Paul Willis Photographs: Blog https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog en-us (C) Paul Willis Photographs paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) Fri, 24 Mar 2023 14:24:00 GMT Fri, 24 Mar 2023 14:24:00 GMT https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/img/s/v-12/u549907889-o586962806-50.jpg Paul Willis Photographs: Blog https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog 120 90 POTD 3/25/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/25/23 HOODIES BACK - Most of the area lakes and ponds are still ice covered, but the migrating waterfowl know it is "time" to be coming through southern New Hampshire. I spotted a group of Hooded Mergansers on a little open water on Cranberry Bog in Peterborough - these two males stood out.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/25/23 Sat, 25 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/24/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/24/23 SPRING THING - Seeing more signs of Spring every day and got a glimpse of the first Robin of the season yesterday. It was scratching in the tiny spots of bare ground - since we still have several inches of snow on the ground everywhere.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/24/23 Fri, 24 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/23/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/23/23 MORE SPRING - Male Mallard showing Spring colors on the second day of Spring.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/23/23 Thu, 23 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/22/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/22/23 FIRST TURTLE SIGHTING - First day of Spring and I saw my first turtles of the year - this pair of Painted Turtles sunning. We still have a foot of snow on the ground...so any signs of Spring are VERY welcome.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/22/23 Wed, 22 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/21/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/21/23 BIG BITE - Male Red Bellied Woodpecker getting a big bite at the suet feeder.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/21/23 Tue, 21 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/20/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/20/23 TWO GIRLS FOR EVERY BOY- This flock of all female Evening Grosbeaks reminded me of the 1963 Jan & Dean song "Surf City"...where there were "two girls for very boy".  The odds are considerably better for males in this Grosbeak flock...maybe 10 to 1.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/20/23 Mon, 20 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/19/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/19/23 TOUGH DRIVEWAY - We love living on a mountain....most of the time. The 36" of early Spring snow we had this week was too much for the plow for several days. We finally got this cleared out Saturday morning - with snowblowers, shovels, my neighbor's tractor and finally my plow truck - from the storm that started Tuesday..

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/19/23 Sun, 19 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/18/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/18/23 ANOTHER CREEPER PHOTO - We've been digging out from over 30" of heavy, wet snow. Stuck on the mountain for another day..but the birds are around ...and we enjoy watching them, even with snow blocking our driveway. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/18/23 Sat, 18 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/17/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/17/23 NOT FIT FOR MAN NOR BEAST - A Redwing Blackbird in the snow. It was a nasty late winter snow that dumped 34" of heavy wet snow...power outages everywhere. We are happy to be on the other side of this storm.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/17/23 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/16/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/16/23 ALMOST MISSED THIS ONE - We had a BIG NorEaster blow through...and the 34" of heavy wet snow was more than our plow and other snow equipment could handle. Thank goodness for good neighbors. Finally got Internet back - still waiting for power (running on generator, thankfully). Snow is waist deep...;-(

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/16/23 Thu, 16 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/15/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/15/23 MORE NATURE THAN WE COULD HANDLE - 24" of heavy, wet snow was more than my plow truck could handle. My neighbor Keith worked down our driveway with his tractor - but we're still snowed in on the mountain with only generator power! 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/15/23 Wed, 15 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/14/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/14/23 OFFA' MY CLOUD - A couple of Evening Grosbeaks discourage a third from joining them on the feeder.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/14/23 Tue, 14 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/13/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/13/23 GRACKLES BACK - Migrating Common Grackles are back. The large, strong and aggressive birds sometimes have a bad reputation for disruptive behavior at the feeders - but it does not have to detract from their iridescent splendor.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/13/23 Mon, 13 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/12/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/12/23 LIPSTICK SUNSET - A great John Hiatt song and apt description for the last night's sunset.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/12/23 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/11/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/11/23 CREEPY, AGAIN - The small, camouflaged Brown Creeper is a regular visitor - but hard to spot and known for swiftly climbing up trees to fly to the base of another tree - so hard to photograph. We love the little fella - and try for a photo every time it is around.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/11/23 Sat, 11 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/10/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/10/23 OH, DEER! - Deep, crusty snow is making it difficult for the deer. Three beautiful, young deer were hanging out on the edge of our yard, waiting for a chance to sneak in to lick up the bird seed we put out for the turkeys that visit our yard every day..

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/10/23 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/9/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/9/23 SQUIRREL CAGE - A cute Red Squirrel takes advantage of a cage seeder it can reach.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/9/23 Thu, 09 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/8/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/8/23 WARMLY - A Birch leaf putting off enough warmth to melt into the snow. Late winter has interesting weather situations...

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/8/23 Wed, 08 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/7/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/7/23 MORE GROSBEAKS? - I try to have variety in my Picture of the Day selections - but it has been such an unusual year to have a flock of Evening Grosbeaks as daily visitors all winter - my lens has been drawn to the colorful birds. Gregarious flock birds - they jostle for spots at crowded feeders and are entertaining to watch and photograph.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/7/23 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/6/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/6/23 A LOVELY DAY ON MOUNTAIN POND

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/6/23 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/5/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/5/23 WE GOT SNOWED - After 13" of heavy wet snow - the Tufted Titmouse out  the window is todays' POTD. Whew! Glad to have the driveway cleared! ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/5/23 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/4/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/4/23 BIG BEAK - A large beak like a grosbeak's is designed for cracking large and hard seeds. The real key to being able to crack hard seeds is stronger jaw muscles. Larger and stronger muscles require a wider, stronger jaw and also require a larger, reinforced bill to withstand the extra bite force generated by the larger muscles. This female Evening Grosbeak cracks sunflower seeds at the feeder.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/4/23 Sat, 04 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/3/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/3/23 FUNKY - It was funky today - and not the cool music kind of funky - more like the deep slush on the driveway funky with someplace to go! So the picture today is an Amaryillis bloom.  Minerva is a late bloomer.  All of the other Christmas Amaryillis flowers have long since bloomed. This one waited for a funky March day.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/3/23 Fri, 03 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/2/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/2/23 SCENIC MONADNOCK - Monadnock Mountain is the scenic backdrop in our area of southern New Hampshire.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/2/23 Thu, 02 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/1/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/1/23 WOODPECKER -  Male Red-bellied Woodpecker works bark on maple tree.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/3/potd-3/1/23 Wed, 01 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/28/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/28/23 WINTER - After several days of above average temperatures, Winter returned - with freezing temps and plowable snow. Welcome back Winter...Thanks Phil ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/28/23 Tue, 28 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/27/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/27/23 TOM FACE - In a bit of a lull in bird watching in our yard before the songbirds come back in Spring...a couple of Tom Turkeys have been regulars...scrounging under the bird feeders and harassing each other like brothers would. They are entertaining - until they peck the window at their reflection. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/27/23 Mon, 27 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/26/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/26/23 FLAKEY - Evening Grosbeak takes a meal in the snow.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/26/23 Sun, 26 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/25/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/25/23 DIGGING DEEP - Tufted Titmouse leans into a small basket feeder to extract just the right seed.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/25/23 Sat, 25 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/24/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/24/23 CREEPER - Small and camouflaged, the Brown Creeper gets it's name from it's habit of climbing up trees, hugging the bark, peering under bark scales and into furrows to find and extract tiny spiders, insects and eggs.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/24/23 Fri, 24 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/23/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/23/23 NUTHATCHES cling to the bark with their feet and can move in any direction, often hanging head down as this male White-breasted Nuthatch is perched. Male and female Nuthatches look quite similar in every way, but can be told from one another by the color of the crown - the female's is gray and the male has a shiny black crown.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/23/23 Thu, 23 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/22/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/22/23 BE NICE -  Evening Grosbeaks spar for position at the feeder. The Grosbeaks are flock birds, but they enforce a "pecking order" as they feed in groups.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/22/23 Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/21/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/21/23 SPRING IT TO ME - Spring is so exciting for nature lovers....when the migrating birds pass through and the plants spring up. We saw this pair of Common Mergansers cruising on the Contoocook River yesterday. Happy to see the first waterfowl showing up.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/21/23 Tue, 21 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/20/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/20/23 EARLY ARRIVALS? - Purple Finches showed up at the feeders. They are short distance migrants and these are the first we have seen. Maybe bringing early Spring?

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/20/23 Mon, 20 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/19/3 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/19/3 HEY RED - One of our favorite birds - the confusingly named Red-Bellied Woodpecker - with his bright red head.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/19/3 Sun, 19 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/18/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/18/23 HIGH TAILIN' IT - I've always been interested in the origin of folksy sayings....and I think the little deer leaving our yard is demonstrating the "high tailin' it" saying.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/18/23 Sat, 18 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/17/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/17/23 THINKING SPRING - We've had unusually warm weather in New Hampshire this week and the blooming Hyacinth bulbs (we forced) have us thinking about Spring on the way.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/17/23 Fri, 17 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/16/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/16/23 BUBBLES IN THE BROOK - Between seasons at the beaver pond...still frozen, so the wildlife is scarce. I'm always watching for patterns in nature.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/16/23 Thu, 16 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/15/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/15/23 BEAVER POND IN BLUE - Afternoon shadows on the beaver pond. Blue skies and blue shadows.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/15/23 Wed, 15 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/14/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/14/23 CREEPY - Brown Creeper works the trunk of a maple tree. Creepers - hard to see and hard to photograph - are Vic's favorite bird.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/14/23 Tue, 14 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/13/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/13/22 BRING YOUR FRIENDS - We have been enjoying sightings of a cute, small deer in the yard - so it was nice to see others joining the yard party.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/13/22 Mon, 13 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/12/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/12/23 PUDDLE PATTERN -  I'm drawn to patterns in nature...like patterns in a puddle. Natural art is the best.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/12/23 Sun, 12 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/11/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/11/23 SKY HIGH - Clouds and big wind for the weekend.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/11/23 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/10/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/10/23 HELP YOURSELF - Young deer strips the last of the leaves from a Rhododendron in our yard. Persistent snow cover has forest deer looking for food where they can find it...including the plants in our yard.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/10/23 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/9/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/9/23 BLUE SKY BIRCH - It's great to have a winter blue sky day...and always a good idea to look up on the way back from the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/9/23 Thu, 09 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/8/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/8/23 IMITATION HIGHEST FORM OF FLATTERY - Male Downy Woodpecker...looks like a  mini-me of the larger Hairy Woodpecker.  Recent research supports the idea that the smaller species (the Downy) can benefit when other birds mistake it for a larger species (the Hairy Woodpecker). In other words, the Downy Woodpecker fools the other birds and gets a higher position in the pecking order by pretending to be a Hairy Woodpecker.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/8/23 Wed, 08 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/7/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/7/23 MY DEER - Young deer interrupted scrounging for spilled bird seed under the feeders. Very cold temperatures and lingering snow cover are bringing the deer into our yard more than usual. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/7/23 Tue, 07 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/6/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/6/23 JEEPERS CREEPER - Brown Creeper works along the trunk of a maple tree. Audubon field guide says the Creeper "looks like a wren, sings like a warbler, climbs trees like a woodpecker"...starting at the bottom of the trunk, probing the bark with it's slender bill.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/6/23 Mon, 06 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/5/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/5/23 PUFFY - Black Capped Chickadee puffed up against the record cold temperatures in New Hampshire. Birds puff their feathers to add extra insulation when it is cold.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/5/23 Sun, 05 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/4/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/4/23 BLOOMING COLD - With "once in a generation" record-low wind chill outside...the Christmas Cactus bloom in the greenhouse seemed like a good POTD subject for the day.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/4/23 Sat, 04 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/3/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/3/23 QUIET BEFORE THE COLD - Not much happening on the hill as we (and the wildlife) prepare for double-digit below zero wind chills. The Evening Grosbeak flock has dwindled to just a few - from the more than 20 earlier in the winter. This female Evening Grosbeak was one of the only birds in sight yesterday.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/3/23 Fri, 03 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/2/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/2/23 SQUIRRELS ALLOWED - Cute Red Squirrel gathering seeds under the bird feeders.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/2/23 Thu, 02 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/1/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/1/23 OH MOON - Waxing moon...

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/2/potd-2/1/23 Wed, 01 Feb 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/31/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/31/23 LOOKIN' FOR LOVE - Tom Turkey has a look of frustration as mating season is coming soon and he is stuck cruising the yard with another Tom! His chances at love are certain to improve as Spring comes around.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/31/23 Tue, 31 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/30/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/30/23 WATER & ICE -  A few warm days, a little snow melt and the brook is making ice formations on every overhanging branch.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/30/23 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/29/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/29/23 PEEPING TOMS -  Two Tom Turkeys peer into our bedroom window. They are not interested in what we are doing inside - but are defending their territory from the turkeys they see reflected in the windows. They are driving the cats crazy. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/29/23 Sun, 29 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/28/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/28/23 FINALLY SKY - After several back-to-back snow storms that caused power outages and lots of clean-up work, we finally had some blue sky to enjoy. Add a "photo cloud" or two and I'm happy.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/28/23 Sat, 28 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/27/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/27/23 SNOW CHICK - Chickadee among the snow-covered branches. A heavy, wet snow covered every branch with thick, heavy snow...causing limbs to break and power outages for thousands - but it turned the area into a winter wonderland.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/27/23 Fri, 27 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/26/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/26/23 WINTER WONDERLAND - With back-to-back snow storms, we are in a winter wonderland in New Hampshire. Snow shoes are the recommended footwear. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/26/23 Thu, 26 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/25/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/25/23 HUNKERED DOWN - After 24 hours with no electricity, we are thankful to live in an earth-sheltered bunker to weather the storm (also thankful to have a generator, we are more fortunate than most during these power knock-out storms).

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/25/23 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/24/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/24/23 WINTER SKY - Winter weather in New Hampshire.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/24/23 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/23/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/23/23 PRETTY BIRD -  Female Evening Grosbeak graces the feeder hook.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/23/23 Mon, 23 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/22/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/22/23 SNOW DOVE - Mourning Dove in the snow.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/22/23 Sun, 22 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/21/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/21/23 WINTER WONDERLAND - It snowed! ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/21/23 Sat, 21 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/20/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/20/23 WINTER TACTIC - Turkey standing on one leg. Birds' legs have an adaptation called "rete mirabile" that minimizes heat loss. The arteries that transport warm blood into the legs lie in contact with the veins that return colder blood to the bird's heart. The arteries warm the veins. Because the veins also cool the arteries, the bird’s feet are closer to environmental temperature and thus don’t lose as much heat as they would if they were at body temperature. And by standing on one leg, a bird reduces by half the amount of heat lost through unfeathered limbs.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/20/23 Fri, 20 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/19/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/19/23 BUSYBODIES - David Allen Sibley calls Chickadees the busybodies of the forest, peering into crevices, exploring tangles, studying twigs and pine cones and constantly chattering about it. When they aren't nesting, chickadees are quite social, and travel in small groups of up to ten birds.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/19/23 Thu, 19 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/18/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/18/23 BIRDS OF A FEATHER - We have enjoyed the flock of Evening Grosbeaks in our yard this winer. They are not common visitors to our area and their irruption this year is, according to our friend, naturalist Meade Cadot, tied directly to the current outbreak of Spruce (and fir) Budworm in Canada and northern Maine. Lack of food in their usual territory has Evening Grosbeaks in southern New Hampshire this year.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/18/23 Wed, 18 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/17/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/17/23 OH SUNSET - Cherry tree in the yard makes a familiar foreground for a spectacular sunset. According to Google search: As the sun dips down over the horizon, sunlight has to pass through a thicker layer of the atmosphere compared to the daytime. This causes the blue light that is seen during the daytime to be scattered away from our eyes, allowing more orange and red light to pass through. I'll take a little purple with mine, thank you!  ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/17/23 Tue, 17 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/16/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/16/23 TITMOUSE - Titmice are closely related to Chickadees and share feeder behavior with them of carrying food from the feeder to be consumed on another perch. It is common to see them fly to a feeder, sort through the seeds for a second or two, then select one and fly back to the woods to eat it or hide it. While sorting they are judging the weight, as a way of guessing the fat content to get the one with the most nutrition for the effort.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/16/23 Mon, 16 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/15/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/15/23 BROOK ICE - Ice forms interesting shapes above the brook from the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/15/23 Sun, 15 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/14/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/14/22 GOOD EVENING - Male Evening Grosbeak. Evening Grosbeaks are actually large Finches...and Finches are well known for their strong tendency to roam. It has been a big year for Evening Grosbeaks in our area...due to a bird phenomenon known as an irruption..when birds become abundant in areas where they have been uncommon or rare for several years due to food shortages in their normal territory.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/14/22 Sat, 14 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/13/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/13/23 JADED - Our decades-old Jade plant is blooming in the greenhouse.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/13/23 Fri, 13 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/12/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/12/23 PICKY EATER - Chickadee with a black sunflower seed. Chickadees, unlike some other small birds (like finches) can't eat sitting at the feeder and  need to take their seed to a branch to crack open the seed to eat it. Because of the energy required to leave the feeder to eat the seed, Chickadees are very particular about which seed they choose. This Chickadee picked up several seeds before settling on the heaviest one to take to the branch to crack.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/12/23 Thu, 12 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/11/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/11/23 NEW YEAR SUNRISE - Always a good morning with bright red clouds.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/11/23 Wed, 11 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/10/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/10/23 BROOK ICE - Combine some warm day temperatures for snow melt with some cold overnight temperatures - the result is ice forming on overhanging branches on the brook.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/10/23 Tue, 10 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/9/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/9/23 NIGHT OWL - We had an evening visitor...a Barred Owl looking for a meal around our yard feeders.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/9/23 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/8/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/8/23 FROSTING ON TOP - New Ipswich Mountain with a frosting of snow.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/8/23 Sun, 08 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/7/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/7/23 GIMME SHELTER -  Chickadees choose the feeder with a roof during our first snow of 2023.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/7/23 Sat, 07 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/6/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/6/23 SHOWY BLOOM -  The Apple Blossom Amaryllis has bloomed and the large, open bloom has the flowers' private parts exposed. The Stamen - the hot dog-shaped "guys" covered in yellow pollen and the Pistil - the white, open-looking, three tipped "girl".  

