Robins in the Snow

December 29, 2023

“Attention is the doorway to compassion.” - Sharon Salzberg

It has been a long, gray, wet stretch of weather here. The local US Weather Service posted that 169 of 180 hours over 7.5 days were overcast - and the 11 hours that weren’t all occurred at night. There was a sunrise though, the morning after Christmas, and I completely missed it because I failed to look out the window instead of believing the weather app! The breaks in the clouds lasted less than an hour. I really had to work on my self-compassion that morning.

That afternoon the universe brought me a different gift. It was snowing lightly, and even though it was too warm to stick, just watching the snow fall seemed to lift the oppressive gray. I was playing around taking videos of the snow falling and trying out the slow-motion setting when a flock of robins appeared:

The robins stuck around for over an hour and I watched them through the window and took a little video from my patio door. They were so joyful! It was worth letting some cold air in to listen to them chatter. I’m aware there’s a robin roost not far from our neighborhood, but I don’t think I’ve ever noticed so many right in my backyard before!

I’m so grateful for the snow and robins! I’m also grateful for a slow time with extra rest and plenty of photos still to share. Here are a few more favorites for today:

I’m just going to say, she was flirting.

What’s that song, “birds do it…”

And as you can see, she was feeling the love after they were done.

It had been a while since I saw a beaver, I was glad to see this one! I usually see them more in the winter.

Flipping through photos of cedar waxwings always lifts my spirits!

I sure wish she hadn’t flown, but it is fun to watch the running take-off of a goldeneye.

I’m ready to be back out with beautiful skies and my feathered friends.

We do need clouds for the most beautiful skies - but all things in moderation!

Last time I was out there were still leaves on a few trees.

Colors and patterns are everywhere. Without the ice this year I may have to look a little harder!

Eventually, there will be another sunrise - there always is! Maybe tomorrow.

Thank you friends for all of your support! I’m so glad to be able to share these nature moments with you. May they be an oasis of calm and peace in a sometimes busy and noisy world.