December 24th.  Predawn at Raymond Brook Marsh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) allowed me to get quite close.

 

Looks like the tail of a small bird heading down the hatch.

 

After finishing off one prey item, it began searching for its next victim.

 

 

 

 

 

On the ground near its last perch, it became nearly invisible in the dry grass.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This ground hunt was unsuccessful.

 

 

 

Its next perch wasn't very comfortable...

 

...and it soon moved up a bit.

 

Puffed up for warmth and on the prowl again.

 

December 28th.  Yesterday's storm has changed the face of the marsh.

 

 

 

The storm's high winds resulted in various drift sculptures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 29th.  A little predawn color at Raymond Brook Marsh.

 

 

 

December 30th. Drifting contrails leave feathery arcs at dawn.

 

 

 

December 31st.  An afternoon walk east of Old Hartford Road.

 

With temps near 50 degrees, icicles were melting...

 

 

 

 

 

One...

 

drop...

 

at a...

 

time.

 

<

 

 

 

 

Judd Brook.

 

 

 

Remains of a mill at Judd Brook.