a tree

Bare branches of a tree expose a complex structure.

simple beauty

As the tide recedes it leaves shells decorating smooth sand.

snow on dunes

While the ocean has swept the snow from the beach, it persists on the dunes. I suspect that with a few more days with the temperature above freezing the snow will disappear.

looking inland, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

ripples

Ripples form in the sand as the tide recedes.

at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

afternoon walk

The forecast for this afternoon called for a bit of wet but since the precipitation hadn't started falling yet a friend and I opted to head to (what we call) the critter walk, hoping to visit with the animals. We were very lucky; while there were some sprinkles, the steady rain held off until we completed our walk.

This walk in Topsfield, MA is a favorite, one we discovered last spring. I hadn't walked there in several weeks since the road along one edge of the loop hadn't been plowed very wide. Today we walked 3/4 of the loop then retraced our steps to return, avoiding the narrow section of road.

There were animals out in the fields, most too far in the back to hold a conversation with us.

These horses were happy to chat, emerging from their barn as we walked past. It's funny, two of the three horses were wearing coats but the third was not. I wonder how their keepers decide who needs a coat; do you think the horses request one?

blue & white

The ground remains covered by a layer of snow.

The white of the snow pops under a clear blue sky.

in motion

Butterflies at rest are much easier to capture in a photo than those that are in a state of constant motion.

Perhaps you can sense movement in these two beautiful creatures.

sign of the season

Winter is still very much with us. Today is clear and cold; tomorrow's forecast includes snow.

a snowman stands at Ciesluk Farmstand in Deerfield, MA

watching

I thought he was sleeping on his perch but I was wrong. He had one eye open, watching to make sure strange humans - visitors as opposed to the humans who supply his food - didn't come too close.

What a beautiful bird!

butterflies on my mind

While snow continues to cover the ground, my desire to stand among butterflies has been growing. I watched the forecast for a couple of weeks, looking for a day without snow and ice with a target of driving west in the state to visit the butterflies at Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. This past Thursday turned out to be a perfect day for a drive and a visit.

The drive from home is about an hour and 45 minutes, starting on highways then switching to 2-lane roads. Arrival at the butterfly conservatory was just before 11 AM; my friend and I easily fell within the 50-guest limit for entry. We didn't need to wait any longer to satisfy our need for butterflies!

It was a sunny day. The butterflies reacted by flitting about, sometimes lighting on a food source, sometimes walking on people. I wore a sleeveless shirt once I entered the warmth of the conservatory so at times I had the experience of feeling butterflies walking on my skin.

Butterflies are delightful!

If you'd like to see more butterflies click to the gallery flitter, flutter, butterfly :: 2021.