Cool is a true understatement. It’s damn COLD all times of the year, even in the summer. In some of the shallow bays you can comfortably take a dip, but in the open lake areas it is frigid. Been working and playing in it for nigh onto 80 years so believe me it’s more than a COOL lake. The average water temperature in July is about 55F which gives you a real rush when you dive in (for July max 63F to min 48F).
In my many years I have spent quite a few pleasant days playing in your cool lake. I’d like to welcome youse all to come up and give it a try 😃😃😃

LittleRed (Ron)

I wish to thank all of youse what viewed my feathery friends and made many very appreciated comments. Both I and the “birds” are overjoyed with your responses.
I wish all the very best in the rest of 23 and on.

LittleRed (Ron)

After the wind died down a tad and the snow stopped being horizontal my feathery friends made a visit to my feeders (in droves I might add). But alas according to POW weather on U-Tube another wallop is about to visit us (2 many, 2 quick I might add). Here are a few of those voracious seed/suet eating characters whom have visited on this 25th day of February, 2023.
There were more species than this to feed today but alas only allowed 10 pics at a time. Perhaps at a later date I can show those that are missing.

LittleRed (Ron)

Downy Woodpecker (female)

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Downy Woodpecker (male)

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Hairy Woodpecker (male)

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Pileated Woodpecker (male)

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Pileated Woodpecker (male) Headshot

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Pileated Woodpecker (female)

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Re.d-Bellied Woodpecker (male) - not 2 good of a photo, way, way, way up in a tree, wouldn't come down for pic

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American Goldfinch

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Black-capped Chickadee

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Red-Breasted Nuthatch

Yep Jerry, they do look good, I think!!

LittleRed (Ron)

One must remember that Taiwan is never considered an “enemy” of mainland China, but rather a part of the homeland that is temporarily adrift. To them the enemy are countries, like the US of A, that presently support the misinformed residents. On must also remember that there is a considerable amount of trade between the two countries, especially with food products at the present time.

LittleRed (Ron)

I see no reason why Xiaomi would have to copy anything as they presently collaborate with many other hi-tech companies in the Far East. For example they are presently in partnership with the Korean company Samsung for one. In fact last August the two companies announced they had jointly created the first mobile image sensor to exceed 100Mp. In fact I think in the future other people might start copying their work 😬😬

LittleRed (Ron)

Been reading an article about a new Phone/Camera being produced in China. Very interesting concept that appears to advance the abilities of the small pocket sized camera that a lot of people have been looking for. The item is the Xiaomi Pro 13. Along with a phone it has a triple rear camera system with main, ultra-wide and telephoto abilities. The most interesting item regarding this camera they say it has a 1 (one) INCH SENSOR, something one does not normally see on a camera of this size. It is according to the article a traditional zoom camera with a 3.2X zoom range, or around 75mm. They report it also comes with one superpower that has never been seen on a zoom shooter like this, the ability to focus at extremely close distances (as close as 4 inches or 10cm). It’s also been reported by Chinese users it’s ability to take photos in very low light is exceptional.
I realize that a lot of the Hoggers here dislike even the thought of a camera phone competing with more traditional cameras but they are in my opinion doing so, more and more. But have no fear as it appears that those in the good old USA won’t have to fear this one. These Xiaomi phones are not officially for sale in your country and it appears that they may not be for some time. Amazon however does list some older Xiaomi phones so maybe in the future you may be able to import one there. One caution here is that this phone may not have the proper 5G connection bands for the USA market. Even though they won’t be available for the US market it’s reported it may become available in the EU and UK market in 2023.
Like I said it is an interesting article and appears to show just how far the camera phone technology has advanced especially by the Chinese companies.

LittleRed (Ron)

So when i shoot not in RAW I’m not a photographer, right Paul?

Little Red

Totally illogical in my books. In fact it sounds kinda fishy to me in some ways. Why would any sane person purchase 2 topline cameras and then shortly after toss them aside. Why not buy one to try it out or get a rental. This character must have money to burn. If I were to purchase that same outfit it wold cost me $15,000. That my friends is more than half my total income for a whole year!! Even one of those listed cameras are but a dream to me. Jeez, as a 80 year old on a fixed income even to buy but one of the “R” cameras is beyond my capabilities at the moment, but perhaps by scraping and saving by the time I get to be 90 it may be possible (that’s the time period it took me to get my present outfit, a 90D and a 100-400 tele). Perhaps it’s just a pang of jealousy on my part that a person can spend that amount on anything but I still cannot fathom this “saycheeze”$ inability in my mind to think!!!

LittleRed

As a fellow Canadian this gentleman is and has always been my favourite in this musical field. Thank you for the posting. Also. I don’t know if you have heard but the Canadian government has just released a commemorative coin here in Canada (legal tender) honouring this gentleman. The first time any musician has had this done in my country. Tis quite an honor for one of our true national treasures.

LittleRed (Ron)

I too am curious why the Robin was contesting a bird feeder. Unless there were “ mealy worms “ or at least fruit these birds are not seen in feeders. I think this is likely a territorial squabble with the Robins nesting site nearby. That would cause the Robin to attempt to protect it from any intruder on his home turf. The Jay, being as usual a loud bully would probably raise any other birds hackles just by being hearby. Even though the Blue Jay is a member of the Crow family he is not known as a predator of other birds nests so it’s highly unlikely that he would damage the Robins property.
Anyways, excellent live action shots of your back yard friends.

LittleRed (Ron)

Yes, am and do. 😘

LittleRed (Ron)

Jeeez, just got out of bed and already 5 pages. 😱😵😵‍💫😬😬

LittleRed (Ron)

Yes, that’s it. Thank you Dave. I usual use the short form HRD, some say CALL, some say SONG, but HO fits perfectly. Will be using it in the future.

LittleRed (Ron)

BillA - checked with our eBird group in the area and none could say what your HO means. Probably not a code for a species if it was located in the comments area. Your best bet is to inquire with the folks at eBird. Just go to the Contact section of the website and make a ticket out requesting info. Just put all the pertinent information in the form such as the Checklist Number, date seen, name of observer etc. That way the local eBird list checker can either tell you what it is as he would have access to the posters email whom can tell him/her.
Hopefully that should give you the correct answer. If you do get what it is could you drop me an PM here on the hog with the answer (I've never seen it and am curious)

LittleRed (Ron)