawing one into the season of joy? Lovely post.
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Wowie! Zowie! Eagles at the creek!!! Would you take a minute to report to Cornell Lab of Ornithology, please.
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Lovely post, Gretchen. I especially like the last pic, what a character. A little shed that’s full of imaginary stories, and reminds me too of Thoreau’s abode at Walden Pond. 🙂
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Are those eagle nests in the tree? Still fall and so many pretty leaves, but we just got a bit of snow.
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No, those are the clumps of mistletoe! Eagles don’t normally show up here at all.
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I always look forward to visiting your blog. Thank-you for all your posts. I love the little wreath on the playhouse door.
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