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/6/23 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/5/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/5/23 FOGGY ISLAND POND - Warm temperatures made fog over the ice on Island Pond. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/5/23 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/4/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/4/23 DAY DRINKING -  Red-Bellied Woodpecker licks his "lips" after drinking at a tree well. A warm stretch of weather has the birds heading for drinking spots.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/4/23 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/3/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/3/23 NEW YEAR MOON - Moon approaching full in the New Year.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/3/23 Tue, 03 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/2/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/2/23 BELLY SHOWING -  Male Red-bellied Woodpecker with just a hint of his namesake red belly showing.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/2/23 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/1/23 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/1/23 MELTING - An unusual warm stretch has melted snow on the ice on the beaver pond. It was a warm, foggy exit for the year 2022.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2023/1/potd-1/1/23 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/31/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/31/22 OAK IN ICE - Oak leaf in a frozen puddle. Happy New Year!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/31/22 Sat, 31 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/30/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/30/22 NEW BEGINNING SUNRISE - Bright red sunrise heralds bright prospects for the New Year ahead.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/30/22 Fri, 30 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/29/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/29/22 NICE ICE - When water on the brook from the beaver pond gets high interesting ice formations are formed on overhanging branches.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/29/22 Thu, 29 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/28/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/28/22 DUDE WITH THE SNOOD - Male Turkey showing his drooping snood. A snood is a fleshy protuberance above a male turkey's bill that can, in some cases, hang down and cover the bill. It seems the Winter Solstice and longer days have the male turkeys thinking about mating and this turkey's snood (and bright red bow tie) may be giving his thoughts away.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/28/22 Wed, 28 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/27/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/27/22 ABSTRACT ICE - Moving water and very cold temperatures...patterns in frozen puddles.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/27/22 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/26/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/26/22 LIT UP FOR CHRISTMAS - Colorful sunset adds to the drama of our barn Christmas lights. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/26/22 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/25/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/25/22 BIRD LONG JOHNS - Hairy Woodpecker shows her puffy feathered upper legs. Bitter cold Christmas Eve in New Hampshire made everyone have as much coverage as possible.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/25/22 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/24/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/24/22 OK...WINTER IS HERE - Icicles on the barn. We didn't need the Winter Solstice to remind us that Winter is here. ;-) 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/24/22 Sat, 24 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/23/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/23/22 SNOWBIRD IN SNOW - Slate colored Junco braves the snow. Juncos are called Snowbirds because they show up in winter with the snow.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/23/22 Fri, 23 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/22/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/22/22 BIRD FEEDER - A Turkey hen helps herself to sunflower seeds in the bird feeder. Deep show made the feeder accessible to the turkeys.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/22/22 Thu, 22 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/21/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/21/22 HELP YOURSELF TO THE LANDSCAPE PLANTS - The recent heavy snow has the area deer working our yard - eating whatever is still green (Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel) and scrounging under the bird feeders.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/21/22 Wed, 21 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/20/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/20/22 WINTER SCENE in southern New Hampshire after the first big snow storm of the winter.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/20/22 Tue, 20 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/19/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/19/22 MONADNOCK CLOUDS -  Billowing clouds over snow-covered Grand Monadnock Mountain Sunday.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/19/22 Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POD 12/18/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/pod-12/18/22 HIP DEEP ON A WILD TURKEY - A Turkey hen wades through snow during the Friday/Saturday snow storm that dumped 17 inches on us. Enough already! ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/pod-12/18/22 Sun, 18 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/17/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/17/22 NOT EVERYONE is lovey Dovey about our first big snowfall. Most of us thought a foot of heavy, wet snow is for the birds. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/17/22 Sat, 17 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/16/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/16/22  

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE - Our neighbors on Timbertop Road have decorated the apple trees in their yard.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/16/22 Fri, 16 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/15/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/15/22 LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS - We were SO happy to participate in the second annual Luminary Walk at Hampshire Country School Wednesday evening. More than 450 luminaries lighted the schools' drive - celebrating the holidays of the season and honoring those we miss.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/15/22 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/14/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/14/22 WORKING THE CRACKS - A male Downy Woodpecker works the branches of a white birch tree hunting for larvae. Downy woodpeckers are frequent visitors to the suet we put out, but also routinely feed on beetle larvae, chiseled out of limbs and branches.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/14/22 Wed, 14 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/13/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/13/22 NOT JUST EVENING  - Evening Grosbeaks at a feeder. We have been enjoying a visiting flock of Evening Grosbeaks - as they are irregular visitors to  our neighborhood and we don't see the pretty Finches often.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/13/22 Tue, 13 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/12/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/12/22 HAWK EYE - A Cooper's Hawk spots me as it looks for prey at bird feeders in our yard. A small to medium-sized hawk that feeds mainly on birds captured in flight, often stalking feeders in search of prey.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/12/22 Mon, 12 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/11/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/11/22 ICY PATTERNS - Patterns of ice freezing on the water surface are determined by wind direction, Coriolis forces from the Earth's rotation, and the position of landforms that interact with the currents. Surface wind-driven currents generate upwelling currents in conjunction with landforms, creating  currents that affect the freezing on the surface. These patterns are on the pool below the dam on the beaver pond.

 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/11/22 Sun, 11 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/10/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/10/22 COLD MOON - The December full moon - the Cold Moon - looks pretty hot over North Pack Monadnock Mountain Thursday night. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/10/22 Sat, 10 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/9/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/9/22 KICKIN' UP ITS HEELS - A young deer bounces out of the yard...maybe happy hunting season has ended?

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/9/22 Fri, 09 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/8/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/8/22 SEEING MIRROR - Bubbles in the brook - made into a mirror image in software. I've been fascinated with the effects of making photo mirror images since film and darkroom days and still think it makes fun visuals.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/8/22 Thu, 08 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/7/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/7/22 WAPACK SUNSET - A spectacular winter sunset over the Wapack Wilderness is reflected in Mountain Pond.

 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/7/22 Wed, 07 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/6/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/6/22 GOT THROUGH ANOTHER ONE - Tom Turkey keeps a wary eye out...having made it through another Thanksgiving without ending up on a platter, you can't be too careful.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/6/22 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/5/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/5/22 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY - Forgive the POTD departure from nature photos to this celebration photo of our 48th anniversary together. We celebrated with our friends...,here's to your happy holidays!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/5/22 Mon, 05 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/4/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/4/22 ORANGE YOU GLAD - Male Downey woodpecker at the orange in the suet holder. We put out oranges for the Orioles that come in the Spring - and learned that our year-round woodpeckers like the oranges and the bears don't bother them.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/4/22 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/3/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/3/22 PUDDLE BUBBLES - Bubbles in a frozen puddle caught my eye yesterday.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/3/22 Sat, 03 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/2/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/2/22 EVENING GROSBEAK - We had been enjoying the flock of Evening Grosbeaks visiting our yard. This female is among a flock of 10 that has been at the feeders for several days now.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/2/22 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/1/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/1/22 BARE TREES - Foggy winter days always remind me of the decades old Fleetwood Mac album, Bare Trees...and I had already shot the photo of the foggy forest yesterday when we learned of the passing of Fleetwood Mac keyboardist and singer Christine McVie. RIP Christine!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/12/potd-12/1/22 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/30/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/30/22 HALF MOON - Looking good - even half lit!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/30/22 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/29/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/29/22 WINTER SKY - Grand Monadnock Mountain under a threatening winter sky - viewed from Barrett Mountain in New Ipswich.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/29/22 Tue, 29 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/28/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/28/22 GO CARDINALS - I grew up in the midwest - so the "local" major league baseball team was the St. Louis Cardinals. I photographed several Cardinals baseball games as a newspaper photographer in the 1980s. Now, I like the bird named Cardinal and enjoy thinking about the idea that seeing a Cardinal is a visit from someone you love who has passed away. We have a Cardinal family in the neighborhood, so we think about our loved ones often.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/28/22 Mon, 28 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/27/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/27/22 GETTING THE STINK EYE - Young deer gives me the "look" as it encounters the fencing we placed over the Hosta and other landscape plants the deer are coming into our yard to eat. The plants in our yard are apparently tastier than what's available in the forest - which is all around us.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/27/22 Sun, 27 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/26/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/26/22 EVENING VISITORS - A pair of Evening Grosbeaks visit the feeder. Evening Grosbeaks, actually overgrown Finches, are irregular winter visitors to our area from their principal range in Canada.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/26/22 Sat, 26 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/25/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/25/22 WINTER HAS ARRIVED AT THE BEAVER POND - With most of the beaver pond covered with a thin layer of ice, a cloudy winter sky is reflected in the open water near the shore.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/25/22 Fri, 25 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/24/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/24/22 WE LOVE THIS TREE - Not only for the great Summer shade umbrella it provides us over our yard - but the great silhouette it makes during Winter sunsets.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/24/22 Thu, 24 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/23/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/23/22 SPARROW CUTENESS - An immature White-throated Sparrow just getting its gold/yellow eyebrow.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/23/22 Wed, 23 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/22/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/22/22 LOVE THAT FACE -  Ludobill the Duck has the face only a mother could love...or boys at Hampshire Country School - who raised the duck from an egg. Ludobill, whose name came from a story one of the boys make up, is part of the elementary class's small bird flock at the special school down the road from us.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/22/22 Tue, 22 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/21/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/21/22 NOT A STRANGER - Red-Bellied Woodpecker - which it seems should be called Red-Headed Woodpecker - has slowly expanded it's range northward.  No longer the Red headed stranger,  have them year-round now.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/21/22 Mon, 21 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/20/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/20/22 FIRST ICE - Melt from our first snow has the brook flowing and below freezing overnight temperatures left ice on the brook.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/20/22 Sun, 20 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/19/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/19/22 DEAR DEER - It is hunting season in New Hampshire but we post our property No Hunting to give the deer a place to be without getting shot. They like what we have planted in our yard. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/19/22 Sat, 19 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/18/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/18/22 WINTER SUNRISE - Sunrise over the Wapack Range lights an early winter morning sky.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/18/22 Fri, 18 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/17/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/17/22 OUR FIRST SNOWFALL was dripping from the last of the Kiwi berries before noon. Early sunsets and overnight snow lets us know that winter is upon us.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/17/22 Thu, 17 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/16/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/16/22 RED BIRD - All the red leaves of Fall foliage are gone - so it is up to the Cardinal to bring the color to the garden.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/16/22 Wed, 16 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/15/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/15/22 FEEDER FRENZY - Lots of little birds are flocking to the feeder as colder weather comes to New Hampshire.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/15/22 Tue, 15 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/14/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/14/22 PATIO GARDEN DINING - A young deer helps itself to Dianthus plants in our patio garden. Our first frost has killed lots of forest vegetation, so the deer are foraging in our yard for flowers not yet overcome by the frost.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/14/22 Mon, 14 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/13/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/13/22 IT RAINED - We can always use rain...but it cuts down on the nature photo opportunities ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/13/22 Sun, 13 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/12/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/12/22 RAIN on an Aspen leaf.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/12/22 Sat, 12 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/11/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/11/22 FALL ON THE TRAIL - The trail to the beaver pond is ankle deep in fallen leaves. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/11/22 Fri, 11 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/10/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/10/22 FIRE IN THE SKY over Monadnock Mountain

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/10/22 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/9/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/9/22 OVER THE MOON - The Blood full moon - I missed the red color of the lunar eclipse, but am always amazed at the big, full moon.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/9/22 Wed, 09 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/8/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/8/22 Nuthatches, like this White-Breasted Nuthatch, have a very different climbing style from most other birds. They do not use their tails for a brace when climbing - just their two feet with sharp claws. They cling to bark and can move in any direction, often hanging head down.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/8/22 Tue, 08 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/7/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/7/22 AND THEN IT IS OVER - The Fall foliage has fallen on the Wapack Range above the beaver pond...even the Oak leaves have fallen to the windy, rainy weather.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/7/22 Mon, 07 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/6/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/6/22 FALL FELL along the brook from the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/6/22 Sun, 06 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/5/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/5/22 SNOWBIRD - Slate-colored Junco shows up in New Hampshire with winter.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/5/22 Sat, 05 Nov 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/4/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/4/22  

PONDING - Late Fall reflections in our little pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/4/22 Fri, 04 Nov 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/3/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/3/22 HALF MOON SCENE - No leaves to hide the moon.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/3/22 Thu, 03 Nov 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/2/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/2/22 WINTER BREEZE - Red-Bellied Woodpecker has his feathers puffed by a stiff Fall breeze. Leaves are off the trees and shorter days mean Winter is on the way.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/2/22 Wed, 02 Nov 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/1/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/1/22 FALL ABSTRACTION -  Bare trees reflected in our greenhouse glass.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/11/potd-11/1/22 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/31/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/31/22 SUNSET GLOW ON THE BEAVER POND - After the color of the spectacular Fall foliage has gone - the glow of sunset colors the mountain range above the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/31/22 Mon, 31 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/30/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/30/22 HEY CHICKADEE - Chickadee grabs a sunflower seed from the feeder. The Chickadees have been wild at the feed recently...feeding at a frenzy.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/30/22 Sun, 30 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/29/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/29/22 FALL ON THE BROOK - After a very dry Summer - it rained! Nice to see water flowing in the brook from the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/29/22 Sat, 29 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/28/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/28/22 EAGLE ON THE BEAVER POND - After I missed the Eagles on the beaver pond over the weekend - we saw this immature Eagle hunting on the beaver pond Thursday evening.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/28/22 Fri, 28 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/27/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/27/22 HE DIDN'T COME TO HELP WITH THE YARD WORK - The pesky neighborhood bear interrupted the yard pickup when it came scouting for birdseed scraps. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/27/22 Thu, 27 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/26/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/26/22 NEW HAMPSHIRE COUNTRY ROAD - Still plenty of color in the New Hampshire forest as we take the long road home.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/26/22 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/25/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/25/22 OAK ON THE WATER - A rainy day is helping bring our Fall foliage to a beautiful end. Oak and Beech leaves accented with Pine needles create a still life on our little pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/25/22 Tue, 25 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/24/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/24/22 BALD EAGLE ON THE BEAVER POND - A message from my neighbor and I rushed home in hopes of catching an eagle on our beaver pond...but gone before I got home - I found the beaver pond in the "bronze age" of our fall season. No eagles, but not bad ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/24/22 Mon, 24 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POYD 10/23/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/poyd-10/23/22 MISTY MORNING on Island Pond

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/poyd-10/23/22 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/22/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/22/22 ENTERING THE BROWN PHASE - Oak leaves turning brown replace the red and orange Maple leaves on Mt. New Ipswich above the beaver pond as New Hampshire fall foliage enters the brown phase.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/22/22 Sat, 22 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/21/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/21/22 BLENDING - Male Cardinal among fall leaves.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/21/22 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/20/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/20/22 FALL FELL - Fall leaves floating on the brook from the beaver pond...Most of the bright colored Maple leaves have fallen, leaving the rich browns of the Oaks and the bright yellow of the Birches as our Fall foliage for the end of October.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/20/22 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/19/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/19/22 CLOUD COVER - Pack Monadnock Mountain with clouds on top.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/19/22 Wed, 19 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/18/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/18/22 SIMPLY FALL - Fall colored Maple leaf is the emblem of Fall.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/18/22 Tue, 18 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/17/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/17/22 BEAVER POND SUNSET - Fall sunset on the beaver pond. It does not get better!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/17/22 Mon, 17 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/16/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/16/22 INTO THE CACHE - Red-Bellied Woodpecker taking a seed from the feeder. Woodpeckers typically go to suet feeders - but in Fall, several species of birds "cache" (stash) food to retrieve later.  This male was back and forth at the feeder - returning to the same spot in a tree to hide the seeds for later.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/16/22 Sun, 16 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/15/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/15/22 HOT YARD  - Fall foliage all around, but we don't have to go far to see the big fall color. The front yard is plenty right now!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/15/22 Sat, 15 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/14/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/14/22 NOTHING IN THE FEEDER? I'LL JUST TAKE THE WHOLE THING - Our pesky neighborhood bear showed up again looking for spilled birdseed. Frustrated at finding the feeder empty - he took off with it.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/14/22 Fri, 14 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/13/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/13/22 NUTHATCH STASH - A Nuthatch stashes a shelled sunflower seed in a bark crevice. The process is called caching. By storing seeds, the birds ensure they will have something to eat later when food is scarce. Caching has long been of interest to ornithologists and animal behaviorists, and their research has taught us some amazing things about the behavior and the birds that perform it.

In a 1984 paper in Animal Behavior, David Sherry reported the results of lab experiments which demonstrated that black-capped chickadees can not only remember where they have stored seeds, but also which caches they have already eaten, which caches they have discovered eaten by other animals, and which caches contain their favorite food items. Sherry also found that chickadees can remember the locations of their caches for 28 days after they have created them.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/13/22 Thu, 13 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/12/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/12/22 GRAND MONADNOCK - Fall color creeping up Monadnock Mountain. Said to be the second most climbed mountain in the world (behind Mt Fuji in Japan), Monadnock is the center piece of the region in southern New Hampshire and is crawling with hikers this time of year.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/12/22 Wed, 12 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/11/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/11/22 FALL WARBLER - Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Myrtle breed, at the beaver pond Monday. One of the most common and widespread Warblers, Yellow-Rumped are often the core member of mixed Warbler flocks during migration, especially in late fall.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/11/22 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/10/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/10/22 HEY RED - Male Cardinal gives some attitude at the feeder.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/10/22 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/9/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/9/22 FALL IN THE ABSTRACT - Leaves floating on the beaver pond in the Fall-colored reflection.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/9/22 Sun, 09 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/8/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/8/22 FALL CONTINUES ON THE BEAVER POND - The special time of the year for color on the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/8/22 Sat, 08 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/7/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/7/22 My DEER ?

- Young deer looking for something  "special" to eat in our yard...how about those ears? ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/7/22 Fri, 07 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/6/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/6/22 BLENDING - With his bright red cap, the male Red-Bellied Woodpecker blends with the fall foliage.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/6/22 Thu, 06 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/5/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/5/22 MORE LEAF COLOR - Fall continues on the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/5/22 Wed, 05 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/4/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/4/22 FALL UP - Not all of the trees have turned Fall foliage brilliant, but cold nights in New Hampshire have lots of our trees displaying brilliantly.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/4/22 Tue, 04 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/3/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/3/22  

FALL COLOR ON THE GRIDLEY - The famous New England fall foliage always starts along the water...the Gridley River near our house is a reliable place to  see early fall color.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/3/22 Mon, 03 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/2/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/2/22 FALL 0N THE WATER - Maple leaves on the beaver pond. Fall is falling in New Hampshire.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/2/22 Sun, 02 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/1/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/1/22 HEY BEAR - We had to discourage a small bear looking for spilled birdseed in the yard. Getting close to the end of the yard raiding season, but we still need to be careful about "encouraging" bears to visit us.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/10/potd-10/1/22 Sat, 01 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/30/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/30/22 IT'S A START - A few trees along the edge of the beaver pond are making the start of fall foliage season in New Hampshire. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/30/22 Fri, 30 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/29/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/29/22 TAG, YOU'RE IT -  We watched a Monarch tagging process in Indiana during our recent visit. They caught, tagged and released over one hundred Monarchs on the day we watched. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/29/22 Thu, 29 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/28/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/28/22 GETTING THE EAGLE EYE - We just got home from a trip to my hometown, where we witnessed the release of a young Bald Eagle. Wildlife rehabilitator and high school classmate Angel Lange released the eagle named Liberty Bell over the Wabash River. Liberty Bell was what Lange called a limb hopper - a young eagle hopping from limb to limb before it can fly. Sometime they fall out of the tree - as the one did - and Lange raised the bird until it is able to be released.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/28/22 Wed, 28 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/27/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/27/22 FLICKER - By excavating nesting cavities in large dead trees, Northern Flickers provide future nest sites for many other species, such as American Kestrels. Naturalists say declining numbers of Flickers influence populations of other species.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/27/22 Tue, 27 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/26/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/26/22 HERE WE GO - The first of the Fall leaf color is upon us in New Hampshire.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/26/22 Mon, 26 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/25/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/25/22 JAYBIRD - Blue Jay drinks from a tree limb scar.  When theories of protective coloration were first being debated around 1900, birds like the Blue Jay were a puzzle. It was difficult to imagine how such flashy colors could be helpful for concealment. We now know that color patterns evolve for many reasons, not just for camouflage. The Jays' flashy color patterns may make it harder for a predator to recognize the bird and tell what direction it is looking.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/25/22 Sun, 25 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/24/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/24/22 PICKY EATER - White-Breasted Nuthatch grabs a sunflower seed at the feeder before flying into a tree with it. They wedge the seed into a bark crevice and pound it open with their bill. This is apparently the origin of their name - they are really nut hackers.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/24/22 Sat, 24 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/23/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/23/22 HERE'S HOW WE FEEL ABOUT FALL WEATHER - Plenty of room on the beach to express yourself...and we LOVE Fall in New England.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/23/22 Fri, 23 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/22/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/22/22 DELIGHTED - New have been delighted to have a family of Cardinals in our yard this year. Brightly colored and quite vocal, the Cardinals are regulars this year.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/22/22 Thu, 22 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/21/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/21/22 LINGERING - Still seeing Monarch Butterflies hanging around the last flowers in the garden. Monarchs will be heading south on their big migration any day now.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/21/22 Wed, 21 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/20/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/20/22 CUTE LITTLE DEVILS - We were overrun with Chipmunks this year...so many that they caused a nuisance - getting into things and making holes all over the yard. But, they are cute! ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/20/22 Tue, 20 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/19/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/19/22 FEATHER WEATHER - A Turkey feather left behind in the yard as several young Turkeys are checking for spilled food under the bird feeders.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/19/22 Mon, 19 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/18/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/18/22 PASSING THROUGH? - After several days of seeing NO hummingbirds...this female showed up, attracted to decidedly Fall Mums on the patio. P.S....I mis-identified yesterday's POTD of a Pileated woodpecker as a male Pileated and my friend and wildlife expert Meade Cadot - corrected me on an obvious mistake - as male Pileated Woodpeckers have a red mustache and the girl in the photo had a black mustache ;-) Thanks Meade for helping me correct!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/18/22 Sun, 18 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/17/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/17/22 BIG WOODY - Male Pileated Woodpecker visiting the yard after ripe cherries. We hear the big woodpeckers more than we see them - but ripe cherries bring them out in the open for viewing. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/17/22 Sat, 17 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/16/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/16/22 ALL IN THE FAMILY - We have enjoyed watching a family of Cardinals in our yard this year. The young birds still have their dark beaks - which will change to bright orange in a few weeks.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/16/22 Fri, 16 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/15/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/15/22 LAST OF THE SEASON - After days of seeing NO Monarch butterflies - we spotted this perfect male in the garden today.  Most all accounts have the Monarchs already on their migration journey...we think this late bloomer also left today.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/15/22 Thu, 15 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POD 9/14/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/pod-9/14/22 OCEANFRONT SKY - Quick trip to the coast where a cloudy sky decorated the post-Labor Day empty beach..

