During a winter thaw, a lot of water and ice collect in the fields. The snowmelt from the past two weeks’ snowfall plus the ~15mm of rain that fell is a lot of water to get rid of, it’s too cold to evaporate quickly, and our flat topography is not conducive to quick runoff.
The bundle of sticks in this tree is the bald eagle next we took a drive yesterday to find searched. It appears to be about a meter wide and deep. I took this photo from about 150-200 meters away. We could not get too close because that entailed crossing private property, which we did not have permission to do.
My understanding is that once a nest is built, the nesting pair return year after year, adding materials to the nest, so they can become quite large and heavy.
Bald eagles are semi-nomadic in the winter, moving around as food availability dictates. I understand that they prefer fish yet will eat meat, carrion, etc. We hope that the eagles return. If they do I will try to get a decent photo and blog it.
The weather has moderated significantly in the last few days. After the severe cold – down to minus 24C or minus 11F – several inches of snow, and gale force winds, this weekend has brought above freezing temperatures and several millimeters of rain. Much of the snow is gone, at least for now. Snowmobiles are gone (hooray for that), some parts of the river have open water. While winter is far from over we revel in the relatively balmy conditions.
Photo taken through the window. Predators have to eat as well as songbirds, and feeding songbirds means that I will feed a hawk from time to time.
Kendal and his best friend, the wall furnace (behind his head), which is cycling on about every eight minutes.
Photo is a little blurry due to being shot through the living room window.
I am at home today, witnessing the songbirds and their struggle to survive this awful cold. I feel like it is my duty to do what is necessary to help. So I am being very generous with the sunflower seed, scattering it wholesale over the snow-covered ground. There is a new suet cake in the suet feeder and I have broken another up into small pieces then scattered it on the ground. This House finch is one of many, as well as juncos, doves, blue jays, and the odd crow staying close to the feeder.
There will be a die-off and I cannot change the simple, terrible fact that some songbirds, predators, wildlife will die. It is the way of life. At least I can help a little.
It was a pleasant enough day to sit outside for a spell. We do not need no stinkin beach to enjoy a beer outside.
Today is comparatively balmy, about -4C, with a south wind. High and midlevel clouds will move in this afternoon, presaging the next assault of snow tomorrow (currently predicted to be around 15C) and brutal, bitter cold Monday and Tuesday. We will take advantage of and appreciate the mild weather today.
He is eating a gruel composed of oatmeal, chicken, chicken broth, and some other things Faye whipped up from a recipe she found in a cookbook. It may not be completely balanced but he s eating and for now that is the important thing. We are sneaking in some kibble as well
Kendal has more energy, coming into the kitchen to investigate the goings-on, raising his nose to the countertop to check out what goodies are there. Still wanting to walk and go outside. Not 100% himself but closer all the time. This is the Kendal I know and love.
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