02-JAN-2013
Grey squirrel, black phase
There were a number of grey squirrels seeking food (mostly manitoba maple seeds), or sitting huddled against a tree trunk, as this one was, seeking shelter from that cold wind which gave our region a windchill of -27 celsius. The big bushy tail is curved over the back, giving some warmth.
02-JAN-2013
Goldenrod gall
While it may seem as if snow and cold have settled in for good, there are all sorts of things going on in plants, on plants, underground, in nooks and niches, etc. In this gall, one that we are all familiar with, there is the larva of the goldenrod gall fly, just waiting for the right time to transform into an adult. If a chickadeee, woodpecker or squirrel doesn't get to it first!
02-JAN-2013
Baltimore oriole nest in willow
This was taken in the Arboretum, but of course, we have orioles nesting at the garden too. I couldn't find a nest to photograph today, so went down to the Arboretum to find this one. I include it because it is quite amazing that a seemingly fragile nest, hanging high up in the tree, at the mercy of heavy snow and strong winds, is still intact! I've found that the oriole nests I've examined have been amazingly dense and strong. They are made of long strands of vegetation fibre, woven around and around until this fairly heavy, sturdy "sock" is formed. One nest I found some years ago at FWG, was made entirely of DSV fibres and was exceptionally strong.
02-JAN-2013
Milkweed pods
Memories of monarch butterflies! Sometimes in early winter, before it gets too icy, you may sometimes find an insect hiding in these pods, seeking warmth.
02-JAN-2013
Butterfly meadow under snow
The meadow looks very barren, all the vegetation having been beaten down by the snow, but it is also beautiful in its pristine covering.
02-JAN-2013
Broken juniper - backyard garden
Unfortunately, the top part of this tall juniper has cracked and fallen under the weight of the heavy snow. A redpoll can be seen on the left, as if contemplating all those juniper berries. The fruit is eaten by various birds, particularly bohemian waxwings. Seeing how much fruit is still there, it makes me think that perhaps the big flocks of waxwings we saw in early December, have moved on.
02-JAN-2013
Picnic table in the backyard garden
The snow piled up on our picnic table, shows how much snow has fallen in the last 8 or 9 days.
02-JAN-2013
Sumacs around pond
While much of the wild food has gone, there are still sumac cones and manitoba maple seeds here and there around the garden. The red of this staghorn sumac adds a lovely bright colour to the otherwise white world.
