Steve`s Country
For a smile as wide as a country sunrise
Tuesday Coffee Chat. #23
Good morning everyone on this very chilly day! The weather sure changes fast sometimes. Yesterday we had a temperature of 65F (18C), which then dropped to 45F (7C) by late afternoon. This morning it was, and still is, 32F (0C). It is cloudy and at one point was snowing heavily, but that did not last long fortunately. There is just a light covering of snow on the ground and deck.
There was a lot of snow further north which undoubtedly will bring some of our northern winter visitors down our way soon. One showed up this morning, but it is an unwanted bird. It is the northern shrike. I tried for a picture since he was sitting nicely in the birch tree out here, but he flew away once I opened the door. They are about the same size as a blue jay and eat small birds, like my chickadees and nuthatches.
This is the earliest I have seen one of those birds. And since there are not many small birds around right now, that shrike could kill them all rather quickly. They will eat one to two birds each day. Fortunately blue jays hate shrikes, and they will help to chase it away whenever it shows up. But it was smart and came at a time when only 2 blue jays were here, not enough to fight the shrike.
I have not seen any juncos or sparrows yet today, so most must have decided to head south now. I imagine there are a few left, however. GPS, my lone little chipmunk, was still out here this morning and that is amazing. I have never seen a chipmunk this late in the year before. I just went to give the birds some more food, it is still cold out there, but that little bit of snow has started melting anyway.
But if I decide to spend some time out there, I just might have to wear my winter jacket, rather than my fall jacket. Terrible thought. But that wind is cold. The evening grosbeaks had come back after being chased away earlier by the shrike. So I needed to give them more food. Grover, my friendly grackle, is out here right now too. I am surprised he did not fly away with his friends.
Oh, look at that, the clouds are breaking up and there is a lot of blue sky showing now. Maybe I will be able to get some pictures today, the birds look so much nicer in the sunshine. Well, thank you so much for stopping by for coffee today, have a wonderful day and God bless!
Steve and Muffin.
©2022 Steve McLeod.
Steve`s Country 
Looks like my sisters sent you some of the clouds and rain that hit K.C. yesterday. So, if you don’t mind, can you return the favor and send us some of your snow and freezing temps!? We’re hitting the mid-70s F (25⁰C) today! Makes it nice for outdoor walks in short sleeves, but as another friend from Red Deer, AB, says, “There’s no such thing as ‘too cold,’ only inadequate clothing!” 😁
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Well, I most heartily disagree with your friend! But he lives in AB, they don’t know what cold is really like, it doesn’t stay cold for months on end without a break over there. They don’t make clothes warm enough for the cold we get. Oh well. I would gladly let you have this, it is already too cold for me. I’m wearing a winter jacket already and it’s not even cold yet! But at least it kept me warm while I was walking. No, not to the river, just stayed in the neighborhood. Boring kind of walking, but it works. You still have summer yet, we won’t see that now until next year, perhaps in May or June. Sigh. Have a great evening! 😊😺🌛☕☕
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Oh no ⛄️
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Just a tiny bit, probably a bit more tonight again as well. It was a cold day!
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Those shrikes sound vicious! Nasty little creatures they are! I love the names you have chosen for your critters! Enjoyed the pics of the scenery in your part of the world. Have a nice day, Steve! Thanks for the ☕️😸
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Yes, they really are a terrible bird to have around. Thank you, it is fun naming my critter friends! Thanks for stopping by Renee and have a great day! Sorry for the slow reply, but somehow I missed this one yesterday. Sigh. Sometimes I think I’m getting old! 🤔😂😹☕☕🍂🍁
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No worries here, I’m right there with ya! 😆 And hope you have a great day, as well! You’re welcome.
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😁😺☕🍁
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