EYE PROTECTION - Most birds have a third eyelid called the nictitating membrane, a thin translucent or clear membrane that flicks across the eye from front to back to protect the eye while still allowing some vision. Woodpeckers, like this male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, close it as their bill hits wood.

SKYWARD - I know my Picture of the Day is usually of a bird...because we LOVE birds and we live in the forest with so many birds right in front of us. But sometimes we get off our mountain and drive to town and we pass this view of Monadnock Mountain - almost always worth stopping for a picture.

NEVER TOO EARLY TO SPREAD YOUR WINGS - A Heron chick, only hatched a few days ago, spreads out in the nest under the protective cover of mother Heron. Heron chicks don't always hatch at the same time - and one chick can dominate the nest space - as this one does over its' two nest mates.