March Snow

March 2, 2014 and morning has dawned.  A beautiful bright snow filled morning - again.  I estimate we received at least four plus inches of very powdery snow.  I know it's powdery because the birds are sinking up to their bellies when they land.

We've had at least five families of American cardinals this winter.  Occasionally we'll have a tree full and then I've counted up to seven of the males.  Anyway, let's just say, "We've had a bunch."

This morning they are among the jewels of this late winter snow.  Yesterday the snow was dirty and trampled with the only hope at beauty was if it melted.  Today all is covered again in white and my wintering little birds are hungry.

It's been a difficult winter for wildlife as seen by these pictures of a raccoon raiding our front bird feeder.  It's unusual for a raccoon to be so close to the house, in the daytime and in spite of our guard dog.  He's a huge old thing and must be mighty hungry to take the risk.  Because of all the damage these guys can cause, he may be tempting fate a little too much.

Often by the first of March we've had enough thawing and the birds can begin to find insects instead of depending totally on feeders.  This year they've had so much snow and cold, it's been difficult to find natural foods.  While the cardinal population has been high, the blue jay population has been limited to only two big boys.  One came to the feeder right after the huge rain we had a week ago and right before everything froze over again.  His feathers were soaked and I wondered what kind of a night he would have as the temperatures again dropped below zero.

Because we are blessed with an old growth wild woods in the back, we do provide (or rather nature provides) habitat that helps winter survival.  We haven't bothered to cut down dead trees (standing or fallen) unless it damages the fence or are across the paths.  I've let the brambles form thick stands of wild roses and raspberries.  Hardly the pristine landscaping of gardening magazines but I think it encourages birds and unfortunately a critter of two.

We've seen evidence of deer sleeping in the snow in a hallow of trees and brush, apparently while our guard dog naps away the cold winter night.  Night time offers a busy environment to owls, critters and that little bunny.

Time to get ready for church and make our way out of our little cozy environment.