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/pod-9/14/22 Wed, 14 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/13/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/13/22 IT'S A STRETCH - A Goldfinch stretches to reach something on the bottom of the branch. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/13/22 Tue, 13 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/12/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/12/22 MAY HAVE SEEN THE LAST OF - Caught this female Hummingbird on a Clethra bloom yesterday. Have not seen a Hummer since...which may mean they have left on their migration journey. The males had already gone and only a couple of females were still around last week.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/12/22 Mon, 12 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/11/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/11/22 I USED TO FLY TO NEW YORK CITY OFTEN back when I was working for Scitex calling on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Rolling Stone - and when I flew into LaGuardia Airport, I would fly pretty close to the World Trade Center towers. I shot this photo on the way home one evening and break it out on 9/11 anniversaries.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/11/22 Sun, 11 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/10/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/10/22 LOOK MOM, NO HANDS - A Painted Turtle balances on the top of a rock on Mill Pond. Its' top spot position did not last long as a slightly larger turtle approaches to claim the spot.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/10/22 Sat, 10 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/9/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/9/22 OH, WHAT A TANGLED WEB - Spider webs on the beaver pond in the early morning. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/9/22 Fri, 09 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/8/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/8/22 EVERY LAST BITE -  A Monarch butterfly on an almost gone Zinnia blossom.  Late Summer Monarchs are the ones that migrate to Mexico - so we won't be seeing them much longer.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/8/22 Thu, 08 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/7/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/7/22 WET FLICKER - Rain in New Hampshire brought this male Northern Flicker to the yard. Sibley calls the Flicker the most un-woodpecker-like woodpecker, whose favorite food is ants. So, it is common to see Flickers hopping in the yard after ants. A very dry Summer made ants scarce in the yard - so the recent rain had all of the yard bug-eating birds on the hunt.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/7/22 Wed, 07 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/6/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/6/22 BUSY DAD - A pair of newly fledged Goldfinches gang up on dad to be fed. After young Goldfinches fledge, the adult males continue to feed the young for 15-30 days.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/6/22 Tue, 06 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/5/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/5/22 READY FOR TAKEOFF - Milkweed fruits (pods), when mature, split lengthwise releasing seeds. Each seed is attached to fluffy hairs (floss) that enable wind dispersion. A recent study found that the vast majority of wind dispersed seeds fall within 33 feet - but about 20% went farther - at least one in the study traveled up to 164 feet.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/5/22 Mon, 05 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/4/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/4/22 YOUNG CARDINALS - Feathers on juvenile Cardinals are often relatively flimsy, having been grown quickly as part of the strategy to fledge from the nest as soon as possible. They will be replaced by more adult-like feathers within a few weeks, before harsher weather of winter sets in.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/4/22 Sun, 04 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/3/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/3/22 END OF THE GARDEN - A Silver-Bordered Fritillary takes advantage of one of the last Zinnia blossoms in the garden.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/3/22 Sat, 03 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/2/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/2/22 AHHHHH - Finally enough rain to wet the Morning Glory blossom. Nothing better today!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/2/22 Fri, 02 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/1/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/1/22 MONARCH COLORS - The Monarch Butterfly Chrysalis changed colors today. We will be watching it tomorrow to see the Monarch Butterfly emerge!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/9/potd-9/1/22 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/31/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/31/22 HORNY - A huge Tomato Hornworm (actually two, look closely) chomps away at one of the few remaining tomatoes in our garden. Tomato hornworms, actually large green caterpillars, get their name from the dark projection on their posterior and their use of tomatoes as a host plant. A hot dry summer and a gang of Tomato Hornworms are bringing our tomato patch to an end.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/31/22 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/30/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/30/22 LATE SUMMER OFFSPRING - Immature Chipping Sparrow begs to be fed. Several smaller birds are feeding young now...even after many other young birds have fledged.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/30/22 Tue, 30 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/29/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/29/22 MOUNTAIN VIEW - We got up to the Wapack Trail  with our friends today to see Monadnock Mountain. Always nice to catch the view!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/29/22 Mon, 29 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/28/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/28/22 TERRITORIAL - Two female Hummingbirds jostle at the feeder. We are seeing fewer Hummingbirds - starting to think some of them have already left on migration - but the ones still here are fighting at the feeders.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/28/22 Sun, 28 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/27/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/27/22 MORE CHERRY PICKIN' - Male Northern Flicker cleaning up the dwindling crop of cherries. Flickers favorite food is ants - but a drought in New Hampshire has kept the ants underground, forcing the Flicker to join the other birds on the cherry trees.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/27/22 Sat, 27 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/26/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/26/22 ABOUT TO HEAD SOUTH - A Red-Eyed Vireo showed up in the yard yesterday. The Red-Eyed Vireos that spend summer in the U.S. and southern Canada migrate south to winter in the Amazon Basin in South America. After a couple of years seeing the Vireo's nest in our orchard - we didn't see it this year, but were happy to see the Vireo before it leaves.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/26/22 Fri, 26 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/25/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/25/22 COME ON DAD! - Immature male Cardinal speaks out about something while "dad" seems to ignore him. When young Northern Cardinals leave the nest they have dark bills without any bright color. A few weeks later, the dark color of the bill will have faded and the bill becomes bright orange-red like the adults.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/25/22 Thu, 25 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/24/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/24/22 TILL THE CHERRIES ARE GONE - Cedar Waxwing hanging in a dead Spruce tree. The Waxwings come every year when the fruit is ripe and stay until there is no more fruit on the trees. Huge Cherry trees around our yard attract several fruit-eating bird species.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/24/22 Wed, 24 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/23/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/23/22 PASTEL BREASTED GROSBEAK - An immature male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak is growing into the bright rose-colored bib he'll have as an adult.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/23/22 Tue, 23 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/22/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/22/22 HUMMERS ARE CRAZY - We have had a late-Summer explosion of Hummingbirds at our feeders and garden flowers. Hummingbirds will be heading south from New Hampshire shortly - and the hectic activity in the yard makes it seem like they are bulking up for the long trip south.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/22/22 Mon, 22 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/21/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/21/22 PASSING THROUGH - We spotted a Solitary Sandpiper along the edge of the beaver pond. They are migratory birds - spending winters in Central and South America - stopping at the beaver pond along the way.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/21/22 Sun, 21 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/20/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/pod-8/20/22 EYE ON BUGS - A Barn Swallow watches from a perch over the beaver pond. Swallows fly low and fast over the surface of the water and eat insects on the fly.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/pod-8/20/22 Sat, 20 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/19/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/19/22 MONARCH IN TRAINING - We'll be watching this Monarch butterfly chrysalis as it morphs into a butterfly. This is day 2, I'll keep you posted. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/19/22 Fri, 19 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/18/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/18/22 SHOWIN' YOUR COLORS - A Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird flashes his name-sake ruby colors. The iridescent colors of the male hummingbird are among the most refined and spectacular colors of all of nature. The structure of the feather surface amplifies one color of light, and the surfaces are angled so that they reflect that color only in one direction - straight ahead of the bird. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/18/22 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/17/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/17/22 FINCH FOOD - Male American Goldfinch munches a Catnip flower. Finches are fond of small seeds and have found the Catnip in our garden that has gone to seed.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/17/22 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/16/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/16/22 TOPPING OUT - A Monarch Butterfly caterpillar on the top of the Asclepias branch it has just chomped clean.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/16/22 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/15/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/15/22 BIRD CHATTER - Male Cardinal singing up a storm. Several different "songs" even this late in the season, he is still trying to impress someone.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/15/22 Mon, 15 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/14/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/14/22 CHERRY PICKIN" - A Robin reaches for a cherry as the crop dwindles from the pressure of many fruit-eating birds.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/14/22 Sun, 14 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/13/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/13/22 BIRDS OF A FEATHER - Cedar Waxwings congregating in a dead spruce tree. They are here in numbers for the ripe cherries. They will be gone when the cherries are gone.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/13/22 Sat, 13 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POD 8/12/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/pod-8/12/22 BRING ON THE MONARCHS - We are seeing more Monarch caterpillars on our Asclepias every day. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/pod-8/12/22 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/11/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/11/22 HEY BEAVER - A beaver on the beaver pond...haven't seen much of him/them this year. Just a quick look and then he was gone.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/11/22 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/10/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/10/22 ANGRY BIRD? - A Cedar Waxwing shoots me what appears to be a nasty look from a bare branch in the cherry tree. Fruit-eating birds are descending on the cherry trees in our yard now that the fruit is ripe.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/10/22 Wed, 10 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/9/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/9/22 THE PITS - A female Scarlet Tanager pits a cherry with its tongue. Birds frequently swallow food whole and process it in their digestive tract...but this photo makes it appear that Tanagers work the pit from the cherry and discard it rather than swallow the entire cherry.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/9/22 Tue, 09 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/8/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/8/22 I CAN REACH THAT - A male Scarlet Tanager preens in a cherry tree in our yard. Now that cherries are ripe, Tanagers, Waxwings and Woodpeckers are coming to the trees in flocks. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/8/22 Mon, 08 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/7/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/7/22 OR KESTREL - We were surprised to see several American Kestrels hunting together from a wire over a hay field. We counted seven Kestrels across a large field. The Kestrel is the smallest of the falcons and is a dainty eater of grasshoppers and mice. Numbers of American Kestrels have been declining for decades - so it was good to see so many at once!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/7/22 Sun, 07 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/6/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/6/22 WITH THE CHERRIES - Cedar Waxwings are back in the yard now that the cherries are starting to ripen. Our yard is ringed with tall cherry trees and we welcome the fruit-eating birds that come to the trees every year,

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/6/22 Sat, 06 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/5/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/5/22 OH JOY - A man gets a joy rush feeding gulls on the wing at Nubble Light on Cape Neddick, Maine. Visitors to the popular tourist scene on the Maine Coast have "trained" the gulls by feeding them - in this case crackers - cute, but probably not particularly healthy for the birds.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/5/22 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/4/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/4/22 Not many birds at the feeders in late Summer, but the neighborhood pileated Woodpecker announced himself wth his familiar chatter in his regular place on a pine tree snag on the edge of the yard.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/4/22 Thu, 04 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/3/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/3/22 INTO FLOWERS - There are enough blooms in the gardens for the Hummingbirds to frequent the flower beds. We are seeing fewer Hummers this year than usual. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/3/22 Wed, 03 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/2/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/2/22 LOOK BETWEEN THE LEAVES -  A small Bullfrog rests between the lily pads on the beaver pond. This summer in New Hampshire, everyone wants to stay partly in the water.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/2/22 Tue, 02 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/1/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/1/22 THE OTHER HUMMER -  A Hummingbird Moth hovers over a Petunia blossom. A member of the Sphinx Moth Family, their hovering habits resemble that of Hummingbirds, hence the name.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/8/potd-8/1/22 Mon, 01 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/31/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/31/22 OTHER RED BIRD - Male Scarlet Tanager at the top of the tree. Something about a red bird that catches the eye. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/31/22 Sun, 31 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/30/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/30/22 YAY - We have planted lots of Asclepias (Milkweed) and to support Monarchs in our gardens. After seeing the news last week that Monarch Butterflies were listed as endangered, we were particularly happy to see Monarch Butterfly caterpillars in our garden happily munching the Asclepias leaves.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/30/22 Sat, 30 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/29/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/29/22 REFLECTIONS ON A POND - A beautiful day with a sky full of "photo clouds" at the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/29/22 Fri, 29 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/28/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/28/22 ZINNIA EMERGING - Zinnias are one of our favorite garden flowers.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/28/22 Thu, 28 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/27/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/27/22 CAUGHT IN THE ACT - We looked out this morning to catch this deer enjoying the salad bar that is our Hosta bed. We had covered the Hosta with fence - but moved some to enjoy as it started to bloom. The deer in our woods LOVE the shrubs and flowers we have planted in our yard - just a few feet away from the forest..

a

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/27/22 Wed, 27 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/26/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/26/22 BIG BIRD - We got off the hill today for an appointment and spotted our friend, the "Greenville Eagle", hunting from a perch over the Souhegan River.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/26/22 Tue, 26 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/25/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/25/22 HAZY DAYS OF SUMMER -  Monadnock Mountain -  hazy under summer clouds. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/25/22 Mon, 25 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/24/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/24/22 ENDANGERED  - An International conservation group has listed the beloved Monarch Butterfly as endangered. The group estimates the Monarch population has declined up to 72% over the past decade with some estimates of the decline up to 85%. This male Monarch stopped in on Asclepias (a cultivar of Milkweed) we planted on our roof to attract Monarchs.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/24/22 Sun, 24 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/23/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/23/22 SOLAR ROBIN - Momma Robin on a nest under the solar array. It seems like a good place for a nest.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/23/22 Sat, 23 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/22/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/22/21 POLLINATOR COOPERATION - Clouded Sulphur Butterfly and a Honeybee share an Asclepias bloom. Orange Milkweed is also called Butterfly Weed and attracts all kinds of pollinators.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/22/21 Fri, 22 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/21/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/21/22 IN THE GARDEN - An Eastern Amberwing Dragonfly (I think, I'm not good with "bug" IDs) finds something to like about a spent flower bloom in the pollinator garden.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/21/22 Thu, 21 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/20/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/20/22 WINNY LOVE- Winston, our neighbors' tortoise, wants to ram right against you to show affection...but with his hard and  pointy shell, it's best to stay a step ahead of him.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/20/22 Wed, 20 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/19/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/19/22 GET A LEG UP - Just getting around to editing photos from a Riparian Preserve visit in Arizona where I saw this Black-Necked Stilt wading in a shallow pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/19/22 Tue, 19 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/18/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/18/22 SHORE ART - Another photo from Long Sands Beach on Cape Neddick.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/18/22 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/17/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/17/22 CLAM STRIPS - A Gull pulls a clam from a shell on Long Sands Beach in York, Maine.The Gulls gather clams left by high tide and drop them on the hard sand beach to break the shells to get at the clams inside.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/17/22 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/16/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/16/22 OCEAN SUNRISE - A couple of days of scenery change from the forest to the Maine Coast. Always nice to see the sun rise over the ocean and then nice to be home again in the trees.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/16/22 Sat, 16 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/15/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/15/22 FRITILLARY -  A Silver-Bordered Fritillary Butterfly lands long enough for a photo They get their name from "fritting" about - not landing in one place
very long. A member of the Brushroot Family - they like plants in the violet family  - which explains why we caught them landing in the yard.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/15/22 Fri, 15 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/14/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/14/22 LOVE THOSE CLOUDS - We usually don't like cloudy days...but then the clouds MAKE the picture...we like those clouds.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/14/22 Thu, 14 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/13/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/13/22 BEING A DAD - Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak feeds a fledgling. The immature birds flutter their wings as they beg. This male fed two fledglings - one after the other - making sure each got an equal amount.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/13/22 Wed, 13 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/12/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/12/22 OH DEER - Young deer deals with the "deer" flies on its head. Summer in New Hampshire - at least there is plenty to eat. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/12/22 Tue, 12 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/11/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/11/22 NOT KISSING - Two Jake Turkeys (young males) face off over territory. The strategy seems to be that the other turkey can't peck you if you have your beak over his beak.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/11/22 Mon, 11 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/10/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/10/22 FIRST MONARCH - So happy to see Monarch butterflies back for the season. Eastern Monarchs migrate in fall to overwinter in fir trees in the mountains of central Mexico. In Spring, 1 or 2 generations pass as they fly back to New England and 1 or 2 more generations pass in New England before the next migration.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/10/22 Sun, 10 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/9/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/9/22 WORKING THE WELLS - Female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker works the sap wells on a Mountain Ash tree. Sapsuckers drill holes in the bark of trees - which they, and other birds and bugs - visit to drink the sap and eat insects that are also drawn to the sweet sap.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/9/22 Sat, 09 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/8/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/8/22 BLOOM BANDIT - A Chipmunk helps himself to Pansy blooms on the patio. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/8/22 Fri, 08 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/7/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/7/22 BEAVER POND WILDFLOWER - We watch for the Swamp Candles to bloom on the beaver pond. In the Primrose family, the delicate blooms show up along the bank of the beaver pond in July.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/7/22 Thu, 07 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/6/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/6/22 KINGFISHER - A Belted Kingfisher hunts from a perch above the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/6/22 Wed, 06 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/5/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/5/22 PHOTO CLOUDS - Clouds over the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/5/22 Tue, 05 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/4/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/4/22 BABY BIRD-ATHON CONTINUES - Blue Jay fledgling begs in the Ash tree. Jays as big as the adult birds begging to be fed.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/4/22 Mon, 04 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/3/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/3/22 RAISING YOUNG - Downy Woodpecker feeding young.  Many of the birds that visit our feeders are bringing young and the woodpeckers are very conscientious about feeding the young birds.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/3/22 Sun, 03 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/2/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/2/22 HEY SUCKA! -  Male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker shows his namesake belly visiting an Ash tree in the yard.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/2/22 Sat, 02 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/1/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/1/22 FEED ME - Grackle chick demanding food at the suet feeder as the baby bird-athon at Sundial continues. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/7/potd-7/1/22 Fri, 01 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/30/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/30/22 BEEP BEEP! - Road Runner off with a small lizard meal. I was just in Arizona for a few days...and caught a glimpse of this Road Runner...no sign of Wylie Coyote.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/30/22 Thu, 30 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/29/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/29/22 FEEDING FRENZY - While two Heron chicks wrestle with the adult delivering food to the nest, the third chick hangs over the edge of the nest, seemingly uninterested in the food. I've seen this behavior by chicks in two different nests during feeding - but don't know why one of the chicks is not in the food fight?

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/29/22 Wed, 29 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/28/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/28/22 FOUND ANOTHER ORCHID - Rose Pagonia orchid on the beaver pond. We know about a patch that we watch to bloom every year...this year, I found another patch. Field guide says they are on the decline due to loss of habitat, so happy the like our beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/28/22 Tue, 28 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/27/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/27/22 CHICK PIC - Heron chick has a goofy look when viewed head on.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/27/22 Mon, 27 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/26/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/26/22 CHIPPER - Eastern Chipmunk keeping an eye on me. We are overrun with the cute little rodents making their 2" wide burrow entrances all over our sloped yard - making them quite a bit less cute.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/26/22 Sun, 26 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/25/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/25/22 MOUTH FULL - Male Red-bellied Woodpecker heads away from the feeder with as many seeds as he can hold.  This time of year birds are feeding young and use the feeders as "take-out" spots.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/25/22 Sat, 25 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/24/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/24/22 PRACTICING - Heron chicks on the verge of fledging. Heron chicks grow quickly and seem eager to take wing and get out of the nest.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/24/22 Fri, 24 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/23/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/23/22 LAND OF PLENTY - Cardinal taking advantage of a huge pile of black sunflower seeds. In the 1950s, Cardinals were found north only to southern Indiana and New Jersey. Climate change, plentiful bird feeders and open lawns with shrubs and trees has them as far north as southern Canada.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/23/22 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/22/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/22/22 IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN - Green Frog in our garden pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/22/22 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/21/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/21/22 POINT OF VIEW - Some days I use the canoe to get a different angle on the beaver pond. The Heron nests are in the dead trees at the other end of the pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/21/22 Tue, 21 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/20/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/20/22 BEAVER POND ORCHID - We watch for the Rose Pagonia to bloom on the beaver pond. Pogonia aphioglossoides is in the orchid family and like other wetland orchids suffers from degradation of habitat. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/20/22 Mon, 20 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/19/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/19/22 INCOMING - Heron landing on a crowded nest on the beaver pond. A nest full of growing chicks makes landing a precision maneuver and adult Herons come and go several times a day to keep the growing chicks fed. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/19/22 Sun, 19 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/18/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/18/22 EXACTLY HOW DO THESE WINGS WORK? - A just-fledged Eastern Phoebe works at getting the hang of spreading its' wings. It was flying - albeit tentatively.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/18/22 Sat, 18 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/17/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/17/22 JUST DAISY - A patch of Oxeye Daisies will brighten any view. They are in the Aster family and tend to form patches in fields when they bloom in mid-June.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/17/22 Fri, 17 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/16/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/16/22 NESTING ROBIN STINK-EYE - Robin sitting on a nest under the solar array gives me a dirty look. This momma is on her second nesting of the summer.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/16/22 Thu, 16 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/15/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/15/22 FEED ME -  A fledgling Downy Woodpecker gets fed by momma Downy Woodpecker in the annual Summer BabyBird-athon at Sundial. We love watching "our" birds bring their young to the yard to learn to eat at the feeders.

