14-MAR-2012
Cedar waxwing on staghorn sumac
A flock of these birds was dispersed throughout the ravine, some "hawking" for insects (so there must have been something out, perhaps midges, too small to see from a distance), others seeking fruit (in short supply).
14-MAR-2012
Amphibian pond
As can be seen here, the pond has open water at the eastern end, while the rest is still frozen. The water was gushing under the bridge and down the ravine, where robins were having a drink in the shallower sections.
14-MAR-2012
Hairy woodpecker, male
There were only crumbs of suet in this holder, but both this guy and the female downy woodpecker were very diligent about gathering all the bits they could. The hairy, with the longer bill and hence, longer tongue, had an advantage. See how he has inserted his bill all the way into the feeder.
14-MAR-2012
Lichens
The rock wall by the compost area is one of the most attractive features in the BYG, to my way of thinking. Many of the rocks are now covered with an appealing array of lichens, as here.
14-MAR-2012
Looking south past the Ash Woods
As you can see here, there is still a lot of snow at the garden.
14-MAR-2012
Downy woodpecker and hairy woodpecker
Both species were hanging around the feeder in the Backyard Garden. The little female downy is dwarfed by the much bigger hairy woodpecker, in this case a male as shown by the red on the nape.
14-MAR-2012
Pond and catkins
Looking eastward through the willow catkins across the pond to the bridge.
14-MAR-2012
Meadow vole entrance
A vole has created a perfect circular entrance by chewing through the grass.
14-MAR-2012
Meadow vole runs
Where the snow has melted, numerous vole runs can be found. Here you can see where they've created entrances in the flattened grass.
14-MAR-2012
Catkins
The entire tree at the west end of the pond was full of these soft catkins. Soon, the pollen will appear and bees such as Andrenids will emerge to feed. They, the nomadas, queen bumblebees, and bee mimics such as the tiny furry orange bee flies, will also appear at that time.
07-MAR-2012
Willow catkin
The willow tree by the pond is a welcome sight with the catkins bursting out.
07-MAR-2012
Red squirrel
Visitors to the FWG will know that this was taken by the blue spruce in the Backyard Garden. He was checking out the lie of the land before heading to the feeder area for a snack. The feeders were not particularly busy when I was there, though there was more activity at the one in the BYG than the other in the Ash Woods.
