Burrowing owls. Photo by Dave Harper, Oakley, CA

Happy New Year from me and the gang! /Gary

Saving a hummingbird. Photo by Donna Manguiat, Castro Valley, CA

Gary:
When looking back on 2010, my most cherished moment was saving the life of a hummingbird on Thanksgiving Day

It was early Thanksgiving morning and we were loading up the RAV for the annual family brunch.  I  remember how awfully cold it was and all of a sudden my husband yelled “Oh NO, come over here quick, it’s a dead hummingbird.”

I ran over to the little, still body laying under the empty feeder.  Swearing with my last dying breathe that I would never let the feeder be empty again. I picked it up in my hand and  saw its eye move.  OMG!!  It still had a chance to live.
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Winter dawn over Mount Diablo by Brian Murphy, Walnut Creek, CA

Gary:
As the fog fills in all the views, attached is what winter in Tice Valley looked like Monday morning — had hoped the sun would light the clouds north of Mount Diablo — didn’t happen but nice ‘winter’ photo from the top of Stanley Dollar Drive.
Brian Murphy, Walnut Creek, Calif.

Brian:
A new winter day with New Year’s just a week away.
Nice shot, my friend. Looks like it’s going to be a good year. /Gary

Sleeping cat. Photo by Dorcas Moulton, El Sobrante, CA.

Gary:
When it’s cold and wet outside,
just curl up with a good book and the Times!
Dorcas Moulton, El Sobrante

Dorcas:
Works for me! /Gary

Photo by Jackie Veats, Pleasant Hill, CA

Gary:
This is my indoor kitty, Kody, wistfully watching a deer outside our bathroom window, perhaps dreaming of taking it down.
Jackie Veats, Pleasant Hill, California

Jackie:
Dreaming is all Kody is going to be able to do. Actually, I suspect Kody is more likely dreaming of playing with that deer. When I used to do wildlife rescue, whenever I’d raise orphan fawns in my backyard, cats from throughout the neighborhood would come over to play. They’d chase the fawns, then the fawns would chase them, they they’d chase the fawns … lots of full all around. Happy Holidays, kiddo! /Gary

Lois & Newman, Gary & Jasmine. Photo by www.karlnielsenphotography.com

To All:
A VERY Merry Christmas to YOU from me, Lois, Newman and Jasmine. May your days be merry and bright! And have a Happy New Year. Happy Holidays. /Gary

Newman & Jasmine. Photo by www.karlnielsenphotography.com

Christmas apples for the deer. Photo by Kate Robertson, Susanville, CA.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!

Gary:
To add to you having a Merry Christmas … I thought you’d be interested in the deer our daughter, Kate, feeds in Susanville, Calif.

Some folks have plastic deer in their front yards …
Don Beck

Don:
Nothing like new snow and fresh red tasty apples to wish a very Merry Christmas to everyone … including the local resident deer! A very Happy Holidays to you, your daughter … and of course the deer! /Gary

Guess what, folks? It’s that time of year, again, so here’s a clever Christmas “package” for you from YouTube:

And if that little present didn’t make you fall off your chair with laughter, this one will:

Merry Christmas!! /Gary

Hammy & Bo by Chris O’Connell

Gary:
I really enjoy your column and often see references to unusual behavior that cats exhibit, which makes me feel a little better that we are not the only ones with “challenges.”  Our little weapons of mass destruction joined our family about three years ago and life has never been the same.  Having had single cats all my life, I imagined that getting a brother and sister would be fun — watching them cuddle and play together and keep each other company when we’re away.  Well, they do that, but they also seem to do it all at about 100 miles an hour and have no boundaries — very different from all my past experiences. But they also have brought a world of love and laughter and never cease to amuse and amaze us.

Today I wrote my own version of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” So here it is — hope you enjoy it!  And yes, that’s a picture of Hammy and Bo — asleep at last!
Chris O’Connell, Moraga, Calif.
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Backyard chickadee by Joe Oliver, Walnut Creek, California

Spotted any interesting wild birds in your backyard lately?

What kinds? /Gary