 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/15/22 Wed, 15 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/14/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/14/22 JUST SPEAK UP - Heron chicks getting quite big and spend most of the time in the nest alone while both parents hunt to feed them. They tend to speak up about not getting fed often enough.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/14/22 Tue, 14 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/13/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/13/22 THE BIG WOODPECKER - Female Pileated Woodpecker visited the yard. We hear them more than we see them...so always nice to see the largest woodpecker in North America.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/13/22 Mon, 13 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/12/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/12/22 CARDINAL ON THE FRINGE - Male Cardinal perched on a Fringe Tree bush branch. Fringe Tree, Chionanthus virginicus, gets its name from the Greek chion meaning snow and Anthos meaning flower.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/12/22 Sun, 12 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POD 6/11/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/pod-6/11/22 TINY DANCER - A tiny sweat bee on a garden flower. Nature is cool close up.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/pod-6/11/22 Sat, 11 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/10/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/10/22  

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK - Newly hatched Heron chicks in a nest on the beaver pond. Another nest on the beaver pond has Heron chicks a couple of weeks older and much bigger. These little fuzz-heads have some catching up to do.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/10/22 Fri, 10 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POD 6/9/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/pod-6/9/22 BEE THERE FOR ME - An American Bumble Bee buzzes a Cherry tree branch on the edge of the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/pod-6/9/22 Thu, 09 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/8/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/8/22 FOUND A SPOT - A male Yellow-shafted Flicker checks out a nesting cavity in a tree on the beaver pond. Flickers, a type of woodpecker, get their name for the flash of color they flicker as they fly. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/8/22 Wed, 08 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/7/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/7/22 BEAR TICKS? - When the troublesome yearling bear came calling yesterday, we noticed engorged ticks on its' ears and above its' eye. We are careful about ticks and googled ticks on bears. They happen to be part of the tick transmission system...so another reason to discourage the "cute' bear from coming around.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/7/22 Tue, 07 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/6/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/6/22 ACROBAT - A Chipmunk munches on Maple tree "helicopter" seeds. Maybe a few of them won't sprout in my yard. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/6/22 Mon, 06 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/5/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/5/22 ORANGE YOU GLAD - Female Red-Bellied Woodpecker enjoys the orange we put out to attract Orioles. The woodpeckers love the oranges and this one shows why it is named red-bellied.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/5/22 Sun, 05 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/4/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/4/22 BUNCHBERRY BLOOMS - The path to the beaver pond is covered with Bunchberry blooms now. The low growing Cornus canadensis is in the Dogwood family, which is obvious from it's Dogwood-like blooms.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/4/22 Sat, 04 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/3/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/3/22 EAGER EATERS - Heron chicks eager to get the food the adult Heron is bringing to the nest.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/3/22 Fri, 03 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/2/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/2/22 BEAVER POND BLOOMS - A Larger Blue Flag Iris in bloom on the beaver pond. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/2/22 Thu, 02 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/1/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/1/22  

HOME ALONE - Heron chicks are big enough to be left alone in the nest while the parents hunt. They  grow really quickly but require constant feeding.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/6/potd-6/1/22 Wed, 01 Jun 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/31/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/31/22 GAZE INTO MY CRYSTAL BALL - Male Baltimore Oriole  is interested in the glass ball of a sun catcher hanging under the house eve.  Almost orange...it must have been close enough for him to check it out as a possible real orange.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/31/22 Tue, 31 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/30/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/30/22 FAMILY SCENE - Geese and Goslings on Mill Pond...a delightful annual sight.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/30/22 Mon, 30 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/29/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/29/22 SWALLOWTAILS RETURN - The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly is usually the first butterfly we see in Spring. They don't return until their food plants are in bloom...in this case Phlox blooming in front of the barn.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/29/22 Sun, 29 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/28/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/28/22 BRINGIN' IT HOME - Adult Great Blue Heron returning to the nest. The chicks in this nest are now big enough to be left alone while both parents hunt. This means lots of "home alone" time for the chicks and frequent big bird landings on the nest.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/28/22 Sat, 28 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/27/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/27/22  

PEEK-A BOO BOO - A yearling Black Bear peeks into the yard on a beautiful May morning in New Hampshire. Young black bears stay with their mother  for about a year and a half...but then are "encouraged" to strike out on their own. This cub was almost certainly here with it's mother a few months ago and remembered our yard as a possible food opportunity. Now that nice weather is here - we're in the yard more and can catch little Boo Boo coming.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/27/22 Fri, 27 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/26/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/26/22 WHY SCRAPE YOUR BEAK? - Male Cardinal scrapes his beak on a branch. I have seen this with other birds - so I googled it - and found that from the limited research on it...it seems to be mostly the "napkin" effect of birds cleaning their beak after eating. Some research suggested grinding to keep the beak sharp...but generally, birds scrape their beaks to clean up after eating.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/26/22 Thu, 26 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/25/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/25/22 WHAT'S FOR DINNER? - An American Robin letting his catch settle. It has been calculated that a Robin can eat 14 feet of earthworms a day, as they are relentless  at hunting them in the yard.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/25/22 Wed, 25 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/24/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/24/22  

THROW ME SOME SHADE - Adult Heron shades her nest on a 90+ degree day on the beaver pond. A couple of Herons have hatched their chicks, but the ones still sitting on eggs needed some shade during an especially hot May day. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/24/22 Tue, 24 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/23/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/23/22 STAKE A CLAIM -  A Female Yellow-shafted Flicker stakes a claim on a nest cavity in a dead tree on the beaver pond. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/23/22 Mon, 23 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/22/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/22/22 WILD CALLA - Water Alum Calla palustris  or Wild Calla at the beaver pond.  On watch for the heron chicks and noticed this pond wildflower.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/22/22 Sun, 22 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/21/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/21/22 LOVE BIRDS -  Many species males offer food to their mates as part of courtship, presumably signaling their ability to provide for future offspring. This Cardinal pair exchanges a seed at the feeder.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/21/22 Sat, 21 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/20/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/20/22 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.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/20/22 Fri, 20 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/19/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/19/22 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.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/19/22 Thu, 19 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/18/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/18/22 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.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/18/22 Wed, 18 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/17/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/17/22 BATH TIME - With the recent string of hot weather, we have noticed more birds bathing in the bird bath...but it was particularly fun to see a male Hummingbird bathing in the rain of a sudden downpour.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/17/22 Tue, 17 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/16/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/16/22 BACK FOR THE SEASON - Rose-breasted Grosbeak is back - right on schedule. Grosbeaks are highly migratory nesting across the US and Canada and wintering in Central America. About 19 percent of the world's bird species migrate every year. Migrants are able to nest in areas with reduced competition and a burst of abundant food making the migration trip worth the effort.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/16/22 Mon, 16 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/15/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/15/22  

CHICKS - Heron chicks growing every day...keeping an eye on them as they grow.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/15/22 Sun, 15 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/14/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/14/22 SEEDY - Male Red-Bellied Woodpecker taking seeds from a feeder...using his tail for leverage. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/14/22 Sat, 14 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/13/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/13/22 NEWLY HATCHED - Heron chick barely visible above the side of the nest on the beaver pond. Adult Heron standing at the side of the nest after sitting tight on it for a month is the give-away to watch for fuzzy chick heads to appear. Activity around the nests will get more and more intense as the chicks grow and need to be fed. I'll keep you posted as they grow. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/13/22 Fri, 13 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/12/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/12/22 TRICKY BIRDS - To keep their eggs and young safe from predators, ground-nesting birds like the Killdeer use camouflage and trickery...including laying their eggs on ground that matches their eggs' color and using a "broken wing act" to distract predators away from the nest. This Killdeer foraging on the edge of a farm pond in Rindge, NH.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/12/22 Thu, 12 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/11/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/11/22 HUMMINGBIRD TONGUE - Hummingbirds have a long, slender tongue that can be extended far beyond the tip of the bill. They feed by dipping their tongue into the nectar inside flowers. This action can be repeated twenty times per second - faster than we could count.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/11/22 Wed, 11 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/10/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/10/22 DANGER ABOVE - A Great Blue Heron hurries back to the nest as a large hawk circles overhead. Herons build their nests on dead trees, usually over water, to make it difficult for land predators...but they have to protect their nest from predators above.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/10/22 Tue, 10 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/9/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/9/22 FOREST IS STARTING TO BLOOM - Goldthread blooms along the brook to the beaver pond. Goldthread is in the Buttercup family and shows off its' tiny complex blossoms early in Spring.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/9/22 Mon, 09 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/8/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/8/22  

JUST IN FROM BALTIMORE - Actually, Baltimore Orioles spend winters in Central and South America, but migrate north in Spring to breed.  Like most migrating birds, males arrive first - and we have two males competing around the grape jelly feeder for position before the females arrive.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/8/22 Sun, 08 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/7/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/7/22 HUMMING - Hummingbirds have arrived back at our patio feeders. The males always come first and came a few days later this year than last. We love watching the amazing little birds - and the bears don't bother Hummingbird feeders. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/7/22 Sat, 07 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/6/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/6/22 SPLISH SPLASH - White-throated Sparrow bathes in a sailing-themed patio birdbath. Little birds find this shallow water feature perfect for a refreshing feather rinse. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/6/22 Fri, 06 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/5/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/5/22 FOG IN THE HOOD - Herons sit on nests on the beaver pond on a foggy Wednesday in New Hampshire. Herons are big birds with long incubation times - 14-35 days - so we'll be watching for the fuzzy heads of chicks in the next couple of weeks.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/5/22 Thu, 05 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/4/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/4/22 GROUNDED - We rarely see a pileated Woodpecker on the ground...but this female was looking around in the yard yesterday. The largest North American Woodpecker - it is always a treat to see a Pileated.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/4/22 Wed, 04 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/3/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/3/22 I'M PRETTY TOO - The Northern Cardinal is named for it's bright red color, like the robes of the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church...but it is the male cardinal with the bright red color. Female cardinals, though lacking the namesake bright red, are very pretty birds to have around.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/3/22 Tue, 03 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/2/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/2/22 BEEN WAITIN' FOR A SUNNY DAY - A Painted Turtle on a log on the beaver pond on a sunny Sunday in New Hampshire.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/2/22 Mon, 02 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/1/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/1/22 MAYDAY WILDFLOWER - Sessile Bellwort bloom emerging ...among the first New Hampshire wildflowers.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/5/potd-5/1/22 Sun, 01 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/30/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/30/22 SPRING WARBLER - Over fifty species of wood warblers in North America show an incredible diversity of colors and patterns, with the black pigment melanin a key to that variation. This Yellow-Rumped Warbler was among several at our little pond and along the brook today.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/30/22 Sat, 30 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/29/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/29/22 DAY DRINKIN' - Birds need water and drink a lot, especially as the weather warms up. Robins, like most birds, drink by bowing down and scooping water into its mouth. Here's to having an afternoon drink.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/29/22 Fri, 29 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/28/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/28/22 BEAR TREES -  Despite no feeders in the yard, the Momma bear and two cubs are hanging around again. The cubs' go-to move when we scare them away is to climb a tree and look back sadly. As cute as they are - we continue the training that there is nothing for them to eat here.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/28/22 Thu, 28 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/27/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/27/22 GOIN' FISHIN' - Female Belted Kingfisher watching the water from a prominent perch overlooking the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/27/22 Wed, 27 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/26/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/26/22 FEMALE EASTERN TOWHEE - Towhees use a double-scratch maneuver to kick leaves and other debris backward, exposing potential food. The bird simply jumps straight up, and while its body is in the air, the feet swing forward and then rake back across the ground, sending debris flying - hopefully uncovering something to eat.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/26/22 Tue, 26 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/25/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/25/22 FICKLE FLICKER - Because of it's odd habits and bold markings, many people don't recognize Northern Flickers as a kind of woodpecker. This female is seen as they most often are, hopping around the lawn searching for their favorite food - ants.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/25/22 Mon, 25 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/24/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/24/22 HOUSEKEEPING - Heron works on her nest on the beaver pond. Herons are already sitting on eggs in other nests as this Heron is working to catch up after arriving after all of last years nests were already taken.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/24/22 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/23/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/23/22 HAPPY POTD ANNIVERSARY - Two years of a nature photo a day...something for me to enjoy the wonderful nature around us...and, hopefully brightens your day! Yesterday was the two year anniversary...I'm planning to keep it going!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/23/22 Sat, 23 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/22/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/22/22 TREETOP FLYER - Heron perched at the top of a tree on the edge of the beaver pond.

 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/22/22 Fri, 22 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/21/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/21/22 LIONS AND TIGERS AND... We are very careful with our bird feeders and know that there are bears in our neighborhood...and our neighbors told us about Momma bear and two cubs. We saw them today, so the birds get a feeder vacation for a while.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/21/22 Thu, 21 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/20/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/20/22 NAME FITS HIM - Brown-headed Cowbird is aptly named. I admit a photographic bias toward colorful birds, but Cowbirds are an interesting bird story. They use a nesting strategy called brood parasitism. They lay their eggs in other birds' nests, and the unwitting foster parents do all of the work of incubating and feeding the young cowbird. This is a male Brown-headed Cowbird - so not the actual trespassing egg-layer - but I'm guessing he is in on the tactic.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/20/22 Wed, 20 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/19/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/19/22 CHIPPER - Chipping Sparrow in the hood. Among the Spring arrivals in the yard.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/19/22 Tue, 19 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/18/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/18/22 PILEATED WOODPECKER - Always exited to see a Pileated Woodpecker...as they are illusive and shy. So for this female to pick a pecking spot within camera range made for a nice Sunday wildlife opportunity. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/18/22 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POD 4/17/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/pod-4/17/22 NEWCOMERS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD - Another pair of Herons has settled on the beaver pond...and since all of the existing nests are occupied, the newcomers are having to build a nest from scratch. I can't tell who is working and who is preening...just sayin'

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/pod-4/17/22 Sun, 17 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/16/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/16/22 FROM THE HIGHEST BRANCH - Male Cardinal sings his heart out from the highest branch in the tallest tree. We have spotted two females, so there may be competition in the neighborhood.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/16/22 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/15/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/15/22 FIND YOUR OWN HENS - A Tom Turkey defends his claim to a few females nearby. Male Turkeys get quite aggressive during Spring mating season.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/15/22 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/14/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/14/22 PHOEBE BACK - We watch for the Phoebes to return to mark Spring in New Hampshire. In the flycatcher family - Phoebes hunt from perches and catch insects on the wing. They return when insects are available for them to hunt. Welcome back Phoebes.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/14/22 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/13/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/13/22 UP FOR A STRETCH - A Heron that has been nestled down in the nest for the past few days stands and stretches. I have presumed this to be a female sitting on eggs - and "she" rustled the nest with her beak when she was up...so I think she's on eggs. After several months of the stark beauty of winter on the beaver pond, Spring breaks out..so plenty to keep up with.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/13/22 Wed, 13 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/12/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/12/22 OK...NOW I'LL SAY SPRING - Daffodils blooming under the solar array.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/12/22 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/11/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/11/-22 HMMMMMM MOON? - I spent the weekend watching The Masters golf tournament....and only shot the moon! ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/11/-22 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 10:16:25 GMT
POTD 4/10/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/10/22 HERONS ALL AROUND - It is the time of year when Herons nest on several beaver ponds in the area...and they hunt on other ponds nearby. This one perched above Island Pond speaking up.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/10/22 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/9/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/9/22 I'M HERE - Male Heron calls out from the nest he's claiming...presumably for the mate on the way to join him on the nest at the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/9/22 Sat, 09 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/8/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/8/22 MORE BIRDS BACK - A Kingfisher showed up at the beaver pond...another Spring arrival. Ecologists talk about the concept of limiting factors: that the overall population of a species can be limited by just one scarce resource. In the case of Belted Kingfishers, that resource can be nesting sites. There are plenty of places with enough fish to feed family of Kingfishers, but for nesting they require the eroded face of a sandbank soft enough for the birds to burrow deep into it, and tall and steep enough to make it hard for predators to reach. We are SO pleased that the beaver pond has the right conditions for the Kingfishers.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/8/22 Fri, 08 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/7/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/7/22 GETTING SETTLED - Herons are getting settled into nests on the beaver pond. The Herons return to nests year after year - first come, first served - to raise chicks.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/7/22 Thu, 07 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/6/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/6/22 EAGLE EYE - ON an Eagle watch adventure to the Connecticut River on the New Hampshire-Vemont border I saw this one hunkered down in the nest.

Near the site of a shut-down nuclear power plant...the eagles hunt in the calm water above the dam that provided cooling water for the power plant.

 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/6/22 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/5/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/5/22 HE'S BAAAAACK - A birder friend said the Sapsuckers are back a few days ago...and we heard his familiar drumming before we saw him yesterday...the male Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is a seasonal regular. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/5/22 Tue, 05 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/4/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/4/22 COURTSHIP COLORS - Male Goldfinch in transition to Spring plumage. Many birds molt once a year and simply replace their old feathers with a similar-looking set. Some species - such as the American Goldfinch - molt twice a year and change their appearance dramatically with the seasons. In early Spring male Goldfinches transform from their drab winter plumage to the showy yellow and black feathers they need for courtship. Hormones control the switch that allows the same feather follicle to grow very different feathers at different seasons.    

ouflage

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/4/22 Mon, 04 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/3/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/3/22 HERONS ARE BACK - Beaver ponds are perfect for herons and the herons are back on the beaver ponds near us. The males arrive first and stake claims on the nests still standing from last season. Newcomers will have to build a nest from scratch.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/3/22 Sun, 03 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/2/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/2/22 WOODPECKER -  Female Red-Bellied Woodpecker working tree bark for insect larvae.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/2/22 Sat, 02 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/1/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/1/22 DINNER OUT - Our Sibley Bird Behavior book says it is common for male Cardinals to feed an adult female. The males are signaling their fitness to find enough food to share with their mate. This male Cardinal brought his mate to the feeder for a dinner date...each with their own feeder.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/4/potd-4/1/22 Fri, 01 Apr 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/31/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/31/22 SEEING COLORS - Like many other birds (and unlike humans), Chickadees can see ultraviolet light - a whole range of color beyond purple. Male and female Chickadees look alike to us, with white cheeks, but they look quite different to each other, as males have a much stronger ultraviolet reflection on their cheeks.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/31/22 Thu, 31 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/30/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/30/22 LEAFY - Fickle Spring weather...Leaf on a frozen puddle.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/30/22 Wed, 30 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/29/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/29/22 ROCKIN' ROBIN - An American Robin stands on a small rock to get just that little bit of extra height as it scans the yard for food. Hunting Robins move in short bursts across the ground - running or hopping forward, then standing upright, often cocking its head to one side. It seems like they are listening for worms, actually they are watching the grass and soil for signs of activity as they hunt their favorite food - earthworms.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/29/22 Tue, 29 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/28/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/28/22 RAINBOW HEADED - Male Bufflehead Duck sports a colorful head pattern. Iridescent feathers in birds are the result of structural patterns in feathers. As iridescent birds move, nanoscale structures within their feathers’ tiny branch-like filaments — known as barbules — interact with light to amplify certain wavelengths depending on the viewing angle. This iridescence is known as structural coloration, wherein crystal-like nanostructures manipulate light.
 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/28/22 Mon, 28 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/27/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/27/22 STRETCHING - Male Mallard interrupts his dabbling for a little exercise.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/27/22 Sun, 27 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POD 3/26/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/pod-3/26/22 COMING IN HOT - Turkey hen flies out of a tree perch through the branches.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/pod-3/26/22 Sat, 26 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/25/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/25/22 SNOOD-TUDE - Tom Turkeys in Spring courtship display courting colors including the interesting snood. A snood is a fleshy protuberance above a male turkey's bill that can, in some cases, hang down and cover the bill. It can vary dramatically in size, shape, and color. Snoods function in sexual selection: Female turkeys choose who to mate with based on a variety of factors including snood size

