I can hardly believe that it could keep snowing as much as it has these past three weeks. This is the hardest winter we have had in many years. Keeping up with the snowfall has been a constant here in western, N.Y.
I was at the stove cooking when I saw this hawk fly past the window. I think he was watching the area for a meal, and I've seen him fly towards the bird feeder when the sparrows are eating. He sat on the wire for a long time before he flew off. I only had my phone handy so I couldn't get a closeup.
The snow is pretty, but the cold temperatures are - 0°F. with the wind chill. It is too cold to even take Mika for a walk. The snow clusters onto her feet and she has to be carried back home.
Finally, some sun came out for a little while and I saw a male Sparrow sitting in the birdhouse warming up. Then the female did the same when he was finished. It is even too cold for the birds as they are staying mainly in all the shrubs under snow cover.
Meanwhile the young deer visit the feeder every few days and scrounge the ground for leftover seed.
I love having them come all year long and they know that my neighbor and I love giving them special treats. Apples and tomatoes seem to be a favorite and in the fall the pumpkins are a special delight for them.
I've decided to hold off on planting the cold weather seeds due to this arctic front that doesn't seem to want to slow down. I have a feeling Spring may be a little later warming up than normal for my zone 6. I hope you are all safe and sound with all the snow and ice. Remember to walk like a Penguin so you don't slip on the ice. ;-)
