First measurable snow

This week we had our first significant snowfall in 2 years. It was preceded by mostly dry and cold weather. Because of the prolonged sub-freezing temperatures, there was a lack of natural water sources for wildlife. We kept the bird baths filled. My observations and photos were limited to views through the windows.  

A male Red-bellied Woodpecker brightened the scene and dominated the suet feeder:

A male House Finch "gifted" me with its image when it flew up to our front door security camera. This was the first frame as it almost touched the lens:

An all-male flock of Brown-headed Cowbirds descended to feast on Safflower seeds in the hanging platform feeder:

It snowed all day Monday. About 8-9 inches accumulated. Gray skies and glaring white snow cover produced difficult conditions for photography. These horrid shots are all I've got. 

American Robins did their best to strip the holly berries:

Over a dozen Mourning Doves competed successfully for the Safflower seed, in the feeders and scattered on the snow:

White-throated sparrows congregated:

Dark-eyed Juncos outnumbered the Mourning Doves. White breasts converged seamlessly with the snow:

Tufted Titmice carried single Sunflower seeds, hacking them open on snow-covered branches:

A male Eastern Bluebird occupied a lonely treetop:

View from our front door:

The heated bird bath remained ice-free through a pause in the snowstorm... 

...but it was partially buried when the storm returned with full fury:

Male Gray Squirrels usually compete rather violently for a mate. Perhaps the cold temperatures encouraged a menàge-á-trois in a distant tree: 

The Ring security camera captured this creature on December 29, as it scampered down the garden steps. At first it looked all-white, but a closer examination revealed its black face and undersides. It was a Striped Skunk:

This screenshot provides a better view:

The ground-glass SKY was uninteresting, so I scoured the archives for a better wintry scene. I loved this photo of hoarfrost at the Ellis Trailhead in the Cibola National Forest in New Mexico, on November 15, 2011:

Likewise, I found a double image of Lesser Yellowlegs for the REFLECTION meme, December 27, 2009 in Florida:

This week's header: Northern Cardinal

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Linking to:

Nature Thursday

Skywatch Friday

Weekend Reflections

Saturday's Critters

Garden Affair

All Seasons

Image-in-ing

Nature Notes

Wordless Wednesday (on Tuesday)

Wild Bird Wednesday

My Corner of the World
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Please visit the links to all these posts to see some excellent photos on display
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