06
Jan

It snowed!

Yesterday’s ‘waiting room’. These bushes are deciduous azaleas that have been there for almost 20 years and are full grown. When it is cold and windy – as it was yesterday – birds huddle in them. This spot is sheltered on one side by the house and on the other by the deck so can be a cozy nook. When I took this photo, there were Mourning Doves, House Sparrows, House Finches, and several cardinals. This is also the spot where the American Tree Sparrows congregate – when we have them. So far this year, we have not had any. All the birds you see are here are waiting for their turns at the feeders which are just on the other side of the deck. Or they are sitting quietly and digesting after a big meal!

Looking out our windows, I feel like a child again in Pennsylvania.  Except I will be enjoying all this snow from inside our house and not outside playing all day with my next door neighbor Chip.  Building snow forts, snowmen, and shoveling driveways and sidewalks for $5 – to be split between us. Those were the days!

We did get about 8 inches and that is more than we have gotten in a long time – probably before Covid.  Lots of activity at the feeders!  Unfortunately, our birdy hot tub ceased working this weekend.  Cleon did try to replace it, but the shop was sold out and had no idea when their new ones might be arriving.  The one we have is over 15 years old so has held up well.  Until we get a new one, you will still see it at the feeders – and there are rocks in it for the Zen gardening crow! – but for most of the time,  it will be a bowl of ice.  We are hoping that with some sun, maybe there will be a bit of thaw so birds can drink.  We do live on this small lake and so there is water for the birds.  However, the lake is also beginning to freeze and by week’s end, unless the swimming geese keep part of it open, the lake will be frozen solid.

There is even snow on the geese! Now that looks cold ………. brrrrrr!

Starting tonight, we will be having nighttime temperatures in the low single digits with wind chill below zero.  Daytime temperatures will remain in the 20’s.  For the next two weeks or so, you will see Cleon out at the feeders almost every morning, adding seed.  You will also notice less and less fighting and jockeying for position amongst the birds.  Less pushing.  In fact, as I am typing this, I am looking at the large computer screen that runs the live-stream cameras and I see 5 very puffed out Mourning Doves along with at least 6 House Finches, all together on the platform feeder and eating.  And no one is giving their neighbor a hard time.  In tough times, we all pull together.  Put our differences aside.