Hairy...

I'm very happy to have a pair of Hairy Woodpeckers who visit our feeders every day.  If they can avoid hawks this winter, they will nest somewhere back in our woods and I may be lucky enough to see fledglings in the spring.  At first glance, they look just like our downy woodpeckers ... until you realize they are twice the size with a much longer beak in proportion to the head.  For comparison, see THIS shot.  I'm also adding this to my yardbirds record for the year - kind of surprised I haven't blipped one this year?

Had a nice FT chat with mom and dad this morning and then took Jax for a short walk.  He really wasn't in the mood to walk for some reason so we turned around much sooner than usual.  His rash continues to improve with just one small persistent patch that is hard to get the spray onto.  He certainly seems to feel totally fine.  

Only a few more days left of 2024...another year gone way too fast.  I happened to glance in the mirror today and was startled to see an old woman looking back at me - where have all the years gone??  

And very sorry to see the news just now that Jimmy Carter passed away this afternoon at the age of 100.  He wasn't the best president we've ever had, but he was an extraordinary human being and will be remembered for a lifetime of service to his fellow mankind, all over the world.  Rest in peace, President Carter.  

xo
Debbi