After multiple issues with this site, a few minor health issues, many updates, and a lack of time, I’ve finally got the site back together and functioning. Hopefully 2011 will be better for birding and better for the technology necessary for this site!
Winter Reminder
Even though this Winter has been unseasonably kind this year, it really is a bit early to get my hopes up for an early Spring. A year ago this week the temperature plunged to the low -20′s for several days in a row. In addition we had over 24 inches of ground snow. This week the temperature is predicted down to the single digits – but above Zero and there is a scant 3-4 inches of ground snow. I’d expect that we’ll see a few more snows and a few more cold periods in February before Spring begins to peak around the corner.
I was out of town for most of the weekend and the feeders emptied down including the suet feeders, so it was filling feeders during the morning. The Chickadees, Blue Jays, Nuthatches, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Morning Doves and even present squirrels are enjoying themselves and filling up before the coming cold.
January Thaw
Temperatures have remained above normal and above freezing during the day for most of the week. That means that many birds have dispersed into the woods and only the regulars continue at the feeders. Even heard a few Chickadees practicing their breeding calls!
More on Grouse
One interesting feature of Ruffed Grouse is that there are two color phases – Red and Gray. The two populations overlap in this area. Today I noticed a second Grouse present representing the other color phase. Compare this photo with the last to see the differences.
Winter Visitor
One of my favorite Wintter visitors are Ruffed Grouse. I guess I like them because the look so much like bantam chickens. Even though they are fairly common around these parts, I only see them along the roads during the Summer. However in the last two Winters, a few have come into to check out the ground under the feeders. Last winter, one stayed on daily for nearly all of February.
Mi-Birders.com