I’ve been a slug lately. It’s the weather, I’m sure of it. Foggy, drizzling, cold enough to penetrate to the bone without freezing your toes to the deck. Day after day after day. Gack! Enough already!

This morning something woke me earlier than usual, a nudge (no, it wasn’t Little Miss Mayhem). I staggered out, filled the sink with hot water and detergent, like you do, and tackled the pile of dishes and silverware from the night before…

And looked out the window.

The moon, big as a serving platter (perspective, it’s all perspective) was on a fast downward slide toward the ridge across from the house. I grabbed the iPhone and barreled onto the deck, floor-length fleece robe and filmy nightie swirling about my feet and dragging through the sunflower seed shells and the remaining puddles adorning the wood slats.

A Chickadee gave me what-for for disturbing his meal. He refused to leave his patch of real estate, instead chastising me roundly for the interruption. I bowed and backed into the kitchen, satisfied I’d gotten a decent shot of said orb hanging brilliant in the clear morning sky.

I was ready to continue my chore when I noticed a very large Woodpecker ensconced on a block of suet. We have quite a few “tree climber” species who visit the feeders, but this fellow was substantial. I tippy toed to the French door, parted the gauzy curtain and snapped a pic. I apologize, it’s not great because I had to crop it way down.

I’m pretty sure it’s a Hairy Woodpecker from the beak shape and the sheer size. We don’t usually host them so this was quite exciting! I found a good comparison of Downy vs Hairy HERE.

Now I’m thinking… Dayyum, this is a pretty good start to the day: clearing skies, a bird we don’t usually see, and clean dishes in the rack.

Cheers, hope your day is a good one too!