Happy Holidays - Pink sunrise over Lower Scarborough Slough, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaHappy Holidays – Pink sunrise over Lower Scarborough Slough – Canon R7, handheld, f7.1, 1/250, ISO 2000, +0.7 EV, Canon RF 100-500mm at 100mm, natural light

I’m not sure where 2025 went, but I know it seemed to be the holiday season a bit too fast. 2026 will appear in the blink of an eye.

Last week, while wandering at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, I was treated to a beautiful pink sunrise over Lower Scarborough Slough. The pink color of the sky and what was reflected on the water was due in part to the Belt of Venus.

I’m heading to the refuge to spend Christmas morning there today, and maybe I’ll be treated to another spectacular sunrise like this one.

I love spending Christmas morning out in nature with the birds and wildlife. It’s quiet, peaceful, and rejuvenating.

White-throated Sparrow on a snowy day, Sebastian County, ArkansasWhite-throated Sparrow on a snowy day – Canon R7, handheld, f7.1, 1/400, ISO 1000, +2.0 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light

This Christmas will be unlike any I have had in more than 16 years. By that, I mean it is going to be warm. Nearly 80°F, which may break records here.

The last time I experienced temps that warm near Christmas was when I lived in Florida, and I don’t think even then it got that warm!

So there will be no snowy bird photos taken today unless I’m able to photograph the Snow Geese at the refuge.

I did want to share at least one snowy bird photo. This White-throated Sparrow was photographed last winter during a 10+ inch snowfall.

I don’t know that we’ll get any snow this winter, but I kind of hope we do. I love snowy bird photos.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my photos of Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma plus fact and information about the refuge. Click here to see my White-throated Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.