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/25/22 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/24/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/24/22 WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING! - Female Bufflehead duck (right) seems to be giving back-seat driving advice to the male - who has his head tucked back grooming - on Mill Pond Wednesday afternoon.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/24/22 Thu, 24 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POD 3/23/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/pod-3/23/22 DABBLER - Male Mallard dabbles in a farm pond. Mallards are dabbling ducks that feed by dabbling and upending in water to eat aquatic plants, seeds, grass, small aquatic life and insects. Waterfowl are returning to New Hampshire with the Spring Equinox.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/pod-3/23/22 Wed, 23 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/22/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/22/22 BUFFLEHEAD BACK - We watch for waterfowl returning to the nearby ponds...and spotted the first today. Mergansers and these male Bufflehead ducks on Mill Pond on the second day of Spring.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/22/22 Tue, 22 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/21/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/21/22 HAPPY SPRING - The first blooms of the season showing up on the Vernal Equinox...when the sun is aligned directly above the equator and the entire world experiences equal day and night.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/21/22 Mon, 21 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/20/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/20/22 SOCK IT TO ME - Goldfinch eating thistle seeds from a seed sock. The Finches in our yard flock the sock.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/20/22 Sun, 20 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/19/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/19/22 B​​​eaver Pond Reflections - Ice is starting to melt on the beaver pond...with open water and reflections on a beautiful day. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/19/22 Sat, 19 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/18/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/18/22 HAWK WEEK - We had a Hawk in our yard this week....and today we spotted a Red-Tailed Hawk in an apple tree while we were out running errands. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/18/22 Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/17/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/17/22 DINING OUT - Downy Woodpeckers, female left, male right - share spots at the feeders.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/17/22 Thu, 17 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/16/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/16/22 HAWK EYE - A Red-Tailed Hawk (I think and Merlin agreed) watches the yard from a perch on the edge. Chipmunks and squirrels are out and about under the bird feeders...so the hawk visits for a chance at a meal.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/16/22 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/15/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/15/22 MINI-ME WOODPECKER - Male Downy Woodpecker is a smaller look-alike to a Hairy Woodpecker. There is some evidence that the smaller Downy Woodpecker has evolved coloration to match the Hairy Woodpecker because it benefits from being mistaken for the larger, more dominant species.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/15/22 Tue, 15 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/14/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/14/22 SNOW SHADOW - Untracked snow for an afternoon walk...we and our shadow! ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/14/22 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/13/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/13/22 FINCH FLOCK - Goldfinches flock the feeder in the snow. A flock of Finches is called a Charm - but I'm not sure these Finches found the Saturday snow storm charming.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/13/22 Sun, 13 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/12/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/12/22 EYE ON THE PRIZE - Turkey hen getting attention from the Toms in the yard. Male turkeys fan their tail feathers, puff out all their other feathers and drag their wings on the ground to impress the females...often "posing" for hours.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/12/22 Sat, 12 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/11/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/11/22 GRACKLES BACK - We mark the season change with warm sunny days and the return of birds to our yard. We call the Grackles the "Gridley Boys" thinking they are coming in from the nearby Gridley River...even though we know they are harbingers of Spring and when we see them we know Spring is around the corner.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/11/22 Fri, 11 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/10/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/10/22 OH SNOW! - A squirrel digging out seeds under the bird feeder in the snow Wednesday. After a stretch of warm weather - our snow had almost completely melted - until Wednesday. ;-) 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/10/22 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/9/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/9/22 DAY MOON? - I've been curious why I can sometimes see the moon during the day? The Google answer: Primarily, there are two reasons why we sometimes see the moon during the day. First of all, the moon is bright and close enough to be seen against the blue hue of the sky. Secondly, the duration for which it is above the horizon of Earth coincides with the sun, making it possible to be seen during the daytime. I'm still a little curious ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/9/22 Wed, 09 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/8/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/8/22 GOT MY EYE ON YOU - Turkey hen portrait. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/8/22 Tue, 08 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/7/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/7/22 SPRING MELT - Melted snow on top of the still frozen beaver pond is enough for a little reflection on a sunny Sunday.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/7/22 Mon, 07 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/6/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/6/22 MONADNOCK SUNSET - We got off our mountain Saturday evening in time to see a sunset over Monadnock Mountain.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/6/22 Sun, 06 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/5/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/5/22 LOVELY DOVEY - Mourning Dove (I can't tell the males from females) back in the yard this Spring. Almost Spring anyway ;-)!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/5/22 Sat, 05 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/4/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/4/22 WING ASSIST START - Turkey hen uses her wings for a jump start headed to the other side of the yard where other turkeys might be finding more scattered feed.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/4/22 Fri, 04 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/3/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/3/22 FOXY - The Fox Sparrow showed up again...might be an early migrant. Who knows with climate change?

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/3/22 Thu, 03 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/2/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/2/22 SNOW SHADOW - The snow cover makes an appropriate palette for afternoon shadows.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/2/22 Wed, 02 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/1/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/1/22 CHARMING - The collective noun for a group of Goldfinches is a 'charm'. This rather suits these delightful little birds....this female is in the flock that has frequented the feeder in our yard again recently.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/3/potd-3/1/22 Tue, 01 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/28/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/28/22 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER - I visited my friends at Hampshire Country School this weekend and was pleased to see the students excited about bird watching. I noticed this woodpecker on the school suet feeder - giving a glimpse of her namesake red belly. Do you know how to know this is a female woodpecker?

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/28/22 Mon, 28 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/27/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/27/22 FINCH FIGHT - Goldfinches travel in flocks...and a flock has returned to our yard. Unlike most other small birds that take a seed and leave, Finches will sit at the feeder nibbling seeds while occupying all of the perches. Occasional disagreements between neighbors at the feeder are bound to occur.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/27/22 Sun, 27 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/26/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/26/22 FOXY - Even with Friday's big snow storm, Spring birds are showing up in the yard. This is the first we've seen of a Fox Sparrow...puffed up against the cold snow.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/26/22 Sat, 26 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/25/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/25/22 GET YOUR SPOT - Turkeys getting settled for the night. Turkeys roost at night in trees and pick their spots in early evening.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/25/22 Fri, 25 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/24/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/24/22 CREEPER - The Brown Creeper is so small and camouflaged it is barely noticed even though it is found in wooded areas throughout most of North America. One of our favorite winter birds...even though it is tough to spot.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/24/22 Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/23/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/23/22 MERGANSER - Male Red-Breasted Merganser in the Merrimack River near the seacoast. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/23/22 Wed, 23 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/22/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/22/21 EXCUSE ME - Snowy Owl appears to speak up about the attention it gets on a picnic table bench in a New Hampshire park Monday. My friend and neighbor took me along on a Snowy Owl excursion to the Seacoast...and we saw not one, but two Snowy Owls...Great Nature Day!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/22/21 Tue, 22 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POD 2/21/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/pod-2/21/22 AT THE WATER HOLE - Male Red-Bellied Woodpecker drinks at a tree scar water hole. A bit of warm weather was welcomed by everyone.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/pod-2/21/22 Mon, 21 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/20/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/20/22 TRAIL FLOOD - A February warm spell has turned our trail along the brook into a waterfall...but our rollercoaster weather promises to re-freeze this weekend.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/20/22 Sun, 20 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/19/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/19/22  

ADAPTABLE - We have been watching a Tufted Titmouse with an injured leg for several weeks - and have been amazed at how well it goes about eating and getting by with only one good leg. Nature adapts!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/19/22 Sat, 19 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/18/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/18/22 BLUE MOUNTAIN - Monadnock Mountain - snow capped and covered in blue.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/18/22 Fri, 18 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/17/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/17/22 CHICKADEE CHOMP -  A Chickadee pecks a sunflower seed collected from the feeder. Despite the fact that Chickadees are reliable and consistent visitors to bird feeders, more than half of their diet year-round is animal prey. In winter they hunt for dormant tiny insects and spiders, including eggs and larvae, which are found in bark crevices and dead leaf clusters.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/17/22 Thu, 17 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/16/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/16/22 BROOK ICE - Fickle temps - warm then cold - make ice formations on the brook from the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/16/22 Wed, 16 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POT 2/15/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/pot-2/15/22 THAT MOON - Watching for lunar landing craft...almost full moon.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/pot-2/15/22 Tue, 15 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/14/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/14/22 TURKEY IN THE SNOW - Turkey hen pecks in the snow...Still Winter!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/14/22 Mon, 14 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/13/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/13/22 MAPLE SUNSET - The Maple tree in our front yard is a friendly and familiar foreground for a beautiful February sunset.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/13/22 Sun, 13 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/12/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/12/22 BLUE MOUNTAIN - Monadnock Mountain under blue sunset clouds.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/12/22 Sat, 12 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/11/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/11/22 AH DOVE - The first Mourning Dove of the season...even with cold winter weather - Spring starts.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/11/22 Fri, 11 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/10/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/10/22 DIGGIN' IT OUT - Turkey hen scratches in the snow to get at bird seed. Scratch, peck, repeat.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/10/22 Thu, 10 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POD 2/9/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/pod-2/9/22 BELLS ON THE BROOK - Ice bells formed on a log over the brook from the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/pod-2/9/22 Wed, 09 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/8/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/8/22 GOLDFINCHES ARE BACK - Male Goldfinch in the process of transforming from drab winter plumage to bright, showy plumage he will need for courtship this Spring. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/8/22 Tue, 08 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/7/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/7/22 ON THE BEAVER POND - Tracks all over the beaver pond after rain, sleet, freezing rain, then snow...thankful for a sunny day!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/7/22 Mon, 07 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/6/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/6/22 ICY PERCH - Chickadee on ice covered branches. Brrrr...

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/6/22 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/5/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/5/22 ICED - Freezing rain from a nasty winter storm coats the branches and the few remaining berries on a winterberry bush Friday.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/5/22 Sat, 05 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/4/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/4/22 JAYBIRD - We saw our friend Jaybird recently after a long absence...and are seeing lots of Blue Jays in the yard in the snow.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/4/22 Fri, 04 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/3/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/3/22 AFTERBLOOM - The cut tulips have run their blooming course...still interesting...but past prime.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/3/22 Thu, 03 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/2/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/2/22 FROST FEATHER - Hoar frost on a twig. Really cold temperatures freeze moisture out of the air into feather patterns on surfaces. Fancy Frost. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/2/22 Wed, 02 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 2/1/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/1/22 MOOSE ON THE BROOK - I'm not usually one of those guys that "sees things" in clouds...actually, I am ;-) ...and I noticed ice on the brook that made me think Moose. Ice art!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/2/potd-2/1/22 Tue, 01 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/31/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/31/22 COOL DRINK - Chickadee drinks at the heated water bowl after the big Nor'easter snow storm. The birds are taking advantage of the open water.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/31/22 Mon, 31 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/30/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/30/22 GET A LEG UP - Turkey hen stands on one leg in the Saturday snow storm. Birds' legs have an adaptation called "rete mirabile" that minimizes heat loss. The arteries that transport warm blood into the legs lie in contact with the veins that return colder blood to the bird's heart. ... And by standing on one leg, a bird reduces by half the amount of heat lost through unfeathered limbs. Brrrrrrrr!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/30/22 Sun, 30 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/29/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/29/22  

FIRST FLAKES TO FLY - Blue Jay in the first snow flakes to fall in the big storm coming today.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/29/22 Sat, 29 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/28/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/28/22 TIT FOR THAT - Tufted Titmouse at the heated bird bath.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/28/22 Fri, 28 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/27/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/27/21 MS RED-BELLIED - Female Red-Bellied Woodpecker with suet on her bill. The birds are going for the fat-rich food with really cold weather in New Hampshire.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/27/21 Thu, 27 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/26/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/26/22 DUCKS? - We usually see ducks on the area ponds in Spring...so, surprised to see these ducks along what little open water there is on Mill Pond. Hope their duck down works in the single digit temperatures forecast for the weekend.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/26/22 Wed, 26 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/25/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/25/22 BLUE MOON - I love to see the moon in the daytime...even only half full.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/25/22 Tue, 25 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/24/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/24/22 WINTER POND - Quiet at the beaver pond when it is frozen after several days of below zero temperatures.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/24/22 Mon, 24 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/23/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/23/22  

FROST STAR - Hoar Frost on the Brook. Hoarfrost is dew-drops deposited and frozen into ice crystals to form a white deposit on an exposed surface when the air is cold and moist. We've had plenty of COLD and moist in New Hampshire lately. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/23/22 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/22/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/22/22 RED SKY IN MORNING - A red sunrise conjures the ancient adage of mariners relating to forecasting the weather. We don't take warning at a red sunrise as the sailors did...but enjoy the spectacle when we rise early enough to catch it.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/22/22 Sat, 22 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/21/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/21/22 TURKEY SHARK - Turkey hen with an errant feather on her back. We see turkeys with feathers askew pretty often from the jostling they take flying in and out of trees to roost.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/21/22 Fri, 21 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/20/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/20/22 BIRD WATER - After a couple of photos of birds eating snow during really cold New Hampshire weather, several people suggested we have heated water for the birds. We have had heated bird water for years...but like the horse saying..."you can lead em' to water, but you can't make em' drink" goes for our birds and the  ones that choose snow over the open water in the heated bird bath. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/20/22 Thu, 20 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/19/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/19/22 FEEDER ACROBATICS - A Bluejay needs some gymnastics to use the tube feeder.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/19/22 Wed, 19 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/18/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/18/22 HERE'S LOOKIN' AT YOU - Titmouse on a limb....the little birds are all over the feeders in the cold weather.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/18/22 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/17/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/17/22 BRRRRR - A Chickadee eats snow from the bird bath. Birds will eat snow when they have to and the really cold weather in New Hampshire this weekend made water hard to find.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/17/22 Mon, 17 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/16/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/16/22 TREED TURKEY - The Turkeys were staying in the trees in the extremely cold weather in New Hampshire this weekend. Not sure it was much warmer, but sunning in the tree seemed like the thing to do.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/16/22 Sun, 16 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/15/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/15/22 'SCUZE ME? - A Nuthatch seems perturbed at being caught mid-groom during a preening session. Birds spend at least 10 percent of each day preening their feathers. Preening is so important that some details of bill shape have evolved specifically for that activity.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/15/22 Sat, 15 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/14/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/14/22 SNOWBIRD - Slate-colored Junco digs seeds from the snow. Juncos are mostly ground feeders, scratching around under bird feeders. In colder months the Juncos travel in flocks from evergreen forests to backyards all over the U.S., getting the nickname snowbirds - as they seem to bring snowy winter weather with them.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/14/22 Fri, 14 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/13/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/13/22 SNOW CONE - A female Red-bellied Woodpecker eats collected snow on her favorite Maple tree. Although birds can eat snow, it costs them precious energy to warm the snow up to body temperature—a costly expense in severe cold. ... In addition to drinking, birds use water to keep their feathers clean, and some will bathe even in winter. This woodpecker chose the snow over the heated water bowl on the patio.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/13/22 Thu, 13 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/12/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/12/22 FROZEN - Single digit temperatures and wind chill below zero - the beaver pond frozen today.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/12/22 Wed, 12 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POT 1/11/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/pot-1/11/22 OK WINTER, YOU GOT MY ATTENTION - Bracing for the coldest temperatures of the year so far...icicles on the eaves are telling the weather tales today.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/pot-1/11/22 Tue, 11 Jan 2022 11:00:40 GMT
POTD 1/10/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/10/22 THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS - A reflection in a small opening in the ice on the pool below the beaver pond dam made me think of the proverbial looking glass.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/10/22 Mon, 10 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/9/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/9/22 WINTER SHADOW SELFIE - Late day shadows across the frozen beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/9/22 Sun, 09 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/8/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/8/22 TURKEY IN THE SNOW - An all-day snow event had the turkeys (and us) out in the snow Friday. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/8/22 Sat, 08 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/7/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/7/22 QUARTER MOON IN A TEN CENT TOWN - Borrowing from an Emmy Lou Harris lyric - not really a commentary on our town. ;-) Just something interesting in the evening sky.

 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/7/22 Fri, 07 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/6/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/6/22 NUTHATCHES cling to the bark and can move in any direction, often hanging head down. This male White-breasted Nuthatch has a shiny black crown, while the female's is gray.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/6/22 Thu, 06 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/5/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/5/22 FALLING WATER -  A few days of warmer weather have the brook from the beaver pond running full speed.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/5/22 Wed, 05 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/4/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/4/22 FITTING SENDOFF - After several days of fog, we had a colorful sunset for a sendoff of 2021...bright skies for 2022!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/4/22 Tue, 04 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/3/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/3/22 2022 IS COMING IN WARM AND WET - Our New Year's snowflakes are water drops on a Pine branch.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/3/22 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/2/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/2/21 HERE'S TO A BRIGHT 2022 - A foggy New Year's Day to bring in 2022...here's to many full bloom days this year!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/2/21 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 1/1/22 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/1/22  

OH FOGGY NIGHT - With the year it has been...it is appropriate that 2021 goes out in a fog. Here's to 2022 bringing bright, sunny days.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2022/1/potd-1/1/22 Sat, 01 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/31/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/31/21 JAYBIRD - Bluejay eating oranges...frozen fruit in December.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/31/21 Fri, 31 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/30/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/30/21 YOU LEFT ME HANGING - Ice sheets left hanging from branches by water receding from the pool below the beaver pond are reflected in the open water. Temperatures have been above freezing during the day prompting unusual melting.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/30/21 Thu, 30 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/29/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/29/21 WINTER FLUFF - Mourning Dove puffed up against Winter cold. Birds fluff their feathers in winter to trap air to provide extra insulation against cold.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/29/21 Wed, 29 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/28/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/28/21 WINTER TEETH - Icicles and crusty snow on a branch near the beaver pond. It's Winter in New Hampshire!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/28/21 Tue, 28 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/27/2`1 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/27/2-1 Beech leaves collect snow and ice from a day-after-Christmas weather event along the trail to the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/27/2-1 Mon, 27 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/26/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/26/21 NEAT CELLAR HOLE - Ice in a cellar hole in the Wapack Wilderness. Cellar holes are the remains of early residents' homes...usually lined with stones, they collect water and this one made interesting patterns in the winter forest.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/26/21 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/25/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/25/21 MERRY CHRISTMAS - The Picture of the Day of our cats...and wishing you and yours a very, merry Christmas.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/25/21 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/24/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/24/21 DESIGNATED SCENIC - The end of our road has been designated by the town as "scenic"...which means repair and maintenance must not damage or destroy. We have enjoyed walking on our forest road for over 20 years and appreciate the town recognizing it's beauty.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/24/21 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POD 12/23/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/pod-12/23/21 EAT LIKE A BIRD - Goldfinch eating seeds from a catkin on a White Birch tree. Finchees have started showing up in the yard after being gone in Fall and early Winter.

