Ravens and Redpolls

On our trips out of town there are few birds to be seen but a couple of days ago we saw a large flock of birds, probably redpolls. Yesterday, we saw a much smaller group that also appeared to be redpolls. So far no redpolls have appeared at the feeder. Last year there were quite a few from time to time. The only other birds we have seen in the countryside late are ravens. They often appear singly or in pairs.

The feeder is busy but mostly with the occasional visits of sparrows who consume a great deal of seeds and distribute even more. There are also quite a few chickadees and red-breasted nuthatches.

The record cold weather is continuing in spite of global warming! The windchill this morning was minus forty three. This is about as bad as it gets anytime in the winter. The actual temperature is minus 29. We go quite a bit lower than that but usually the wind dies down so windchills don't usually go into the minus forties.

So far I haven't bothered to plug in our old 93 Acclaim but it is in a garage so that may help. One of these chilly mornings it may decide enough is enough and not go.

I haven't seen the lone slate coloured junco the last couple of days. Maybe the weather finally did it in.