We've been experiencing some of our coldest weather of the winter since the calendar flipped over to February. Remember the minus 20 degree temps I posted about last week? Today we're in another deep freeze ~ single digits with overnight temperatures below zero again. ugh.
When it gets this cold, I feel like a slug and certainly don't enjoy being outdoors. I force myself to keep clean water in the birdbath (it's heated) and make sure the feeders stay full. I know this is no time to think of myself and neglect them. Something new, coinciding with the cold ~ a Downy woodpecker has been making daily appearances at the suet cage:
Apologies for the photo ~ it's not the best quality because the suet feeder is at the back of my garden plus it's taken thru the kitchen window glass.
I am happy to welcome him as a regular to the garden and hope he continues to visit even after the temperatures moderate. It is cheering to look out & see him so often.
I've had a lot of non-gardening activities occupying my time lately so maybe it's okay that it's cold? Did I really just type that?? Helps me stay focused and not want to wander outside instead. This weekend is supposed to be much nicer so I plan to check on those snowdrops plus look for any other signs of new life/activity. I hope it's better gardening where you are?
What a cute bird! I haven't seen any woodpeckers here for awhile.
I hope it warms up there! It's been pretty mild here, hopefully we're done with snow, twice was enough for me.
Posted by: Catherine | February 08, 2011 at 08:05 PM
Kathleen: I agree, the subzero stuff is the most difficult. Our highs will be in the single digits for two days, and then the 30s on the weekend. Love the photo of the Downy Woodpecker. Cheers!
Posted by: PlantPostings | February 08, 2011 at 08:24 PM
Hi Kathleen, Things are no better here. But I'm going to continue to be patient, because it isn't supposed to be nice for another couple of months! ;-) Cute photo of the Downy.
Posted by: Shady Gardener | February 08, 2011 at 09:07 PM
Kathleen, I hope those snowdrops are there and blooming happily. Nobody deserves it more than you. :)
Posted by: Grace | February 08, 2011 at 09:08 PM
Your temps are so bitter cold, brrrrr. Love your little Downy Woodpecker. Have a photo of one myself that I will be posting this week.
Posted by: Janet | February 09, 2011 at 07:42 AM
Sending warm thoughts and hopes of a little more sunshine coming your way. We've warmed up to the 20's here. Brrrr.
Posted by: Carolyn♥ | February 09, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Dear Kathleen, I do love Downy Woodpeckers. They are the cutest little birds and they appear if by magic on bitter cold days~I hope it warms up and you can find the snowdrops! (note to self~plant them next fall) gail
Posted by: Gail | February 09, 2011 at 08:22 PM
The Downey is adorable! With such bitter cold it'd be hard for anyone to think of gardening. We had a beautiful sunny day today but we'll be getting cold rain/sleet tomorrow.
Posted by: Sweetbay | February 09, 2011 at 08:52 PM
Love the Downey Woodpecker, we get them here occasionally. Guess I should be looking for them more. I'm trying to leave a comment AGAIN. It keeps telling me I don't have the right oh what was it, braindead, can't remember what it said but wouldn't let me comment.
I'm so anxious for spring. I'm hoping to go outside today a bit if it warms up but not going out in this white frosty stuff. No way! Ok I'm a winter pansey and I know we aren't near as cold as other places but too cold for me. ;-(
Posted by: RainGardener | February 10, 2011 at 11:37 AM
Yay it worked! Just remember I DO come read your post - just can't always comment!!! ;-)
Posted by: RainGardener | February 10, 2011 at 11:39 AM
I find woodpeckers to be very shy. They don't hold still for long either. It is sunny but very cold here so I too am feeling the winter blahs.
Posted by: Jennifer | February 10, 2011 at 01:56 PM
Kathleen, you know we are in the same boat. Not one speck of outdoor gardening around here! Not too far off now, right? *sigh*
Posted by: RobinL | February 10, 2011 at 06:55 PM
We are buried under the most snow I've ever seen in my life. I hope you see some snowdrops this weekend Kathleen. This winter has been so horrible that I am going to cry with joy when I see the first spring flower.
Posted by: Kala | February 10, 2011 at 09:25 PM
Kathleen, I feel your pain! We have experienced very cold weather over here in Utah, but good news! We will be getting a warming spell for a few days...mid to upper 40's for the highs! OOOH!
Posted by: Ramona | February 11, 2011 at 07:38 PM