This Mantel is for the Birds

The Christmas décor is finally back in the attic and I found myself thinking “What now?”  Many of you inspired me with your beautiful winter mantels so I decided to give one a try.   Using items I already had, I came up with a nature themed winter mantel.

The mantel is always decorated with lights because the room has very little natural light.

My husband and I are bird enthusiasts so it seemed natural for birds to be part of the mantel.

Some birds were born to be displayed on cupcake stands.

Curly branches in the vase are from the willow tree and non-curly branches are from the popcorn tree whose botanical name I cannot recall at the moment .

The birds and I thank you for visiting our home tweet home and hope you will come again!

Marlee

I am joining the Nifty Thrifty Tuesday party at Coastal Charm.

Winter Wildlife

The days leading up to Christmas were mild here in coastal Alabama so I was able to go outside and photograph some of my friends.

This precious little bluebird loves to perch on our back deck.

 

A favorite perch of the osprey is the top of the cypress tree.   He has a bird eye’s view of the water where he can personally choose his entrée. 

The pileated woodpecker which is about the size of a crow was searching for bugs in the pine tree.

The “old” heron is content to stand guard over the canal while…

the “young” heron is on the move.

As the day came to an end, the sea gulls flew off to where ever it is they spend their evenings.  Can you see the sliver of the moon in the picture?

In closing, I would like to share a different type of wildlife…photos of the boat parade held in mid-December.

This boat won first place and deservedly so.

Thank you for visiting.    Happy New Year!!

Marlee

 
I am linking to Outdoor Wednesday hosted by Susan at A Southern Daydreamer.