more birds at my feeder

 
 
I took pictures of a few more birds at my backyard feeders today. A song sparrow, house sparrow, downy woodpecker, mourning dove and a chickadee. Added to the 11 species I saw yesterday, that’s 15 total. I think that’s almost all of the birds I commonly see here at my new house in Lincoln MA. Other common ones that I didn’t see this weekend are American robins and white-throated sparrows, though I suppose neither of these are feeder birds. I did see a big red-tailed hawk hunting in the yard…
 

so cold!!!

 
 
Our temperature went down to -6.5*F last night. Ouch!! I had the ceramic heater going in the chicken coop and the small monitor shows their temp: 13.5*F. The girls were no worse for the wear, but we had a pipe freeze in the house. So far it seems the pipe did not burst, but we are cautiously watching as it thaws. I can’t remember ever seeing the temperature this low in this area before. Brrrr!
 

the winter solstice!

 
 
Its all uphill from here – more light every day and closer to the day I break ground in my new garden.
 

time for spring babies!

 
 
I have seen so many baby birds and animals around this year! Cardinals fledged in my yard today, and the robins are feeding a nestful of chicks. Baby bunnies are in the gardens. I even had a baby river otter run smack into my leg yesterday, with mother otter close behind. (First time I’ve even seen an otter.) So cute!!
 

the first flowers of spring

 
 
Before it snowed last week, I walked around my yard and took pictures of the flowers blooming. These are under a foot on snow now. I hear we may have more snow on Monday.
 

one last snow storm

 
 
Six inches of snow falling tonight! I’m thinking it’s probably our last snow storm of the season. Sure has been a snowy winter – too cold and dark and long and snowy. But today’s snow is falling on ground that has started to thaw. Snow drops are blooming, willow catkins are out, geese are paired up, hawks are defending their territories, chickadees are singing their spring songs. Next week temperatures are predicted to go into the 50’s. Maybe I’ll be able to brush the snow off my cold frame and…
 
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