06-JAN-2012
House finch, male
One of several house finches around the BYG. They were fluffed up against the -10 temperatures, and either feeding at the feeder or huddled in some of the nearby shrubs.
06-JAN-2012
Staghorn sumac branch (Rhus typhina)
Many 'cones' uneaten yet, but once winter pushes on and other food sources become scarcer, many critters will begin eating these seeds. They are certainly pretty with the snow on them.
06-JAN-2012
Red squirrel
A feisty and amusing little guy who always comes racing, so it seems, when anyone approaches his nest site!! And scolds them too. Another photo of him follows.
06-JAN-2012
Red squirrel
Another shot of the curious red.
06-JAN-2012
Red squirrel nest in an old bird house
Long, long ago red squirrels took over this old nest box, which was just fine, because it was not in a great spot for birds we realized! But for squirrels, it is ideal being close to two great food sources. It has been used for years, obviously not by the same red squirrel, not unless he (or she) is the Methuselah of the squirrel world. Notice all the grasses and fibres stuffed into this. This creates a lovely warm nest, protected by the wooden walls of the nest box.
06-JAN-2012
New woods
Fresh snow on the conifers in the new woods area of the garden.
06-JAN-2012
Woodpecker work
This is an old birch snag that, during the late spring was first excavated by chickadees. If you look closely, you can see at the top of the opening, where a nice circular hole goes right back into the snag. However, the chickadees ended up not using this cavity. Much later, woodpeckers took turns enlarging the hole, looking for insects, and even possibly contemplating this as a nest site. But it was much too low down and was not used by them either!
06-JAN-2012
American redstart nest
Or at least I think this is. It was very snow-covered and rather dilapidated, but the size, shape and height were all right and this is where a pair of redstarts hung out in the summer of 2011. Amazing little construction these nests. Really, when you think about it, using only their beaks, birds weave these intricate little cup-shaped nests that can hold 4 or 5 youngsters plus an adult. Amazing. In the truest sense of that word.
06-JAN-2012
Monarch on Queen Anne's lace (Daucus carota)
Even in winter, this plant can look very pretty when it has a snowy cap.
06-JAN-2012
Highbush cranberry (Viburnum opulus)
This may be the European highbush cranberry which has the same scientific name as the native one. I can't tell them apart. I do know that the fruit on this one is rarely eaten. However, it surely looks pretty in winter!
06-JAN-2012
Pond in winter
As you can see, there is an open patch of water right near where the old beaver burrow is.
06-JAN-2012
European starlings
Two starlings taking advantage of the feeder. I could hear a lot more down in the Arboretum but during the hour I was at the garden, never saw any but two at the feeder.
