But make sure you also know how to swim.

Two Bald Eagles stopped by for a little duck hunting. One sat in the tree…

… and the other eagle, I’m assuming the male, went for a swim in the cold waters of the Concord River.

Upon emerging from the river, the Eagle said he’d had enough with doing his mate’s bidding, shook off the frigid droplets, and hit the air.

Eventually, the female followed, leaving behind a Red-Tailed Hawk who was wondering where the scraps of duck meat went.

Cool, I whispered, grateful I had been sitting at the table getting ready to start on my morning cup of coffee.

What, I wondered, would the rest of the day bring?

Well, hello!

A Carolina Wren visited the top of my oak slag (the tree I had topped) and sang a tune to welcome the day.

Bring it on, I told the day. I’m ready for more.

More, as in a pair of Common Mergansers sunning themselves on the ice edging the river.

More, as in a male Northern Pintail hanging with the Mallards.

And more, as in a male Eastern Bluebird choosing my mealworms for his and his alone. Okay, maybe not all for him; he does share with the female who travels with him.

And do you remember this Mallard hen from September, 2021? Humor me, just nod and smile, even if you forgot.

Well, she came back to say hello. At this point she deserves a name. Let’s call her Hazel.

This blog post wouldn’t be finished if I didn’t mention the incredible sunrise the universe granted me.

Yup, it was a day to remember.

Blessed be.

Mi manchi, mia amata immortale.