2-28-09 Observations

- Dense fog and mild temperatures on the mountain properties this morning.

- Rain last night. With the mild temperatures, a good evening to open the bedroom window, relax, and just listen to one of the most comforting sounds in all of nature.......

- It is a time of activity in the bird world...and several species are active in nest building and related courtship rituals.

- The Robins have returned and I have also witnessed this week...Purple Grackles, Cedar Waxwings, Red-Winged Blackbirds, Pileated Woodpeckers (permanent residents), Northern Mockingbirds (already in song on good weather days), to name a few.

- I have seen deer all over the place this week. At various locations, as I drove to the cabin recently, I counted 15 at dusk. Under the cover of fog and dim light, they seem quite confortable, and most just stared as I drove slowly past. Most of the males are antlerless by now and I would love to find a shed pair of antlers! So far, it has not happened.

- The attached, from top to bottom....1) A recent shot of The Common Crow...a sentinel standing guard while buddies search for food in the meadows below.....2) The gregarious European Starling....the bill is yellow in the spring and summer and dark in winter. These had a yellow bill, so spring must be near!....3) Taken early this morning in the fog....four Mourning Doves perched on a split rail fence near a lake....4) Taken early this morning, in the fog, at quite a distance...the striking male Red-Headed Woodpecker.