It was an odd Christmas for my family. I'm sure that was true for many families across the world, those who celebrate Christmas. My daughter had COVID. My husband and I have been around for more than three quarters of a century, so wisdom dictated that we stay away. However, yesterday my daughter was fine, so we took advantage of the break in frigid weather. We met outdoors, at a local farm, and I took my camera.
The pictures here are just a few of the many I took. The photography bug bit me late in life. I started to take pictures for the LMAC Image Library, LIL, last year. Ever since then I've become a photograph hound. Several of these images will likely find their way to LIL. Once there, the pictures will be in the public domain for anyone on Hive to use, for any reason. I know the first shot, Bird on the Ground, will surely be in LIL sometime soon.
Bird on the Ground I can't identify this bird. It was sitting by the farm entrance and was almost camouflaged by the leaves and grass that blended with its colors. I got several shot of this bird. This one is my best, I think.
Bird With an Orange Breast. Here is another beautiful animal I cannot identify. It also was camouflaged rather well in the bare tree branches. If it were not for the orange color I would have missed this entirely.
Two Family Members, Looking at a Steer As you can see, there were not many people at the farm, although it is a county institution. We were bundled against the cold, but still were quite comfortable.
One of My Family Standing on Top of a Fallen Tree Limb. I thought of the phrase from Julius Ceasar when I saw her standing there: "Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus".
Two Sheep, Taking in the Sun There was good sunshine that day. We started our farm walk at about 12 noon.
Is the Sheep Tired? One of the sheep seemed to be weary, or maybe it just looked that way.
Petting a Friendly Animal This young lady hopes to go into animal rehabilitation some day. Right now she is early on that path, merely a college freshman. She never can resist the opportunity to connect with animals.
A Friendly Pig We have been at this county farm before, but never saw pigs. There were two present the day we visited. I thought they were beautiful. They were quite friendly, looking for snacks, but we did not oblige.
Black Steer Sitting This steer looked healthy and then suddenly decided to lie down. For a few moments we were concerned.
Steer Lying Down The steer didn't move for several moments but then got up and looked fine. I've never seen a picture of a steer lying flat like that.
Brown Steer Sitting The black steer shared the fenced field with a brown steer. This steer didn't stand while we were there, but neither did it lie down.
White Llama Looking at Me This llama engaged with me visually but remained aloof. Quite beautiful.
Grey Llama Looking at Me There were two llamas at the farm. They did not seek human company or beg for treats, as some of the other animals did.
Llama and Sheep The llamas and sheep were kept together, but apparently they are not related. Llamas are camelids and sheep are bovine. (I looked it up).
White Goat Taking in the Sun There were lots of goats at the farm. They were among the friendliest of animals. Looking for snacks.
Festive Setup at the Farm I'm not sure if this was related to Christmas or New Years, or both. But there was a party in the offing.
Fantasy Creature at Festival Setting
Another Fantasy Creature at the Festival Setting
Tree Knot Many of the trees had large knots that I mistook for nests until I looked closely. In at least one instance a bird seemed to be exploiting resources in the tree knot.
I hope you enjoyed these photos of my family excursion. The farm is the Queens County Farm Museum. It is open to the public and there is no admission fee. Sometimes you can buy fresh produce there, including freshly-laid eggs. If you're ever in the area, it's a nice excursion that has absolutely no hint of the tourist trade.
Thank you for reading my blog. Have a great New Year, and as always, Hive on!