Because of this dry and cold air, the bird bath had evaporated quite a bit overnight. Still, the heating element kept the water tepid. This source of liquid is much appreciated by the birds for drinking and as in summer, the bowl needs to be cleaned and refilled daily.
But the surprise, and a delightful one it was, came near the end of the day as the sun had almost set. From the entrance of one of my roosting boxes was the sight I had been hoping for since last winter -- the cute little face of a screech owl! My favourite feathered friend is back and will keep me in good company this winter.
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| The lemon yellow eyes of a gray phase screech owl scan for prey items. |
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| He or she seems eager for the nighttime hunting shift to begin. |
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| A cold morning regardless of which scale you prefer. |
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| A pair of jays start their morning with a sunflower seed feast. |
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| A tepid drink of water on a sub-zero day must seem like a luxury to wildlife. |
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| The squirrel, with only a stump for a left hind leg, looks fat and sleek. |
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| It's cardinal friend seems to be saying, "Hey, I want my turn at those seeds!" |
