Just Add Snow

I need to finish the sled and stitch up some snow and "Snow Fun" will be done.

I see skeins of geese flying north most mornings now.

   

First I hear them.  Then I search the sky until they come into sight and I can see them.

I had one "V" at a lower elevation so was able to take these two photos.

I'm not good with IDing geese from afar - they look like Canada Geese to me.

Also up high, we had three Turkey Vultures enjoying the air currents yesterday.

While down lower, a hawk surveyed the area.

I think I saved a Towhee yesterday.  A Sharp-shinned swooped by the backyard bird feeders and I yelled and clapped by hands startling it. I think the small hesitation saved the Towhee is was pursuing.

Here's a nice side view of a Pine Siskin. You can see the fine yellow stripes on the wings, and the sharp bill that allows them to crack open seeds of conifers in the boreal forests of Canada.

Compare the Siskin's beak to that of this male House Finch. They'll eat larger seeds including sunflower seeds still in the shell while steering away from the nyjer thistle seeds that the Siskins enjoy. 

The Scrub Jay has a pretty wicked beak too - good for nuts and seeds of any size. 

And now a pitch for the Great Backyard Bird Count! The count is worldwide - U.S., Canada, U.K. - anywhere.  It is from the 13th through the 16th of February. You can participate one day - all days - whatever you please.  All it takes is 15 minutes of your time observing the birds in your yard.  The first couple of years that I participated, I clicked a box which noted something along the lines that I was not able to identify all the birds as I was learning.  So it is very forgiving for newbies and a great way to get kids interested in birds.  Check out the website to see if you might be interested.  If you are in an apartment, you can take a walk in a local park and count the birds you see there!