A few days ago I accompanied my dil Susan and gd Caitlin on their mission to feed a neighbor’s chickens. Back yard chicken farming is not unusual in this part of Ballard.
and there were rabbits also 
Nearer to home, in fact immediately next door, we see and hear chickens, a rooster, ducks
and a rabbit.
Is this my lucky day? The Northern Flicker has been to visit several times. Also the Steller’s Jay. And a hummingbird!
Northern Flicker
Steller’s Jay 
Hummingbird
This morning I had an unexpected walk beside a stream. My Irish conversation group (Cupla Focla) was unable to meet because painting was being done upstairs in the library. So I ambled home instead and was very surprised to see ducks in the stream near the rear of the old shopping centre in Dundrum.
Ducks in the stream
away they swam
Then I went up to Airfield to check on the piglets. They have really grown a lot and are scurrying about in their pen. They get worn out and then they all huddle together and have a sleep.
Other photos taken at this time of year
Morning sun, 9:30 a.m. at Kilternan Market
rusty gate, abandoned, along the Upper Kilmacud Road
sky over Ashford, December afternoon
early morning from our upstairs window
Christmas trees for sale at Airfield 
a stone wall along my route, the Upper Kilmacud Road
Dundrum Main Street, late afternoon 
my knitting stash – latest photo – note the stash is getting smaller
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Janet's thread 