Graupel time!

I noticed this on the news, they were talking about the Canada Post strike. We've visited Nova Scotia. 

We are getting into the cold weather! It was -5 ℃ Monday. Bbbbrrrrr. Nothing like Muskoka, in Central Ontario. Some are on Day 5 of power outages. Most of the homes have power back, but not all. There are still about 4000 homes to get reconnected. Thanks to all those who toil in the cold, and snow. York, Peel, Vaughn, and the Toronto airport all sent crews to help. The core of Gravenhurst is done. 

We had graupel! Not ice, but sort of snow pellets.

A drive into town often generates conversation, property for sale! 

2 acres for sale

$249,000

I noticed this strange little road going in. Then, a for sale sign. 

I hope someone tells them that there is a lot of invasive phragmites here, which means it is wet off to the right.

The house that had a fire is finally coming along. This happened in Jan., 2023. I felt so badly for them, although I don't know who they are.

I am happily bird watching from the front window. The cardinals have been infrequent visitors.

They are so infrequent that I had to find an archive photo of the female cardinal. 

Male downy woodpecker.

I hope you stay warm and dry. We've more snow on the way, they say. We may or may not leave the house today. Somebody is happy watching curling!

Robins and other birdies 🐦

I'm back to bird watching. There are hints of spring. The goldfinches are showing a tinge of yellow. Their antics are fun. I put the zoom lens on the tripod, and set it up in the bay window. Nice, warm bird watching! I prefocused and just have to push the button. 

I love capturing them on the fly. There are several who photobomb, as well! Can you spot them?

 

The birdbath is popular! Our robin (I think there is only one) is a heavy drinker! The mourning doves watch it carefully.

The mourning doves had a debate:

            "What do you think, dear? Should we join them in the tree?"

        "They look pretty cozy!"

        "Well, I'm going!"

        "OK, see you soon. I'm still thirsty!"

Thirst satisfied, off it went to join its partner. 

The mourning doves have it right. Snuggle in the shelter of the evergreens.

🐦Robins

I don't know if it is a him or her, but the robin has been visiting daily. It's fun to see. It's overwintered, and it isn't a sign of spring, to be honest. The flock of starlings I spotted were hopeful.

 

For more critters, visit: Saturday's Critters # 425. Thanks to Eileen for hosting us in one big critter family!

Tuesday was brilliant!

Warm, sunny. Everyone was outside. I have some spring ditch diving to do. I like to do it after a below zero night, and prior to rain. That way I don't sink into the mud. I believe I blew it! We've a major rainstorm on the way, and it warmed up too fast. This compares the 23rd and today, the 24th.

I did set up the 2nd water barrel, knowing we were getting some rain. Nutmeg chose not to help. She had stuff to do.

Look at the daffies coming up!

Everyone was out and about!

I hauled out my tripod, parked myself on the deck, and watched the birds. There were about 30 redpolls still here. Soon they will return north to breed. I am surprised they are still her. Please, mind you!

I cannot neglect our regular visitors. 

A tree sparrow

The bird feeder attracted a total of 4 honey bees Mar 23. It was bizarre! Of course, we've no flowers. One managed to get itself stuck in the globe feeder. I removed the top cover to allow it to escape. 

 

Poor old Zola Mar 22, I moved the trail camera and got another angle. I noticed her ear has some damage, as well as her broken leg. I've been so focused on her ankle, that I missed this.

 

Back on line!

I'm so sad! We lost internet for TWO DAYS!!!! AAAAGGGHHHHH! I missed a whole bunch of photos and videos posted by the grandies. I kept wanting to look things up. I told my son-in-law on the phone. I almost expected him to send flowers, he knows how much we are online. Jennifer and her crew came and found the issue. It shorted out, the box filled with water.



So here we are. Feb. 19 vs. Feb. 22! It's almost the same shot, but not quite. We lot all that lovely snow. Today, Sunday, is sleety rain.


Thursday, I heard the first robins. Friday, Feb. 23 I spotted them. They overwintered last year, but they seemed to know it was a tougher winter this year.


The birds have been lovely. I must replace the suet.



Down in the wetland...it is REALLY wet! It has thawed and refrozen. It is very hard walking, I didn't venture down onto the meadow, even wearing my snazzy boots with the pics. I'm wondering how the pileated woodpecker is doing!