I do hope others enjoy this as much as I, or at least almost.  It is a java-ed photo that was taken by one dear to me at the Butterfly House at Calloway Gardens in middle Georgia, the trip a gift on the occasion of my birthday.  The print arrived as a Christmas card.  It's extraordinary quality is credential of the prize it was awrded.  The subject is the retiring wood duck more prevalent than one imagines, but who modestly rarely advertises his presence to outsiders.

The Gardens are a splendid treat to the senses in spring and truly magical the year round.  There is a chapel on the lake at Calloway. One of my dearest friends was married there.  Were I to have the chance it would also be my choice.

A mallard and a fully dressed bluebird made first appearances yesterday.  Bluebirds and gold finches reside year round in the tree just outside my window but only dress for the occasions of  "getting and birthing" babies.  In another two weeks or more my tree will appear to be leaved in gold and black feathers; scores of goldfinches who come to the thistle feeders.