EAT 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/pod-12/23/21 Thu, 23 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/22/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/22/21 WECOME WINTER SOLSTICE - Moonless night sky to welcome the Winter Solstice to make the turn toward Spring.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/22/21 Wed, 22 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/21/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/21/21 FROSTING - Ice on the branches of the cherry tree lit up by the sunset.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/21/21 Tue, 21 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/20/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/20/21 TIRE ART - We had a little snow so we wrote our name on the driveway ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/20/21 Mon, 20 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/19/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/19/21 WINTER LOOK - Beech and Oak leaves on the pool below the beaver dam as winter is sneaking up on us this year.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/19/21 Sun, 19 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/18/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/18/21 HANGING ON - Roots of a White Birch tree spread out over rocks along the brook from the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/18/21 Sat, 18 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/17/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/17/21 FICKLE WINTER WEATHER -  A warm stretch melted the ice on the beaver pond for the return of reflections on the surface.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/17/21 Fri, 17 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/16/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/16/21 PICKY EATER - A Black-Capped Chickadee spits a sunflower seed shell eating at a platform feeder. Chickadees will pick through seeds at a feeder to select the seed with the most fat content...taking full advantage of the effort they go through to shell the seed.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/16/21 Thu, 16 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/15/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/15/21 HURRY SUNDOWN - Leafless trees silhouette as sunset starts to come earlier with Winter Solstice approaching.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/15/21 Wed, 15 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/14/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/14/21 SNOW CAPPED - Our trail gnome got a snow cap recently.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/14/21 Tue, 14 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/13/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/13/21 DOWN DRINKIN' AT THE ... Red-Bellied Woodpecker gets a drink at a Maple tree watering hole. We had rain to fill the maple tree drinking wells and the birds like them better than the bird baths we provide.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/13/21 Mon, 13 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/12/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/12/21 FAVORITE WINTER BIRD - A Brown Creeper on the maple tree...Vic';s favorite winter bird.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/12/21 Sun, 12 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/11/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/11/21 COOL ICE - Ice forms on branches in the brook...winter patterns all around.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/11/21 Sat, 11 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/10/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/10/21 IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE....We had a light snow that decorated the forest with frosting.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/10/21 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/9/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/9/21 FALL GARDENING - A Bluejay digs around in the leaves in the patio garden.  We leave as much leaf litter as we can in the gardens for larvae and bugs that the birds can eat. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/9/21 Thu, 09 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/8/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/8/21 I SEE FACES in a tree stump on a hike in the Wapack Wilderness. Use your imagination...he's smiling. ;-) 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/8/21 Wed, 08 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/7/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/7/21 NUTHATCH - White-Breasted Nuthatch creeps headfirst in all directions on tree trunks.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/7/21 Tue, 07 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/6/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/6/21 WE LOVE when an Orchid blooms again...a bright spot on a cloudy day!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/6/21 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/5/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/5/21 NEW ANGLE ON MONADNOCK - We enjoyed seeing Monadnock Mountain from a different vantage on a hike with our friends Saturday.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/5/21 Sun, 05 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTDS 12/4/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potds-12/4/21 EARLY GOLDEN HOUR -  With Winter Solstice coming up - the evening golden hour is earlier and earlier on the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potds-12/4/21 Sat, 04 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/3/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/3/21 STILL BREAKING ICE - The beavers were still working the ice today...and I had a better angle.  Two beavers were working in front of the dam keeping as much open water as they could.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/3/21 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/2/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/2/21 ICEBREAKER - A Beaver breaks ice near the dam on the beaver pond. They earn their busy caricature keeping water open for getting in and out of the pond before the ice gets too thick to break.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/2/21 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 12/1/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/1/21 WINTER SCENE on our little pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/12/potd-12/1/21 Wed, 01 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/30/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/30/21 SNOWBIRD RETURN - Slate-colored Junco with a touch of the first New Hampshire snow on it's beak. Juncos are the "snowbirds" of the middle latitudes. Over most of the eastern United States, they appear as winter sets in, and then retreat northward each spring. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/30/21 Tue, 30 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/29/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/29/21 The first snowfall of the season sliding off the solar array made me think Winter was giving me an "I'm Back" grin.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/29/21 Mon, 29 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/28/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/28/21 LEAVIN' ON A JET PLANE - When the only thing flying over the beaver pond was a big ole jet plane. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/28/21 Sun, 28 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/27/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/27/21 CLOUDS DRIFT OVER NEW IPSWICH MOUNTAIN yesterday as winter sets in at the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/27/21 Sat, 27 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/26/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/26/21 NICE ICE - Sticks and stems in the brook from the beaver pond make interesting ice formations.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/26/21 Fri, 26 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/25/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/25/21 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER - Red-Bellied Woodpecker is named for a red-tinged belly that is almost never visible - and you'd think this male with his bright red head would be called a Red-Headed Woodpecker, but they look completely different.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/25/21 Thu, 25 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/24/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/24/21 BRRRRWINTER - Ice on the brook from the beaver pond as Fall has fallen to Winter.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/24/21 Wed, 24 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/23/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/23/21 AHHHH SUNSET - When the sky lights up at at sunset and I have not taken ANY photos for Picture of the Day ;-) I'm thankful for a pretty sunset!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/23/21 Tue, 23 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/22/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/22/21 ORNAMENTAL GRASS coated with frost lit with early morning sun.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/22/21 Mon, 22 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/21/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/21/21 FROST ON THE ROSE - A rose bloom that made it through several frosts already, gets a frosting decoration yesterday.

 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/21/21 Sun, 21 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/20/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/20/21 REFLECTION ON WINTER - Reflections in the beaver pond are starting to look like winter.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/20/21 Sat, 20 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/19/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/19/21 ALL THE LEAVES ARE BROWN and the sky is gray. The forest floor is a carpet of fallen leaves on the path to the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/19/21 Fri, 19 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/18/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/18/21 BEAVER MOON approaching full.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/18/21 Thu, 18 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/17/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/17/21 BIRD FOOD - A Finch eats seeds from catkins in a White Birch tree. A mature catkin can release up to 1 million seeds a year.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/17/21 Wed, 17 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/16/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/16/21 BEECH TREES still have leaves over the brook from the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/16/21 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/15/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/15/21 JUST LIKE THAT, FALL HAS FALLEN - Very few leaves left on Barrett Mountain with a winter sky reflected in the beaver pond Sunday.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/15/21 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/14/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/14/21 MIGRATION VISITORS - A pair of Hooded Mergansers (male in front) among the standing dead trees on the beaver pond yesterday. Mergansers are around in the Spring during migration - but we rarely see them in the Fall migration. 

 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/14/21 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/13/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/13/21 BRONZE AGE CONTINUES at the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/13/21 Sat, 13 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/12/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/12/21 FALL FOREST - The brook from the beaver pond cuts through a Fall forest.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/12/21 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/11/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/11/21 OAK ON THE WATER - The Oak trees are among the last to shed leaves in the fall. They are falling all along the brook from the beaver pond. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/11/21 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/10/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/10/21 JUNCOS RETURN - Dark Eyed Juncos might look different depending on where you see them - but our Slate Colored Juncos are back foraging in the yard.  Our Sibley book says the same species of Dark Eyed Junco have distinct regional variations or sub species - which make the same bird look different depending where you are seeing it. Ours arrive in a flock in Fall and cover the yard and patio.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/10/21 Wed, 10 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/9/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/9/21 HUGE CHERRY TREES in our yard attract birds and wildlife and make a dramatic silhouette when the leaves have fallen and the sunset colors the background.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/9/21 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/8/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/8/21 JUST NUTS - A busy Chipmunk gathers acorns - almost too big for his mouth. We watched this chipmunk make multiple trips from under the Oak tree to an unseen winter den across the yard.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/8/21 Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/7/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/7/21 BRONZE PHASE AT BEAVER POND - Oak and Beech trees hold their leaves along the beaver pond below New Ipswich Mountain.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/7/21 Sun, 07 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/6/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/6/21 HEY GUY - Male Downy Woodpecker hunting on the beaver pond. His bright red top knot gives him away.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/6/21 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POT 11/5/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/pot-11/5/21 FINE FINCH - Evening sun lights an immature female Purple Finch...back in the yard after a summer in the woods.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/pot-11/5/21 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POD 11/4/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/pod-11/4/21 BRIGHT SPOT IN LATE FALL SKY - Most of the brilliant Maple leaves have already fallen, leaving the bronze and gold of Oak and Beech leaves to color the path to the beaver pond...except for a few bright Maple trees hanging onto their color.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/pod-11/4/21 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/3/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/3/21 BEAVER POND REFLECTIONS - The colors of Fall are softening as October turns to November and we start thinking about winter in New England.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/3/21 Wed, 03 Nov 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/2/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/2/21 HARD TO PASS ON A SUNSET - When the sunset makes you say - "WOW" - a photographer takes a picture! ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/2/21 Tue, 02 Nov 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 11/1/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/1/21 HOLDING PATTERN - A Chickadee in a holding pattern as all of the perches on the feeder are already occupied. Lots of Chickadees are back at the feeders with the change in the weather.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/11/potd-11/1/21 Mon, 01 Nov 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/31/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/31/21 TOOK A DRIVE IN VERMONT - A rainy and foggy day in central Vermont with some fall color hanging on along the White River.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/31/21 Sun, 31 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/30/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/30/21  

ASPEN - Big tooth Aspen leaf holds rain from recent rains. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/30/21 Sat, 30 Oct 2021 00:49:40 GMT
POTD 10/29/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/29/21 ONCE MORE WITH ATTITUDE - Male Cardinal in portrait mode. ;-) 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/29/21 Fri, 29 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/28/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/28/21 The normally gentle waterfall on the brook from the beaver pond gets frisky with a good rain. Storms the past couple of days have the brook booking.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/28/21 Thu, 28 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POD 10/27/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/pod-10/27/21 NOT SHOWING much of her namesake red belly, this female Red-Bellied Woodpecker on a limb at the beaver pond. I know it is a female because males' entire head is red-topped. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/pod-10/27/21 Wed, 27 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POD 10/26/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/pod-10/26/21 Beaver Pond foliage update - Still worth a visit - but certainly waning.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/pod-10/26/21 Tue, 26 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/25/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/25/21 TOUCH OF FROST - The first frost of the year...just a touch, but almost the latest first frost on record. The latest first frost on record was tomorrow...so just missed it by a day.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/25/21 Mon, 25 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/24/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/24/21 HELLO SUNSHINE - Sunrise bursts through the clouds for a Fall New England day.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/24/21 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/23/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/23/21 FALL ON THE WATER - Shadows and fallen leaves on the beaver pond are the patterns of Fall.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/23/21 Sat, 23 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/22/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/22/21 SAPSUCKER - Immature Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker on Birch tree. The holes Sapsuckers drill to get sap and attract insects that they eat are also used by other birds.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/22/21 Fri, 22 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/21/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/21/21 AFLOAT - Maple leaf on the beaver pond...floating in the breeze.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/21/21 Thu, 21 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/20/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/20/21 COLOR STARTING TO WANE - After a spectacular Fall foliage year, the color at the beaver pond is starting to wane past peak. Still pretty nice on a sunny day!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/20/21 Wed, 20 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POD 10/19/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/pod-10/19/21 COUNTRY ROAD TAKE ME HOME  - New Hampshire style!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/pod-10/19/21 Tue, 19 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/18/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/18/21 HEY MOON - The Moon, approaching full, lit up the clouds Sunday night.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/18/21 Mon, 18 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/17/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/17/21 OUTTA HERE - Perhaps the last Monarch butterfly in New Hampshire takes off from a Larkspur bloom in a town garden in Peterborough, NH.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/17/21 Sun, 17 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/16/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/16/21 ON THE HUNT - A Coopers Hawk (I think) hunts on the beaver pond. These small hawks hunt small birds that they capture in flight.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/16/21 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 23:49:36 GMT
POTD 10/15/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/15/21 OUR MOUNTAIN VIEW - The view of Monadnock Mountain from the lookout on New Ipswich Mountain above our house.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/15/21 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/14/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/14/21 BEAVER POND COLOR UPDATE - Not sure if it is peak yet - but we have officially reached WOW!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/14/21 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/13/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/13/21 AND THE RAKING COMMENCES - Now that the Maple tree on the driveway has done a Fall shed.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/13/21 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/12/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/12/21 A COUPLE OF FROGS bask on the bank of the garden pond in what's left of nice weather before the pond is drained for the winter.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/12/21 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/11/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/11/21 THE HEADWATERS OF THE MILLERS RIVER in New Ipswich, New Hampshire.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/11/21 Mon, 11 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/10/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/10/21 MONADNOCK SUNSET

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/10/21 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/9/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/9/21 FALL ON  BEAVER POND

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/9/21 Sat, 09 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/8/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/8/21 TOWER OF POWER - Maple tree in our yard has burst out in color. The annual Fall color display seemed to start later this year - but is living up to its reputation.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/8/21 Fri, 08 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/7/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/7/21 FALL ON THE GRIDLEY - We took our annual Fall Foliage on the Gridley River float yesterday. The leaves along the water change first - so the spectacular Fall show always starts first along the water. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/7/21 Thu, 07 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/6/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/6/21 Phantasmagoric Fungi - A Fly Amanita mushroom on it's side along the trail to the beaver pond. The rain these last few months has brought out a multitude of mushrooms of various colors and sizes. The Amanita is deadly poisonous and I was taught to remember the name by thinking "I'm onna needa" go to the hospital if I eat this mushroom.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/6/21 Wed, 06 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/5/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/5/21 HOT CHICK - We've been visited by a lone turkey chick recently...when normally we'd have a flock of turkeys scratching in the yard. We love the turkeys!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/5/21 Tue, 05 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/4/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/4/21 WAITING FOR MORE COLOR - Fall color is coming slower this year...as only the trees on the shore of the beaver pond have changed so far - and past years the entire mountain would be lit up.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/4/21 Mon, 04 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/3/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/3/21 WHAT'S FOR DINNER? - Blue Jay hangs onto a juicy tree nut from a high perch. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/3/21 Sun, 03 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/2/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/poyd-102/21 PSYCHEDELIC - The beaver pond is starting to be a bit trippy visually this time of year. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/poyd-102/21 Sat, 02 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 10/1/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/1/21 FALL FALLIN' - Garden Asters catch fallen Maple leaves as Fall starts falling in New Hampshire.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/10/potd-10/1/21 Fri, 01 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/30/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/30/21 IT'S IN THE WATER - Fall color reflection on the beaver pond. Leaves along the edge of the water are the first to turn.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/30/21 Thu, 30 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/29/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/29/21 FINALLY FALL on the beaver pond. Starting to get the first signs of New England Fall Foliage along the edge of the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/29/21 Wed, 29 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/28/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/28/21 BLUEBIRD DAY - It is migration season...Of the 650+ species of North American breeding birds, more than half are migratory, and some 350 species travel long distances each year. We came across a small flock of migrating Bluebirds hunting on a wire over a farm pasture. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/28/21 Tue, 28 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/27/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/27/21 NOT MUCH  COLOR YET in southern New Hampshire. A beautiful Fall day with great reflections on the beaver pond is about as good as it gets.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/27/21 Mon, 27 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/26/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/26/21 CARDINAL RULE - They say when you see a cardinal it is a visit from someone who has passed. We saw this cardinal snacking at our feeder today...the day we said goodbye to my nephew. Thanks for showing up as a beautiful red bird Matt!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/26/21 Sun, 26 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/25/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/25/21 FALL COLOR on the trail to the beaver pond. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/25/21 Sat, 25 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/24/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/24/21 THE YARDBIRDS - It's great to be back in our yard and see the birds we've been watching all year growing up. This year's Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is growing into her adult colors.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/24/21 Fri, 24 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/23/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/23/21 FALL REFLECTIONS on the beaver pond. I'm back in New Hampshire after a couple of weeks away. Fall colors are starting to come out around the beaver pond - it's nice to be home.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/23/21 Thu, 23 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/22/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/22/21 SUNSET ON MY TRIP - I'm headed home to New Hampshire after a couple of weeks in my home town in Indiana. A nice view for the rear view mirror!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/22/21 Wed, 22 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/21/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/21/21 FAR FROM SHORE - I'm used to seeing Killdeer on the seashore, so I was surprised to see this one in a freshly harvested corn field in Knox County, Indiana. The field guide confirmed that Killdeer are a widespread shorebird that often nests near human development and far from water.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/21/21 Tue, 21 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/20/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/20/21 INDIANA DOES SKIES - "Photo clouds" over the Lincoln Memorial Bridge across the Wabash River in Vincennes, Indiana. A young Abraham Lincoln crossed from Indiana to Illinois here on his journey from Kentucky.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/20/21 Mon, 20 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/19/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/19/21 GREBE IN INDIANA - I'm still in Indiana and making pictures here during my visit. I spotted a duck on a small pond at sunset - which Merlin Bird ID app called a Pie-Billed Grebe. I had recently spotted one on the beaver pond in New Hampshire and learned it was an endangered breeding species there. I suspect this Grebe may be stopping off here in Indiana during migration.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/19/21 Sun, 19 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/18/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/18/21 ROUND BARN - Round barns are disappearing from the rural landscape. We found a great one near Washington, Indiana and even got a tour inside this amazing barn.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/18/21 Sat, 18 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/17/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/17/21 RED HEADED STRANGER - I'm finding the birds in Indiana to be a bit camera shy...as it has taken me more than a week here before I got my first bird POTD. We don't have Red-Headed Woodpeckers in New Hampshire, so I was pleased for this one to be my first Indiana bird POTD.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/17/21 Fri, 17 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/16/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/16/21 MELO

MELONVILLE - Watermelons in a field in Knox County, Indiana. When I was growing up here, Knox County was a promoted as the "Watermelon Capital of the World" with a huge watermelon festival and wonderful summer melons. Not sure if the county still retains the melon title, but they still raise lots of melons.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/16/21 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/15/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/15/21 AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN - Corn harvest in Knox County, Indiana...the view from my Indiana family's front porch. I'm home for a visit so the Picture of the Day topics look a lot different from the forest and beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/15/21 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 19:47:47 GMT
POTD 9/14/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/14/21r5t HOME AGAIN IN INDIANA - I apologize for the confusing POTD post the past few days. I’m on a visit to my home town in Indiana and my borrowed computer system has me befuddled? This is a monument to George Rogers Clark in Vincennes, Indiana. Clark, the brother of the Lewis and Clarks Merriweather, captured the Northwest Territory from the British at Fort Sackville here. It was a good place to grow up.

 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/14/21r5t Tue, 14 Sep 2021 01:04:48 GMT
POTD 9/13/21_3 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/13/21_3 OVER THE MOON - Quarter moon over Indiana. Change of venue for POTD - as I am in Indiana for a visit. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/13/21_3 Mon, 13 Sep 2021 13:48:38 GMT
POTD 9/13/21 _2 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/13/21-_2 CHANGE OF VENUE - Picture of the Day is maturing corn in Indiana. I'm out in Indiana for a couple of weeks (you may have noticed changes in the timing of POTD posts the last few days as I am getting used to a borrowed system).  I'm from Indiana and am enjoying the farm sights from my childhood.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/13/21-_2 Mon, 13 Sep 2021 13:38:17 GMT
POTD 9/13/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/13/21 CHANGE OF VENUE - Picture of the Day is maturing corn in Indiana. I'm out in Indiana for a couple of weeks (you may have noticed changes in the timing of POTD posts the last few days as I am getting used to a borrowed system).  I'm from Indiana and am enjoying the farm sights from my childhood.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/13/21 Mon, 13 Sep 2021 10:55:37 GMT
POTD 9/12/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/11/21 BUTTERFLY FACE - I don't usually get to see a butterfly up close...like this Fritillary on a Zinnia bloom.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/11/21 Sun, 12 Sep 2021 01:36:44 GMT
POTD 9/11/21_2 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/11/21_2 WE REMEMBER

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/11/21_2 Sat, 11 Sep 2021 10:55:33 GMT
POTD 9/10/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/10/21 WHO LOVES THE SUN - Sunflower blooms stand out against the solar array. WE love the sun!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/10/21 Fri, 10 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/9/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/9/21 BED HEAD - Pileated Woodpecker sporting a messed "do" on his favorite tree above our yard.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/9/21 Thu, 09 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/8/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potyd-9/8/21  

