Jackson on the Court

 I attended one of great nephew Jackson's Woodville-Baldwin basketball games back in December and editing the photos got forgotten.  

So, catching up, here are a few of the snaps that I took that night at Amery.

Great Nephew Jackson is fearless on the football field and aggressive on the basketball court.

He is a strong athlete.

Sharp Shinned Moment

 I was just settling in to play zoom bridge with friends on Sunday when I saw big wings flap across the yard and about 50 little finch flee the scene.  I knew it was going to be a hawk, but I didn't know it was going to land on the platform feeder just outside the living room window.

Whatta sight.  Beautiful bird, so intense, so lethal.  

I had time to snap a series of photos before it flew off looking for a snack somewhere else.

My first thought was that this a Sharp Shinned Hawk, but then I talked myself into it being a Cooper's Hawk.  I posted photos on Facebook and asked for ID help and got a variety of responses until I was advised to post it in a group called Raptor ID.  

Those  Raptor ID folks know their hawks and positively identified this as an immature Sharp Shinned Hawk.

I was excited to have enough time to snap off a series of photographs.  My bridge friends had to be patient, I wasn't going to stop shooting until the hawk flew off.

One of the Raptor ID folks mentioned the toothpick like legs as another confirmation that this is a Sharp Shinned Hawk.

It's not like I want hawks looking for lunch at my bird feeders, but it was a thrill to see this one so close up and I'm grateful for the moment.

All of the birds flew off when this hawk flew in, except 2 woodpeckers who froze and were like little statues hanging on their suet log. They remained motionless for several minutes after the hawk left.

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker 

Vinny

Great Great nephew Vinny is #14 on the Spring Valley 8th grade team. 

I walked in the gym Saturday morning, they were on the court in mid-game and I was trying to decide which kid was Vinny. I haven't seen him in person since before covid. 

I guessed that he was #14 and started taking photos just in time to capture this 3 point shot.

 From behind the 3 point arc, Vinny sees his shot.

Vinny shoots

Vinny sees it through to score 3 points.

His Mom Linsey told me that Vinny loves ❤ basketball. 

Another Shot.  He has good aim and follow.

This was fun basketball to watch.

I'm going to see him play again this season. 

 

Ruby

 

Frederic at Luck Basketball

 I drove over to Luck on Tuesday afternoon to watch more basketball.  The Girls lost by a slim margin after a well fought game.  These two teams were evenly matched in skill, Frederic had height as an advantage.

On the way over to Luck, I happened on a little flock of Trumpeter Swans on the Straight River, just off Highway 48.  I drove by, circled back and then pulled over and took a few shots.  Reminds me that I enjoy wildlife photography and I need to get back out looking around as soon as winter eases up.

I hope the river stays open for these beauties.

More Stella

 I drove over to Luck on Thursday for the Clear Lake at Luck basketball games.

Both Luck teams lost, but it was still fun to watch the kids and to see the family a bit.

I'll post a couple of photos of Stella.

Introductions, when everyone is healthy, the Cardinal starters are #1,2,3,4,5

The young "manager" were hustling to be part of the huddle.  It looks like Stella is saying something, I'd love to know what it was.

Stella at the line, she doesn't miss many.

Defense.
It can't be easy to keep playing hard when the score is out of reach, but these Luck girls persevere.

Awe and Wonder

Chickadees & Red Breasted Nuthatch are so bold.  

Standing close to them and hearing the sound of their wings as they flit from branch to branch,  truly awesome.

My friend Mary and I have talked about noticing nature and feeling that feeling of awe.  

You know when it happens.

This morning I was out feeding the birds, and one of the little Red Breasted Nuthatch landed about 10 inches from my ear.  It was a moment of awe and amazement.

A few photos that I took standing on the deck as the birds were flying from feeder to tree.

Frosty January Day

 

Stella

 I got to Luck on Tuesday night to watch the Varsity basketball games.  The boys played first and then the girls.  Both Luck teams lost to Unity, but both games had some really great basketball moves.

A few photos of Stella and her team.

Younger brother Jens was ready to track the scoring.

Defense

Sometimes using this focal color calms down the action and helps with focus on Stella's defense.

Stella had 2 early fouls which bought her a seat on the bench for the latter part of the first half.

Youngest brother Jude watching and waiting.

Stella going for the rebound.

The drive

The shot