January 17, 2026 – Is this winter? Cloudless blue skies in January? There have been years where we’ve had overcast and cold for months on end, nine months with little breaks. Imagine, no sun. This last summer was extended, fall was an extension of that, and now this winter is mild. It is chilly. When I started my walk, the temp was 37 degrees but fading because of the clear sky and sun beaming through. when i reached the river, a mist hovered over the water. Snap photograph.

More people are at the river on the weekend. This one was no exception so I tried to start out at daylight, about 8:15 a.m. to avoid the crowd. Photographed a fly fisherman in the center of the river casting downstream with the line reflecting back from the sunlight. The graceful arc of the line is picturesque. I can see why this scene makes for a great picture. snap.

Also, videotaped a great blue heron who was doing nothing. it stood like a statue. nearby were canadian geese in the water, just feet away from the crane. snap. plural. On the way back captured some goldeneye.

I’ve wondered what birds are in the bushes. You hear them and even see them, but to identify them is tricky. This morning I photographed the american robin, a ground forager, and a song sparrow. There are more than these in the bush and smaller.

My smart watch knockoff registered 9,236 steps made in about 3.5 miles. I probably averaged about 2.5 miles an hour walking. Before heading out I couldn’t find my ear buds, still can’t find them. Took a back up and tried not to use them. I’ve depended on music mostly to keep me moving. Today, I managed to take the hint and went silent using my own thoughts in place of rock music or a book. This is Very unusual for me but I’m glad I did. Broke down towards the end and iistened to a few songs.

the ideas flowed while I enjoyed the silence and ambient noice; birds, cars in the distance, and the faint sound of water flowing. I learned that for bird watching, you can hear the little guys before you see them. I hear the rustling in the bushes and the sounds of waterfowl along the river’s edge Unnoticeable except for their audibles giving them away. Birds flying up river make sounds and birds yelp when you spook them. maybe the ear buds aren’t necessary?