ON ZINNIA - Monarch butterfly spending time on Zinnia bloom.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potyd-9/8/21 Wed, 08 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/7/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/7/21 END OF SUMMER ;-(  - As I was putting the cooler away after our end of summer getaway - I noticed the expression on the cooler regretting the end of summer. It will come again! ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/7/21 Tue, 07 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/6/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/6/21 HAWK EYE - Hawk on the fence.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/6/21 Mon, 06 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/5/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/5/21 NOW WHAT? - A Gull emerges from the surf with a large, intact clam. They have been known to drop shell fish on the pavement - but I did not see where this gull took the clam.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/5/21 Sun, 05 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/4/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/4/21 BEACH BIRDS - Some new birds to watch on our quick trip to the Maine Coast....Least Sandpipers among the birds dancing in the surf.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/4/21 Sat, 04 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
9/3/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/9/3/21 POSTCARD SUNRISE - We were treated to a postcard-worthy sunrise on the Maine Coast this week. Wish you were here ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/9/3/21 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/2/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/2/21 ANOTHER HUMMER - The Hummingbirds are bulking up before migration and have been crazy on the feeders and garden flowers.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/2/21 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 9/1/31 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/1/31 THE LAST CHERRY - A Robin makes off with a wild cherry. The birds that eat fruit have been clearing the cherry trees...pretty much harvesting all of the fruit.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/9/potd-9/1/31 Wed, 01 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/31/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/31/21 DRAGONFLY - A Yellow-Legged Meadowhawk on the beaver pond. The Dragonflies help keep the bugs down.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/31/21 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/30/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/30/21 TRAIL BLOOMS - Fleabane blooming along the trail up Little Monadnock Mountain.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/30/21 Mon, 30 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/29/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/29/21 CHECKING OUT THE CHICKS - We've had cute Turkey chicks in the yard recently growing into their color.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/29/21 Sun, 29 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/28/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/28/21 FLOWER POWER - I spend a lot time time focused on things (birds) far away...but I like to re-focus attention on the details close up...like the center of a Zinnia bloom.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/28/21 Sat, 28 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/27/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/27/21 HUMMERS ARE THE SHOW -  Bird activity on these late summer days has been lots of Hummingbirds buzzing the yard. Several females pester each other endlessly all around the house.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/27/21 Fri, 27 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/26/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/26/21 WHAT'S FOR DINNER - A young duck deals with a meal bigger than its mouth on the beaver pond. The duck slammed the crab on the water a couple of times to break it up before ingesting it.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/26/21 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/25/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/25/21 HUMMER ON ZINNIA - The late summer garden is attracting the Hummingbirds.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/25/21 Wed, 25 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/24/21_2 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/24/21_2 HENRI FED BROOK - The brook from the beaver pond was booking from lots of Henri rain.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/24/21_2 Tue, 24 Aug 2021 10:10:26 GMT
POTD 8/24/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/24/21 NEW BEARS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD - Our neighbors spotted a mother bear with three cubs - and they passed by our trail camera later that night. We are careful not to leave bird seed out that the bears can get so they don't come here for food, but we love to spot them on the trail cam...and THREE cubs!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/24/21 Tue, 24 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/23/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/23/21 NORTHERN FLICKER - A male Northern Flicker, also called a Yellow-Shafted Flicker, hunts ants on the ground. The Flickers bright white rump patch is hidden when they are perched or hunting ants, but obvious when they take off, and along with their yellow underwings probably serves to startle potential predators. The eruption of bright colors when they take off, the flickering white and yellow of the flying bird is what gives the species its name.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/23/21 Mon, 23 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POT 8/22/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/pot-8/22/21 TINY DANCER - A tiny bee explores a rain-soaked Daisy bloom.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/pot-8/22/21 Sun, 22 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/21/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/21/21 FIRST MONARCH CATERPILLAR - We spotted the first Monarch butterfly caterpillar on the Asclepias today.  We plant the variety of Milkweed that is the host plant for Monarchs - then wait to see the butterfly life cycle unfold in the pollinator garden.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/21/21 Sat, 21 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/20/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/20/21 EASTERN NEWT OUT - Newts have three forms: a larval aquatic form, followed by an immature land form called an "eft" and finally an aquatic adult form. This is the land form called a red eft. We see these on the trails, especially after a rain like we had Thursday. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/20/21 Fri, 20 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/19/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/19/21 HEY JAKE - A young turkey has been hanging out in the yard...we think it is a Jake - a young male ostracized by the Tom turkeys and pushed out to fend for himself. But he is welcome in our yard...to get what he can scrounge.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/19/21 Thu, 19 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/18/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/18/21 CHERRY PICKING - A Robin harvests cherries. Cherries are the "thing" with the birds in our yard now...a ring of huge cherry trees around the yard are attracting all of the fruit eating birds. Relatively easy picking for the photographer, too. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/18/21 Wed, 18 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/17/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/17/21 MIGRATION STRAGGLER -  A female Baltimore Oriole works on an Ash tree berry. The Orioles in our yard have been gone for a month - but a pair of Orioles showed up with several other bird species to feast on ripe Ash and Cherry berries - and seem like late migrators. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/17/21 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/16/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/16/21 WATER WORLD - A beaver swims through reflections on the beaver pond. Beavers flood forest to leave lots of dead trees standing in the water.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/16/21 Mon, 16 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/15/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/15/21 CHERRY PICKIN' - Female Pileated Woodpecker visiting the yard now that cherries are ripe. We have several huge cherry trees around the edge of our yard that attract lots of fruit-eating bird species when the cherries are ripe. The Pileated is the largest North American woodpecker and the pair that lives near us is pretty elusive until the cherries are ripe.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/15/21 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/14/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/14/21 EYE ON THE PRIZE - A Cedar Waxwing has its eye on a ripe cherry as a flock of them work the cherry trees in our yard. Waxwings eat mainly fruit and live an itinerant life, spending most of the year traveling in small flocks in search of fruit - staying only as long as the fruit lasts.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/14/21 Sat, 14 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/13/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/13/21 WILD CRANBERRIES - Cranberries are native in New England and we ran across these ripening berries in a bog in the Wapack Wilderness. Large Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are in the Heath family and grow in dense, creeping masses in open bogs.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/13/21 Fri, 13 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/12/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/12/21 DEW ON THE DAISY - It's the little details that make life interesting.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/12/21 Thu, 12 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/11/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/11/21 SCARLET? TANAGER - This female Scarlet Tanager shows none of the bright scarlet color that gives the species it's name. Tanagers are strongly sexually dimorphic - the males and females look different - and recent studies show that this is linked to migration. More than three-quarters of migratory species are dimorphic, while over three-quarters of sedentary species are not. With migration, sexual roles diverge and in order to establish a breeding territory in a few days, the female must select a mate. The most attractive males are more likely to be chosen and quickly - which drives the evolution to more showy plumage in the males.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/11/21 Wed, 11 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/10/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/10/21 BEE-HAVE - A bee confronts a Silver-Bordered Fritillary butterfly for browsing access to a Coreopsis bloom.  The bee moved on.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/10/21 Tue, 10 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/9/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/9/21 THE UN-FLOWER WILDFLOWER - Indian-Pipe (Montropa uniflora) is saprophytic - meaning it does not contain chlorophyl to make it green - but rather gets nourishment from decayed organic matter and even without green, it makes an interesting bloom.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/9/21 Mon, 09 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/8/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/8/21 GETTIN' AT THE SEEDS - Goldfinches are seed eaters and are regulars at our bird feeders. But, because of bird feeder robbing bears, we have not been putting out seed feeders so the Goldfinches are taking to the Spruce cones for seeds. This male Goldfinch contorts to peck seeds from ripe cones.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/8/21 Sun, 08 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/7/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/7/21 EARLY FALL COLOR -  a precocious maple leaf on the blacktop.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/7/21 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/6/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/6/21 IT'S NOT A BIRD - Vic and I talk about the subjects of my Picture of the Day...and how often it is a bird. We hiked Mt. New Ipswich behind our house for the view of Monadnock Mountain and made a picture that is not a bird.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/6/21 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/5/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/5/21 HUMMMMMMM - Hummingbirds feed by dipping their long slender tongue into the nectar inside a flower (or feeder)  Some of the remarkable details of how this works were just recently discovered.  The tip of the tongue is forked and each fork is fringed (look closely) and forms a flexible tube designed to hold liquid. The tongue can dip into the feeder up to twenty times per second.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/5/21 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/4/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/4/21 CARDINAL RULE, FLOWER VERSION -  We don't see Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) very often, so we were happy to spot some on a brook in the woods near our house. Like the Cardinal bird, the Cardinal flower gets it's name from the bright red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals. Cardinal flowers grow on wooded streamsides and moist meadows.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/4/21 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/3/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/3/21 FLOWER POWER - With plenty of flowers blooming in the gardens, the Hummingbirds are finding their way to the blossoms.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/3/21 Tue, 03 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POD 8/2/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/pod-8/2/21 WAXWING PARTNERS - Most songbirds in North America time their nesting efforts to coincide with the explosion of insect larvae on new plant growth early in the summer. Waxwings also feed their young a protein-rich diet of insects, but they delay their nesting until late in the summer so that young fledge at a time when fruit is abundant. This Waxwing pair seemed to be partnering up to collect ripe cherries and deliver them to the nest.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/pod-8/2/21 Mon, 02 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 8/1/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/1/21 ECHINACEA EMERGING - Echinacea bloom unfolding in the pollinator garden.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/8/potd-8/1/21 Sun, 01 Aug 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/31/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/31/21 CEDAR WAXWING - Waxwings get their name from the small red tips on the feathers of their inner wing, which reminded the early naturalists of the red sealing wax used on important letters. The birds' red markings are not wax, of course, but keratin (the same substance in the rest of the feathers)  formed into a solid, flat tip and decorated with red pigment.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/31/21 Sat, 31 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/30/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/30/21 A Wasp works a Chicory bloom along the road. In the Aster family, Chicory grows in fields and on roadsides. I could not identify the wasp, but from research determined it to be a wasp and not a bee since bees have hairy bodies and wasps have smooth ones.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/30/21 Fri, 30 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/29/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/29/21 CABBAGE ON THE WAY - Mid-Summer garden patterns.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/29/21 Thu, 29 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/28/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/28/21 BEE MY BABY - A Bee on the Asclepias...Butterfly Weed - but the bee is welcome.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/28/21 Wed, 28 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/27/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/27/21 GREENVILLE EAGLE - We saw the Greenville Eagle Monday. We hesitated to call it the Greenville Eagle - not only because it sounds like a New Riders of the Purple Sage song title - but we thought the eagle might be bothered by local photographers if we disclosed where we saw it. But we see this eagle right along the road in the center of Greenville almost every time we pass there, so it does not seem to mind the attention.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/27/21 Tue, 27 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/26/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/26/21 LOCUST LOVE - A pair of Red-Legged Locust mate. The smaller male mounts the female for a mating that can last up to 48 hours.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/26/21 Mon, 26 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/25/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/25/21 RELAXIN' - An Eastern Phoebe stretches in the Ash tree. Phoebes are insect eaters and hunt bugs that they catch on the fly - or on the branches of the Ash tree.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/25/21 Sun, 25 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/24/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/24/21 RAINDROPS FALLING ON MY - A brief, heavy rain left bubbles on the beaver pond as it fell Friday.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/24/21 Sat, 24 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/23/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/23/21 SILVER-BORDERED FRITILLARY BUTTERFLY on a Daisy - Google said: Butterflies love daisies and related flowers, because the center “eye” is an all-you-can-eat meal of tiny florets. Instead of flying from flower to flower, a nectar seeker can just dip its proboscis into one floret after another. ... It all adds up to easy eating.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/23/21 Fri, 23 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/22/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/22/21 A prematurely Fall-colored leaf next to a Summer shadow on the trail to the beaver pond...a preview of the season turning the corner.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/22/21 Thu, 22 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/21/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/21/21 SPEAK UP - Male Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker speaks out about something. The birds have been spending time in the trees with fruit  instead of hanging at the feeders.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/21/21 Wed, 21 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/20/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/20/21 HEY BABY - An immature Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker growing into his male colored plumage. Fledgling birds of many species are showing up in the yard as summer starts to wind down.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/20/21 Tue, 20 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/19/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/19/21 WAXWING TAIL FEATHERS - Carotenoid compounds are common in fruits and seeds and birds' bodies use these carotenoids to produce the range of red to yellow colors in their plumage. The specific fruit and seeds Cedar Waxwings eat produce the color for the yellow tail stripe of the waxwings. These Waxwings were hunting insects on the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/19/21 Mon, 19 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/18/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/18/21 FUNGUS AMONG US - Summer heat and several days of rain have lots of mushrooms popping up in our New Hampshire forest.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/18/21 Sun, 18 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/17/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/17/21 ITSY BITSY SPIDER - This little guy has been working the Lily blooms. I didn't try to identify or even figure out what it was eating on the Lily bloom...but I thought the juxtaposition was interesting. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/17/21 Sat, 17 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/16/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/16/21 MONARCH ON MILKWEED - We are always happy to see the Monarch butterflies return to the milkweed meadow on Wapack Wilderness. The  female Monarch will lay eggs on the milkweed plants, which will hatch into caterpillars which will metamorphosis into chrysalis to emerge as Monarch butterflies before they migrate south in late summer. I know this is a female because it lacks the black spot along the vein of the hindwing that a male would have.

MONARCH ON MILKWEED - 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/16/21 Fri, 16 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/15/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/15/21 BEAVER POND? - When you think of a pond, you think of open water...but the beaver pond is a pond because beavers flooded a low lying forest and the trees that were there are still there after they die. It is great for Herons to build their nests in the dead tree snags. and the beavers love it!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/15/21 Thu, 15 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/14/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/14/21 PREPARING TO FLY - A Heron chick assumes a flight pose in the nest on the beaver pond. The chicks are almost fully feathered and are left in the nest alone most of the time now - presumably to encourage them to get out on their own.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/14/21 Wed, 14 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/13/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/13/21 DILLY FIREWORKS - Blooming Dill plant makes fireworks pattern in the garden. When the blossoms go to seed, we will harvest the dill seed to use in pickles.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/13/21 Tue, 13 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/12/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/12/21 GARDEN PATTERN - Succulent in Vic's garden presents a pattern for today's Photo of the Day.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/12/21 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/11/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/11/21 POND-SIDE WILDFLOWER - Swamp Candles blooming along the beaver pond. Lysimachia terrestris is in the Primrose family and is found in marshes and along watersides.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/11/21 Sun, 11 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/10/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/10/21 BIRD ON A WIRE -  An American Kestrel hunts from a wire above a farm field along McCoy Road. The Kestrel is one of the smallest falcons in the world and is a dainty eater of grasshoppers and mice. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/10/21 Sat, 10 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/9/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/9/21 SUNBATHING - Immature Red-Bellied Woodpecker suns on a dead limb. Birds spread their wings and soak up the sun on warm days. One likely benefit of sunning is that feather-degrading bacteria are inhibited by sunlight. Other possible reasons include converting vitamin D, and controlling feather lice - either by killing them or causing them to move, making it easier for birds to remove them by preening.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/9/21 Fri, 09 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/8/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/8/21 BUTTERFLY -  Silver-Bordered Fritillary Butterfly on the Asclepias (Butterfly Weed) that we planted for the Monarchs - but we are happy to have any butterflies take advantage of our pollinator garden. Welcome Fritillarys.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/8/21 Thu, 08 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/7/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/7/21 HEY I'M OVER HERE - Juvenile Blue Jay flaps and squawks for attention. We had lots of Blue Jays all year and we are seeing lots of immature Blue Jays in the yard now.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/7/21 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/6/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/6/21 I'VE GOT YOUR SIX - Heron chicks huddle back to back in the nest on the beaver pond. The chicks spend lots of time alone in the nest while the parents hunt for food. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/6/21 Tue, 06 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/5/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/5/21 AERIAL DELIVERY - Eastern Kingbird feeds chicks in the nest on the beaver pond. Kingbirds are insect eaters - catching them on the fly. They feed their chicks on the wing as well, depositing the captured insects directly into the chicks open beaks.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/5/21 Mon, 05 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/4/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/4/21 NO ROOF - Heron chick in a soaked nest after two days of steady rain. The chicks have feathers, but stuck in the nest in the rain while parents hunt for food, has to be a chilly drag.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/4/21 Sun, 04 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/3/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/3/21 WELCOME WATER - After a long, hot dry spell, a steady, day-long rain put some water in the brook from the beaver pond. The "potentially drought-ending" rainfall brought a welcome cool-down for the holiday weekend.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/3/21 Sat, 03 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/2/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/2/21 HAPPY DAY LILY - The Day Lilies are beginning to bloom. Have a happy Day Lily day!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/2/21 Fri, 02 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 7/1/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/1/21 SPEAKIN' UP FOR YOURSELF - Heron chick getting vocal about the delay in being fed. Heron chicks grow quickly and beg loudly if an adult is near the nest with food.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/7/potd-7/1/21 Thu, 01 Jul 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/30/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/30/21 HEY CHICKS - Turkey Chicks showed up in the yard today. The Momma Turkeys occasionally bring their chicks to the yard to scratch under the bird feeders. This year a pair of female turkeys brought five chicks to the yard.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/30/21 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/29/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/29/21 ON HER NEST - Red-Eyed Vireo barely visible in her intricately woven, pendulous, open-cup nest. This one is in a young Oak tree along the path to our garden..

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/29/21 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/28/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/28/21 FEED ME - Female Hairy Woodpecker feeds juvenile. Lots of baby woodpeckers at the feeders now.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/28/21 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/27/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/27/21 WHAT'S UP? - CONTINUED - When I had a question about the behavior of a woodpecker stretched out on a branch in yesterday's POTD - I reached out to a Naturalist we know and determined that the birds were probably just taking advantage of a cool, sunny day. Now that Summer is officially here, we can all stretch out in the sunshine like this Downy Woodpecker sunning on a branch.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/27/21 Sun, 27 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/26/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/26/21 NICE TO HAVE A BUDDY - Heron chicks on the beaver pond are big enough to be left alone in the nest while the parents hunt for food. Chicks huddle together for warmth and security as they wait for food to be delivered.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/26/21 Sat, 26 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/25/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/25/21 WHAT'S UP? - I try to determine what is happening in the photos of nature I take. I use field guides, bird behavior books and, of course, Google.  Sometimes the resources don't explain what I am seeing in the photographs. This Red-Bellied Woodpecker, perhaps a juvenile, stretched out on a branch, spread his wings and stuck out his tongue. I could not determine from my research what he was doing, but I thought it was interesting. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/25/21 Fri, 25 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/24/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/24/21 GOOD DUCK FOOD - Young Wood Duck  eating favorite food - mosquito larvae - on the beaver pond. We love seeing wildlife on the beaver pond - but we especially love the wildlife that helps keep the mosquitos down. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/24/21 Thu, 24 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/23/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/23/21 SHAKE IT OFF -  A White-Breasted Nuthatch does a preening shake. Birds spend up to 20 percent of each day preening. A session of preening often ends with the bird leaning forward, raising all of the feathers away from the body, and shaking like a wet dog.  This Nuthatch demonstrates. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/23/21 Wed, 23 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/22/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/22/21 HAPPY SUMMER - Coreopsis blooms in the summer sun. Monday was the first day of Summer - following the Summer Solstice. Solstice is the day the sun is farthest from the equator.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/22/21 Tue, 22 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/21/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/21/21 SINGIN' FOR SUMMER - Male Cardinal finds the highest branch to sing out for the first day of Summer. After the Summer Solstice at 11:45PM Sunday, today is the first day of Summer...the longest day of the year.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/21/21 Mon, 21 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/20/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/20/21 HAPPY FATHER'S DAY - Here's to all the Dads out there bringing home the bacon!  Dads of many bird species share in raising of young - this Red-Bellied Woodpecker has been feeding his fledging chick near the bird feeders and teaching the chick where to get food.  Here's to all the DADS!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/20/21 Sun, 20 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/19/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/19/21 BEAVER POND ORCHID - We watch for the Rose Pogonia blooming on the beaver pond every year. This wild, wetland orchid, like others, suffers from degradation of habitat and over collection. We are very protective of the ones on the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/19/21 Sat, 19 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/18/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/18/21 DUCKY - Young Wood Duck on the beaver pond. Ducklings show amazing precocity  - feeding themselves and diving skillfully shortly after hatching.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/18/21 Fri, 18 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/17/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/17/21 BABY BIRD TIME - Male Red-Bellied Woodpecker feeds newly fledged chick. Woodpeckers bring their young to the trees with suet, and in this case, fruit - as dad was feeding this young woodpecker orange.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/17/21 Thu, 17 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/16/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/16/21 MOMBRELLA - Heron chicks huddle up under mother Heron during a rain squall on the beaver pond. The chicks won't be big enough to leave the nest for a couple more weeks, so parents take turns keeping watch and feeding them.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/16/21 Wed, 16 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/15/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/15/21 FOOD FIGHT - Common Grackle (left) in a stand-off with a female Red-Bellied Woodpecker. Grackles can be bullies at feeders and usually prevail in confrontations with smaller birds. This Red-Bellied Woodpecker was not so easily bumped off the suet and stood her ground at the food source she was claiming.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/15/21 Tue, 15 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/14/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/14/21 BONUS DAY ON THE BEAVER POND - Fluffy, fair-weather clouds are always welcome to spice up the photo - add a reflection - and nature photos shoot themselves. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/14/21 Mon, 14 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/13/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/13/21 TAKING CARE - Momma Heron taking care of small chicks in the nest on the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/13/21 Sun, 13 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/12/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/12/21 OH DEER - Young doe curious to be spotted on the road.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/12/21 Sat, 12 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/11/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/11/21 CAN YOU GROW INTO THAT BEAK? - Heron chick with a beak almost as big as the parent...has some growing to do.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/11/21 Fri, 11 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/10/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/10/21 BRINGING HOME THE BACON - Female Bluebird brings her catch back to the nest hole on the beaver pond. The male Bluebird is also bringing insects to the nest hole - as males are very active in feeding and caring for chicks.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/10/21 Thu, 10 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/9/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/9/21 BABY ROBIN - A fledgling Robin near the nest on our solar array. The young bird flew off - maybe for the first time - shortly after the photo was taken.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/9/21 Wed, 09 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/8/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/8/21 PORCUPINE IN A PEAR TREE - We caught a small Porcupine in our Asian Pear tree near the garden this morning. Common Porcupines eat green plants, twigs, buds and bark of trees. They have done fatal damage to trees in our yard in the past - so we "encouraged" this guy to move along with a gentle spray from the garden hose and and sent him on his way to eat a tree we didn't plant for fruit.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/8/21 Tue, 08 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/7/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/7/21 TRANQUILITY - Fragrant Water-Lily bloom on the beaver pond. The water lilies are just starting to bloom and make for a contemplative scene among the lily pads - perfect for tranquil gazing. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/7/21 Mon, 07 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/6/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/6/21 BLUEBIRDS, like many other species, build their nests inside a cavity. This is usually an old woodpecker hole - like the one on the beaver pond where we saw this pair yesterday. Both birds were bringing bugs back to the nest, and in this case, the male fed the female, who waited in the entrance for him to bring food.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/6/21 Sun, 06 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/5/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/5/21 TURTLE LOVE - A large Snapping Turtle showed up in the yard today. We see her every year, up from the beaver pond to lay eggs. Our field guide says, females, mainly in June, will search open areas far from water to lay eggs. This is the third year straight we have seen this turtle on the yard.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/5/21 Sat, 05 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/4/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/4/21 PURPLE FINCH? - The state bird of New Hampshire, the Purple Finch, is not really purple. Why the name? The species name, purpureus, comes from Latin and means “crimson” or other reddish color. Our word “purple,” meaning a color obtained from mixing red and blue, derives from the Latin, purpureus. The Purple Finch is really a crimson colored finch.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/4/21 Fri, 04 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/3/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/3/21 THE CHICKS - Herons chicks waiting to be fed. I check on Heron nests on a couple of beaver ponds - and when I checked back on this one, I found the chicks in this nest surprisingly large already.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/3/21 Thu, 03 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/2/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/2/21 FALLNG WATER - Waterfalls are tranquil places and when rain swells the beaver pond, the brook from the beaver pond has cascading waterfalls. We love this spot we call tumbling dice for the square-ish rocks. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/2/21 Wed, 02 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 6/1/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/1/21 BUNCHES OF BUNCHBERRIES - Blooming Bunchberries remind me of Dogwood tree blooms in Indiana - for good reason - because Bunchberry,  Cornus canadensis, is in the Dogwood family and is abundant in New Hampshire woods.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/6/potd-6/1/21 Tue, 01 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/31/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/31/21 MEMORIAL DAY 2021

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/31/21 Mon, 31 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/30/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/30/21 WINGING IT - Male Pileated Woodpecker with a wing out sunning or preening - field guides say they do both - preening at least 10 percent of the time for feather care or sunning, likely also for feather maintenance. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/30/21 Sun, 30 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/29/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/29/21 CHIP SIP -  A Chipmunk takes advantage of the bird bath for a sip. The Eastern Chipmunk is in the Squirrel family and the Chipmunks in our yard have a pretty good life.  

