at the bird feeder

The bird feeder is a busy place these days.  Yesterday this lovely purple finch paid us a visit.

A tiny nuthatch, which usually appears upside down, helps itself to some suet.

The ravens are huge, but so shy.  Could be because they are clumsy fliers and need to be extra careful as they can't quickly take off to avoid predators.  These guys really love peanuts, and swallow them whole.

The hairy woodpecker (just a bit bigger than the downy, and hard to tell apart) daintily tries a bit of  suet and takes much time in between pecks.  A huge contrast with the greedy starlings.

The mourning doves love fresh water, and get right into the pan to drink their fill.  This morning, Whitie the cat reached up and grabbed a dove.  As I ran out, the dove got away, leaving a cloud of feathers behind.  Hope it is ok.  Whitie is grounded for the day.

Here is our apex preditor, wanting in.

If only White would go after starlings!  They are much more wily than the other birds, never landing on the bird table, only going after the suet safe on the railing.  They can demolish an entire cake in one day!

One more little guy who loves sunflower seeds.

skiing in the time of COVID-19

I wish my legs really were that long!

At this time of confinement, we are practicing the required social distancing, but that does not mean we have to stay inside all the time.
Although it was +5C today, there is still plenty of snow in the fields behind our house.  Only today did I see any bare earth peeking through anywhere.
The snow is starting to collapse, but I hope it does not melt away too soon.
It is hard to ski on mud!

In the back yard

Wayne, my ski buddy

A tough hill to climb with frozen icy snow and slippery skis.  The winds always blow against us going uphill.  But sometimes we get help on the downhill, so we can just spread our arms and let the wind push us

My favourite part of the trail winds through the woods.  
Last week I looked up and saw a ruffed grouse perched in a branch just a few feet above my head!

trees are iced with vanilla frosting