Do Snowmen Need Sweaters in Oregon?

I am working away 'knitting' a bright begonia-colored sweater for my snow guy! I can tell you the weather is so mild here, I'm not sure he'd even need to wear a sweater.

I am participating in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's "Project Feeder Watch" this winter. The project runs from November 2014 through the end of April 2015. It is a "Citizen Science" project. I submit a count of the birds that I've seen at my feeders for any two consecutive days. I've done it a number of times now and am getting a good record of the winter bird activity.  

When I submitted two Turkey Vultures a couple of days ago, the form asked me for more details including photographic proof because the Turkey Vultures should be in South America.

But as you can see, they aren't. Instead they're perched atop the Acorn Woodpeckers' granary tree. My theory is that they are here out of season because it is a very mild winter. 

Here's further proof of our mild weather!

I don't normally see many Robins in the winter, but I've had 15-20 each morning and evening the past couple of weeks.

I also have a group of six Mourning Doves.

The birds I've not see much of are the House Finches.

This photo shows a Pine Siskin in the front and the male House to the right.

As winter progresses, there is more and more Chickadee activity.

I am hoping that they Chestnut-backed Chickadees show up too.

I took a short walk yesterday, and heard this Song Sparrow twittering away. With the great protective coloring, I'd not have seen the birth otherwise.

This was my best 'find' of the walk. Once again I heard the bird before I 'found' it.  

Brown Creepers have a marvelous curved bill perfect for working away at insects on large trees.

And when I came home, what should I see but a flock of six Bushtits. 

I think they win the Cutest Bird In the Backyard Award!