Good morning and happy Saturday to everyone! What a morning it is! The temperature this morning was 5F (-15C), but with the wind it made it feel like -13F (-25C). We are definitely back to winter again. Plus we got another 3 inches (7.5cm) of snow yesterday. And it will be even colder tonight. This cold weather is expected to last through the week. It will certainly take some warm temps to start melting that frozen snow again. Yesterday was a busy one at the feeders.

I counted 55 evening grosbeaks, but there was more, and 62 common redpolls, but there were more of them. There is not quite as many this morning though, numbers are probably half what they were yesterday. There was also a merlin (small falcon) here yesterday and caught a redpoll so fast and off he flew. All the other birds disappeared, except for a few chickadees and 2 nuthatches which sat, frozen in position, even though the danger had passed. They do not like to take chances.

The sun is shining so beautifully, the sky a vivid blue with a few smaller clouds floating by. It looks like it should be much warmer, until I go outside, then reality sinks in. We are getting close to April, but it feels like February. It will be a long time yet before this snow melts. But spring will arrive eventually. It was so beautiful down at the river on Thursday. Ground was showing in patches through the snow. Rocks were now uncovered from their white blankets of winter.

I had numerous places to sit now on these rocks. One I call picnic rock, mainly because I think it would be a wonderful spot for a picnic. So I sat there for part of the time. After I went on to the spot where the bench used to be located and sat on the tree stump for a while. It was shady there so was a bit cooler, therefore I moved to a sunny rock. Amazing how much warmer it felt. And I watched the swirls in the river, ever changing, ever on the move.

It looked beautiful, but it showed clearly how dangerous the river is. Above, against a dark blue sky was a lone gull, soaring beautifully, calling loudly. Likely he has gone back south to his friends, not quite time to come back yet everyone. Black-capped chickadees and red-breasted nuthatches were chirping and singing constantly, at the river and all along the path. Plus there was a pileated woodpecker, but I was unable to get a picture. The snow is still too deep in most places to go walking off the path.

A raven was being chased by 2 crows who have obviously staked out their territory now. It was calm, relaxing, peaceful, as I sat beside the river. The walk back was slow and strenuous. Winter walks to the river were definitely hard for me this winter. I am looking forward to spring when the snow and ice is all gone, and walking is normal again. Thank you for stopping by and reading today, have a beautiful weekend and God bless!

Steve and Muffin. (Praying for the people of Ukraine)

©2022 Steve McLeod.