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/29/21 Sat, 29 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/28/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/28/21 CARDINAL RULE - The male Cardinal has been pretty regular around the yard recently...but our friend's grandmother died recently - and the folk saying about seeing a Cardinal being a sign from someone who has passed away makes us think this Cardinal sighting is for her. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/28/21 Fri, 28 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/27/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/27/21 BEAVER POND VERSION OF MATERNITY WARD AND NERVOUS DAD - Since male and female Great Blue Herons basically look alike - it is not always possible to determine exactly what I'm seeing in my heron photos. I've been watching the beaver pond herons for many years now - and this looks like a female sitting on eggs with a male posted nearby. The males deliver food to the female on the nest - then both parents hunt and bring food to the chicks.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/27/21 Thu, 27 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/26/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/26/21 PAIR OF SLIPPERS - Twin blooming Pink Lady's Slippers...aka Pink Moccasin Flower...next to the beaver pond. In the Orchid family, we look forward to their late Spring arrival.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/26/21 Wed, 26 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/25/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/25/21 GRAND MONADNOCK MOUNTAIN is grand under a late Spring New Hampshire sky from McCoy Road.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/25/21 Tue, 25 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/24/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/24/21 Cascading Wisteria blooms above our back door. We've been in this house for 25 years - and the Wisteria has never bloomed at all - never mind, like this! We had some big trees taken down for our solar array, so we think the extra sun may be the reason for the blooming. But, The gracious woman who planted this wisteria some 38 years ago, Becky Nussdorfer, died recently - so we want to think the special blooming this year is in tribute to her.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/24/21 Mon, 24 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/23/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/23/21 BUGGING OUT - Female Baltimore Oriole hunts bugs in the Mountain Ash tree. Many birds change their diets from bird feeders to primarily insects as they nest and breed.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/23/21 Sun, 23 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POOTD 5/22/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/pootd-5/22/21 EATING WHAT YOU NEED - Male Cardinal eating leaves...bird behavior books say birds eat leaves and other plant material.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/pootd-5/22/21 Sat, 22 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/21/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/21/21 ORANGE YOU GLAD? - Male Red-Bellied Woodpecker enjoys oranges we put out for the Orioles. We've seen other woodpeckers, as well as the Orioles, eating the oranges.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/21/21 Fri, 21 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/20/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/20/21 FREDDY EDDY - A Green Frog hangs out in an eddy on the brook from the beaver pond.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/20/21 Thu, 20 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/19/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/19/21 IT'S THAT EARLY ONE - An American Robin snaps up an earthworm. David Sibley's book said it had been calculated that a single Robin can eat 14 feet of earthworms in a day. The Robins in our yard seem to be working constantly to live up to the calculation.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/19/21 Wed, 19 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/18/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/18/21 THERE'S GOLD IN THEM WOODS - Goldthread blooms along the brook from the beaver pond. Goldthread is a low-growing perennial herb. Three-part leaves resemble those of wild strawberry but are evergreen and glossy. Solitary white flowers are ½ inch wide with five to seven petals, appearing in the spring. Shallow rhizomes are slender and bright yellow.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/18/21 Tue, 18 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/17/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/17/21 BIRDS AND THE BEES - BIRD EDITION - Tree Swallows mate on the beaver pond. Send the children to the other room and dim the lights, the birds are doing it.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/17/21 Mon, 17 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/1621 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/1621 WANNA DANCE ? - Male Baltimore Oriole in courtship as he faces the female and bows deeply with tail spread and wings partly open. Migratory birds, like Orioles, attract females for mating with their brightly colored feathers and elaborate courtship displays.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/1621 Sun, 16 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/15/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/15/21  

 

CAN JUST REACH - Female Hummingbird reaches to preen her tail. Birds spend at least 10 percent of their day preening their feathers. Preening effectively combs the feathers into place and cleans out any dirt and debris that might be stuck there. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/15/21 Sat, 15 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/14/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/14/21 FALL IN  - Gooslings fall in behind Mom on Mill Pond. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/14/21 Fri, 14 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/13/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/13/21 Maybe I should call it BPOTD...Bird Photo of the Day...since the POTD is so frequently a bird photo, like this one of a male Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker. It is just that we find birds amazing and the birds that are all around us in the New Hampshire forest are quite photogenic. So, here's another photo of a pretty bird. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/13/21 Thu, 13 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/12/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/12/21 SITTING ON NESTS - Herons at the beaver pond are sitting on nests. After reconstructing several nests this year - it appears the females have settled onto them. It will still be a few weeks before we expect to see chicks.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/12/21 Wed, 12 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/11/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/11/21 HUMMER TONGUE - Hummingbirds feed by dipping their long slender tongues into the nectar inside a flower - or a sugar-water filled hummingbird feeder. The Hummingbird extends the tongue up to twenty times per second - a lot faster than we could count - so I photograph Hummingbirds in "burst" mode to catch when they flip their tongues.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/11/21 Tue, 11 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/10/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/10/21 ROSY MAY COLORS - Painted Trillium blooming along the brook from the beaver pond and the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak share a similar rose color.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/10/21 Mon, 10 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/9/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/9/21 We had a male Baltimore Oriole show up last week...and I read that Baltimore Orioles mate for life - BUT - because their survival rate is only 50% - their "life" together may only be one breeding season. So only a 25%  chance they will both make it back to mate again. Hurrah!!!! Because we saw a female Oriole return yesterday... we are thinking our pair has beaten the odds!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/9/21 Sun, 09 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/8/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/8/21 DAY DRINKIN' - Male Red-Bellied Woodpecker drinks from a tree limb scar on a maple tree. All birds need water - and woodpeckers usually find natural sources rather than the bird bath most of the other birds use.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/8/21 Sat, 08 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/7/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/7/21
SHOWY MALE - Buntings, like this male Indigo Bunting, are strongly sexually dimorphic - the males and females look different - and studies have shown this is linked to migration. More than three-quarters of migratory birds are dimorphic, while over three-quarters of sedentary species are not. With migratory birds, males arrive on the breeding grounds first and establish a territory, females come a few days later and select a mate. The most attractive males are more likely to be chosen, and more quickly, which drives evolution of more showy plumage in the males.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/7/21 Fri, 07 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/6/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/6/21 TICKLEWEED? - False Hellebore coming up on the edge of the beaver pond catches fallen maple blossoms. False Hellebore, Veratrum viride, is toxic to animals - and may be the reason it has come to be known by so many names in it's native range, including Indian Poke, corn-lily, Poor Annie, devils bite, itch-weed and tickleweed.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/6/21 Thu, 06 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/5/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/5/21 THE OTHER END - I was scouting for blooming wildflowers at the far end of the beaver pond Tuesday...a tranquil place.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/5/21 Wed, 05 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/4/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/4/21 GROSBEAK BACK - We are always amazed - but no longer surprised - when birds come back in the Spring at almost EXACTLY the same time. We saw Spring's first male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak last May 2nd - and this one showed up yesterday on May 2.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/4/21 Tue, 04 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/3/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/3/21 BLUE BIRD DAY - We had a Blue Bird Day Sunday - with more Spring birds arriving - and we don't normally have Bluebirds, so we were especially happy to see this male,  AND a female looking for nesting boxes.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/3/21 Mon, 03 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/2/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/2/21 GREAT BLUE HERON uses his 6' wingspan - landing on a branch near his nest on the beaver pond. The Herons have built 3 new nests in the past week so I expect to see females sitting on them soon. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/2/21 Sun, 02 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 5/1/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/1/21 SPRING BLOOMS EMERGING - Hobblebush Virburnum beginning to bloom along the brook. The name Hobblebush refers to the fact that the plant has pendulous branches which form obstacles which easily trip (or hobble) walkers. This plant is also known as Witch-Hobble, Moosewood, and Alder-leaved Viburnum. Some field guides list the scientific name of this plant as Viburnum alnifolium.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/5/potd-5/1/21 Sat, 01 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/30/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/30/21 CHIPPING SPARROW - Cute little red-headed sparrow, the Chipping Sparrow is one of the early Spring birds to arrive. Primarily ground feeders, sparrows tend to forage in small groups.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/30/21 Fri, 30 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/29/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/29/21 SHE LIKES BUGS - An Eastern Phoebe perches - ready to launch after bugs she catches in mid-air. Phoebes are small fly-catchers that build nests on man-made structures. The Phoebes that come back to our yard every year use the same nest on the back of the carport.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/29/21 Thu, 29 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/28/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/28/21 RELAX, KICK BACK - This Painted Turtle stretches his hind legs out to relax on the beaver pond. Sunny days are for relaxing ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/28/21 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/27/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/27/21 WHEW!!! - Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird rests after his first showing of the season in New Hampshire yesterday. The males always arrive first - and this one came a couple of days earlier than last year.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/27/21 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/26/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/26/21 SLIGHTLY IRIDESCENT - A Common Grackle struts in the sun.  Grackles look all black until the sun strikes, giving their feathers an iridescent glow. Iridescence (also known as goniochromism) is the phenomenon of certain surfaces that appear to gradually change color as the angle of view or the angle of illumination changes. The iridescence of Grackle's feathers comes from the interaction of light waves with the microscopic structure of the feathers so that only certain wavelengths are reflected.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/26/21 Mon, 26 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/25/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/25/21 ROCKIN' ROBIN - Early colonists in North America called this bird "robin" because it has a reddish breast like the European Robin they knew from home. The two species are not closely related but the name stuck.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/25/21 Sun, 25 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/24/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/24/21 FISHIN' SEASON - Kingfishers are back on the beaver pond. This female, with her rufous belt extending onto her sides was at the beaver pond yesterday. Kingfishers dive headfirst into water to seize small fish. We usually hear them before we see them because of their loud woody rattle.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/24/21 Sat, 24 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/23/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/23/21 FRIENDLY REMINDER - The beaver shows up now and then, just to remind us that it IS a beaver pond. Beavers are North America's largest rodent.  They are mostly active evenings and at night, but we saw him cruising the pond on a sunny afternoon.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/23/21 Fri, 23 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/22/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/22/21 GOLDFINCH GOLD - Male Goldfinch feathers are bright yellow at the tip (the part that is exposed) and bright white at the base. The way the feathers are arranged on the bird, the yellow tips of several feathers overlap. Some light reflects off the outer yellow feather surface of each feather, and light that passes through is reflected back out by the bright white of the feather bases. The feathers of a goldfinch essentially form a translucent yellow film with backlighting. (from David Allen Sibley - What it's Like to Be a Bird)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/22/21 Thu, 22 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/21/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/21/21 SPRING UNFOLDS in New Hampshire one thing at a time...and when the Painted Turtles start sunning on a log another Spring Thing is happening. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/21/21 Wed, 21 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/20/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/20/21 LOVE THE HERONS - Herons around the beaver pond are perching in trees claiming nests.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/20/21 Tue, 20 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/19/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/19/21 HEY CHIPPY - All of our old friends are returning...this Chipping Sparrow is a regular Spring yard bird.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/19/21 Mon, 19 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/18/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/18/21 ON APRIL 17TH? - Cardinal appears to look up at falling snow...which may have taken Spring by surprise.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/18/21 Sun, 18 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POD 4/17/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/pod-4/17/21 WHOA SNOW - Maple tree blooms held on to some of the 13" of Friday's wet snow. While we think it should not be snowing in mid-April - my Facebook memories showed snow on Daffodils on this day last year.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/pod-4/17/21 Sat, 17 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/16/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/16/21 DEW ON THE DAFFYS - A couple of wet days had the Daffodils drooping Thursday and snow is forecast overnight - so the water drops will be covered in snow - not really too unusual for mid-April in New Hampshire.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/16/21 Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/15/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/15/21 BLOODROOT BLOOMS in Vic's garden

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/15/21 Thu, 15 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/14/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/14/21 TAKE OFF - Jake Turkey uses a running takeoff technique.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/14/21 Wed, 14 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/13/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/13/21 Our Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)  in bloom in in our garden. The petalless male flowers are covered with pollen-bearing stamens.
 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/13/21 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/12/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/12/21 TALK, TALK, TALKING - A Common Grackle speaks out on s Spring day.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/12/21 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/11/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/11/21 Maple blooms match the Cardinal red as Spring unfolds in New Hampshire. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/11/21 Sun, 11 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/10/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/10/21 GOIN' FISHIN' - Heron snags a fish as a Canada Goose fishes in the same shallow.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/10/21 Sat, 10 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/9/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/9/21 FAMILY FIGHT - Grackles are flock birds...so you might think they would play well with others...but these Common Grackles were aggressive about defending the suet feeder.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/9/21 Fri, 09 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/8/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/8/21 ON THE NEST -  Great Blue Herons usually nest in trees that are standing in water to gain some protection from ground predators. Herons have benefited from the resurgence of beavers in New England, as beavers create new wetlands with lots of standing dead trees, perfect for Heron nests.  I've photographed nesting Herons on the beaver pond behind our house for several years and it appears a female Heron is sitting on the nest there now.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/8/21 Thu, 08 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/7/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/7/21 EASTER TULIPS - Say no more. Happy Spring!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/7/21 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/6/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/6/21 CHICKADEE AT SAPSUCKER WELLS  - Yesterday's POTD of a Sapsucker called out the benefit Sapsucker wells are to other birds and insects...as evidenced by this Chickadee at the Spring-fed Sapsucker wells of a White Birch tree. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/6/21 Tue, 06 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/5/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/5/21 HEY SUCKA - The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is back. Their name comes from the distinctive habit of drilling rows of shallow holes in trees and returning regularly to drink the sap and eat insects attracted to the holes. The sap wells make the sap available to any other birds and animals in the area that leads ecologists to call the Sapsuckers a keystone species.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/5/21 Mon, 05 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/4/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/4/21 SAP SEASON - Maple trees are tapped in New England...and the birds take advantage of the sap moving. White Breasted Nuthatch drinks from a "sap-cicle" of melting frozen maple sap.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/4/21 Sun, 04 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/3/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/3/21 AT GARDEN CENTER - I was in the car while Vic bought cat food...and the Pansies and tulips at the farm store brought a Spring smile!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/3/21 Sat, 03 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/2/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/2/21 BEAR WITH ME - We had our first bear sighting of the season....with a medium-size Yogi scouting out our yard. Nothing to see here Buddy...just move on along...hoping he won't hang around to interrupt our daytime bird feeding.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/2/21 Fri, 02 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 4/1/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/1/21 SINGING WOODY - Male Wood Ducks elaborate coloration is a product of evolution and female choice. The male plays no role in raising the young, so a female chooses a mate based largely on his attractiveness. Over millions of generations, as females continually choose males that stand out from the flock, the process can lead to strikingly beautiful birds like the male Wood Duck.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/4/potd-4/1/21 Thu, 01 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/31/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/31/21 FINCH RETURN -  We welcomed back this male Goldfinch...growing into his bright Spring plumage. Goldfinches molt twice a year - this time of year the males are shedding their drab winter plumage for their bright yellow summer plumage. YAY Spring!

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/31/21 Wed, 31 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/30/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/30/21 FOGGY MOUNTAIN BREAKDOWN - Fog on the beaver pond after the ice has melted.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/30/21 Tue, 30 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/29/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/29/21 RETURN PAIR - We were excited to see BOTH Cardinals today as "our" birds are returning this Spring. Mr. Cardinal usually gets the attention, but Ms. Cardinal is certainly a looker. ;-)

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/29/21 Mon, 29 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/28/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/28/21 NEW HAMPSHIRE BLOOMS - Crocus blooms present a picture of Spring in New Hampshire.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/28/21 Sun, 28 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/27/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/27/21 DUCKS ARE BACK - We have been seeing more kinds of ducks around as the ice melts and there is more open water everywhere...this male Common Merganser on the Contoocook River in Peterborough.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/27/21 Sat, 27 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/26/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/26/21 BUFFLEHEAD DUCK on Mill Pond...

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/26/21 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POYD 3/25/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/poyd-3/25/21 STILL WINTER LOOKING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE - After a few nice, warm days, we might think it is Spring in New Hampshire...but a winter looking sky reminds us to be ready for more un-Spring like weather. 

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/poyd-3/25/21 Thu, 25 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/24/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/24/21 FOX Sparrow  - showed up today...on the same day he showed up in my Facebook memories from last year. We Love nature cycles.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/24/21 Wed, 24 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/23/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/23/21 QUITE A PAIR - A pair of Hooded Mergansers swim in unison on Mill Pond on a beautiful Monday in New Hampshire.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/23/21 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/22/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/22/21 I SAW MY FIRST ROBIN TODAY  and I love seeing signs of Spring after a long and especially trying winter.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/22/21 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/21/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/21/21 OUTTA HERE - Female turkey launches out of a maple tree..not sure what scared them into the tree to begin with - but several of them came flying over the roof .

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/21/21 Sun, 21 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/20/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/20/21 UNCOVERED - A Spruce cone is left uncovered by melting ice and snow as winter recedes in New Hampshire.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/20/21 Sat, 20 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/19/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/19/21 AND OUR EYES MET...A young doe stops to check me out before scampering off over the ridge.

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paul.willisnh@gmail.com (Paul Willis Photographs) https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/19/21 Fri, 19 Mar 2021 09:00:00 GMT
POTD 3/18/21 https://www.paulwillisphotographs.com/blog/2021/3/potd-3/18/21 TECHNICOLOR TURKEY - A young male Turkey starting to grow into his mating colors. Male turkeys have a vivid color display during mating season (which is starting now) and change color in the face and neck when aroused. Beautiful in