It snowed another inch last night but was comparatively warm, being only a couple of degrees below freezing. The birds always move when the weather is kind; there is still not enough bare ground to attract most of them, though.
There are now about 30 juncos twittering, clicking, and fighting.
A male pine grosbeak suddenly showed up. They winter here and a female has been hanging about on and off for a while. But the males are now in their splendid spring livery.
A flicker is cackling and he is trying to work out the best way to get at the suet.
Most surprising of all was a rufous-sided towhee. It is only the second time I have seen one here. The first time was also when the snow lay very late.
What a wonderful red eye!
I love your bird photos and am delighted to read about your new place. Just one small correction – the Rufous-sided Towhee got its name changed a while back, and it is now the Spotted Towhee.
Thanks so much for the correction. It’s the same with all the flowers. Editors of these old field guides should give us free postings of the updates!
Chris:
I can’t get enough of your pictures. I don’t know how long you’ve been practicing or what you use, but they are great! I always look forward to your updates. The problem is, I don;t know which I like better, the birds, the mountains, or the pictures of the dogs 🙂
Nice array of early arrivals, Chris.
Here in our South Cariboo back yard we’re presently hosting a multitude of varied thrushes, spiced up by the occasional Stellers Jay.
No Juncos yet though I think they’re not far away.
I’ve recently installed a winter roosting box to give the little, winter birds a place to hang out when it gets really cold.