January cold.

When outdoor temps are well below 0°, minus 23C this morning, the water in the spring is so much warmer than the air temperature that the ducks and geese that congregate there are often enveloped in a cloud of steam.

Clouds of steam reflecting the rising

The bird feeders have been empty for a few days, but my daughter came by last night and shoveled a small path on the deck and filled two of the feeders. The birds are so much happier this morning. Poor things

When the river is iced over, bald eagles often come to fish in the open water. They land in the treetops and suddenly dive in and grab a fish. I haven't seen any yet this winter, but it is really entertaining to watch.

And of course I couldn't resist taking a photo of these tree shadows! Winter really is beautiful to look at through the windows, as long as I can stay indoors and avoid the cold.