Another cold, frosty morning but they say that is about to change. Looking at the sun rising over the local marsh.

When it was so cold, I was happy to feed everyone.

A snowy morning at Lake Hope State Park. It feels like it will be a good day to hang out by the fireplace. #Ohio

I think I'd like to have a discussion with that groundhog.

I was told that this is affectionately known as the 'pee pee dance.' The flamingos are stirring up crustaceans from the sand below. Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary, Bonaire

Williamstoren lighthouse, Bonaire’s first lighthouse, built in 1837. Located on the southern end of the island, this area is windy and wild, with the rough Caribbean Sea on one side and the salt flats on the other.

Spotted this pair of adorable wild Nubian donkeys in Lac Bay National Park. I was told these donkeys are protected on the island and there is even a donkey sanctuary that cares for sick, abandoned and older donkeys.

On the southern tip of Bonaire is the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary, a crucial breeding ground for Caribbean flamingos. It is one of only four such places globally, known for its vast, pink-hued salt pans where thousands of flamingos feed on algae and crustaceans. Just incredible!

It is so nice to see flowers. Kralendijk, Bonaire

Lac Cai Beach Bonaire is surrounded by mangrove forests and singing birds, and is nothing short of a beautiful paradise. Calm, inviting turquoise waters and soft, sandy beaches stretch out for miles providing a peaceful tranquility that can only be found far off the beaten path.

This brown pelican either found a good place for a nap or a unique spot to find lunch. Lac Bay, Bonaire

A very humid and warm 81°F arrival in Bonaire. I am hopeful and excited to see many of the colorful residents of this lovely island.

Good morning from somewhere in the Caribbean Sea.

Aye, there be pirates about.

This big green iguana climbing well up into this tree to get the tasty morsels. Playa Kenepa Grandi, Curaçao

I came to this part of the world to see these beautiful Caribbean Flamingos. My first glimpse at Flamingo Salt Lake of Seru Largu National Park, Curaçao.

Basking in the beautiful turquoise waters of Knip Beach Lagoon, Curaçao.

A view of Willemstad, Curaçao.

The beautiful rays of the setting sun over the eastern coast of Cuba and the Nipe Sagua Baracoa mountain range. Home to the second highest Cuban peak, Pico Cristal (1,231 m). Taken in the Windward Passage, a deep strait between Cuba and Haiti, connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

It is shaping up to be a gorgeous day!

We just got our visit from Santa!! 🎅 The village fire department and rescue squad bring Santa around on Christmas Eve and deliver treats to the children in town.

"Wasn't there snow here yesterday?" I mean, I am guessing that's why this junco is looking confused. #Ohio #Birds

Happy Winter Solstice!

I played hide and seek with this shy red-headed woodpecker for a good 10 minutes. There really wasn't much interest in letting me get a photo. #Ohio #Birds

A stream in the snowy woods. One of my favorite trails. #Ohio

Whatchu lookin' at?

Even though I know it is coming, I am never really ready for that first feeling of single digit temps.

A little frosty early this morning. They say it will be covered in snow tomorrow.

This goldfinch works around the spikes of these sweet gum balls for the tasty seeds inside. #Birds

One of my favorite guide books is "A Guide to Nature in Winter" by Donald W. Stokes. He says, "The distinct and upturned flower buds on a Dogwood in winter are a promise of the delicate, subtle beauty the tree puts out in spring, lining the borders between fields and woods with a fringe of white."

This dark-eyed junco is wondering where the snow went. #Birds

Winter begins harsh and ends mild, according to this caterpillar.

Aurora colors in the sky. Will there be more tonight?

That Sunday feeling. I don't think Louis really wants to be awake.

This honeybee is busy while these asters are still blooming.

Final approach, gear down, coming in for a landing. Ottawa NWR #Birds #Ohio

This beautiful sandhill crane couple gracing the marsh in Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. #Ohio #Birds

I was not dressed warm enough for this morning's sunrise on Lake Erie at Maumee Bay. 🥶 #Ohio

The harvest supermoon made a brief appearance in the broken cloudy skies.

Morning on a calm lake. Turkey Creek Lake in Shawnee State Park. #Ohio

I suspect this may be the last monarch I see for a while. I hope she has a safe trip!

Lola seemed to enjoy all the lovin' she was getting during the John Simon Sorghum Festival.

It is getting late! This monarch caterpillar better be changing soon! #Ohio

This white snakeroot really draws in the pollinators, like this Silvery Checkerspot butterfly. #Ohio

The armor of the honey locust tree. I once heard this referred to the "Nope of the tree world." #Ohio

This common milkweed seed pod has opened, releasing its seeds to the wind. #Ohio

Pretty cool view this morning! The triple conjunction of the very slim crescent moon, Venus and Regulus at about 0640.

Almost missed seeing this Snowberry Clearwing Hummingbird Moth caterpillar. It was hiding quite well. #Ohio

Emerging buckeyes and white snakeroot along the trail. #Ohio

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly visiting a Field Thistle. #Ohio