As I like to post at least once in each month I'd better fire off this missive before January completely runs out.
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Morning sun reveals new tracks in fresh snow.
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Winter has been going fairly smooth for me so far. Except that a storm brought down a branch that wiped out my screech owl roosting box. Sure do miss seeing the little fellow in it's daytime hidey-hole. I intend to replace the old box (which had gotten pretty decrepit) with an updated version before next winter.
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The owl box was directly beneath the damaged branch.
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A pileated woodpecker checks for edibles.
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Also, I had a little challenge when my snowblower refused to start this winter. A gumed-up carburetor was the problem. Kitchen table surgery was the answer.
Just finished the novel, A Man Called Ove, by Swedish writer Fredrik Backman. I loved it and look forward to renting the movie version, A Man Called Otto, starring Tom Hanks. His son plays his character as a younger man.
Each morning the pair of ravens, and another whom I think is their adolescent, arrive for a handout -- usually chicken skins or dog kibble. They call for me each morning just after sunrise. I must say, it does motivate me to set down my coffee, get dressed and head out with their breakfast.
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What???!!! Dog kibble again???!!!
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What'cha got there, Alice?
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Not an 'all you can eat' establishment then?!
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Sure am glad I've got wildlife to enjoy and help brighten the winter. I see fox tracks in the snow and bunnies in person. And I notice that a pair of White-breasted nuthatches are taking a very keen interest in box Number Five.
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Wrens nested in No. 5 last year. Perhaps nuthatches in 2023?
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A wee chickadee opens wide to nab a peanut.
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Smaller birds really like this little, homemade feeder.
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What's a winter feeder without a squirrel? Answer: Unusual!
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Spilled birdseed is always cleaned up by the bunny set.
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Exit, Stage Left!!!
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