The Recycling Bird

Birds are known to use all types of materials for their nests. My boys found this one on the ground. In addition to the typical natural nest building materials, this particular bird chose to use some strips from plastic bags. Perhaps he wanted to protect himself better from the elements. :-)

First Snow

Last year we received no snow, which was a great disappointment. The temperatures this fall and winter have consistently been 10 degF above normal so I was not optimistic about snow this year either. However, on Christmas night, a blizzard was predicted for our general region. 

Some areas were predicted to receive well over 12 inches, and we were predicted to receive 4-6 inches. The prediction was quite accurate and we did receive around 6 inches. Friends in Southern Illinois confirmed the much higher snowfalls with one receiving 13 inches. The temperatures were in the upper 20's and the snow was heavy and wet.

White Spruce

Dogwood

Compost Piles

Squirrel Tracks