52 Weeks in Nature: Week 2

I am so happy to be joining Donni over at The Magic Onions every Friday highlighting something in nature that we observed during that week. It could be something that made us pause or took our breath away. It fits nicely with trying to be more mindful of our surroundings and appreciating the beauty that surrounds us. I hope you enjoy my experiences of nature here in Maine and please check out Donni's page as well, to view other people from around the country that may be posting what they are experiencing in nature where they live.

As 2/3 of the country is well aware, this past week has been VERY cold! I have managed to spend a little time outdoors, but most of my observing came from my windows with a cup of coffee in hand. I had received a new bird feeder for Christmas and sadly, no birds have come to feed from it since we have set it up. I guess it was not set out early enough or I just have very bad bird marketing skills. The wind this past week had knocked some of the birdseed balls down to the ground and at one point I looked out my window and saw this.

Now this squirrel looked far from starving and normally I would feel a bit defeated with the squirrel getting to the birdseed, but I was just so happy to have a visitor at the feeder and did not mind. I returned about 10 minutes later to see if my portly friend was still feasting and was greeted by another surprise.

I was thrilled to be able to capture these two, yes there were 2 of them and no sign of the squirrel! They were beautiful, but I was also happy to be observing from behind the glass. Although they looked harmless and most likely would be scared away if I approached, I don't think I want to get in the way of an animal in Maine during the winter who has just discovered food.