February and March brought several big snowstorms. I certainly had my exercise shoveling snow ! We enjoyed birds at the feeders, altho some mornings there seemed to be few birds. 4 species of woodpeckers have visited the suet offerings. A few Chickadees, House Finches, Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, Cardinals, and the Carolina Wrens. A Pileated Woodpecker female came to eat suet everyday for a few weeks She may be nesting in the area.
This week has been truly Spring-like. The Belted Kingfisher has returned, a Great Blue Heron was fishing at the edge of the river, and I found American Tree Sparrows at the end of the road. American Goldfinch males are bright yellow, and this morning a Chipping Sparrow came to the feeders. Hooray for Spring ! Photo below is a Red-bellied Woodpecker.
This Spring has had a somber note as well. In mid-March Mom passed away. It was a bit unexpected as she had been at her baseline in the nursing home. We have organized a Celebration of Life event to be held next week. She will be missed by her family and community.