Winter has finally arrived after a long and snow-less season. When I looked out of my window last week and saw the millions of fluffy white clusters falling from the steel gray sky, I was ecstatic. Some people dislike the cold weather and dread snowfall. However, I find nothing more relaxing than taking a walk outside during a heavy snowfall. I suppose being born in the chill of December does make me predisposed to liking winter.
Well, in spite of my liking of the winter weather, I must admit that on a frigid Sunday morning, I was not in the mood to go outside and fill the empty birdfeeders. It’s not that I didn’t want to, but the three-foot snow drifts in the backyard were not as inviting as my warm bed. The juncos and chickadees were watching me from their favorite bush in the corner of the yard, with hungry eyes, just waiting for me to emerge with my bucket of goodies. After a while, their looks got to me and I prepared to venture out into the snowy abyss.
Dressed in my ski jacket and pants, with my boots tied securely over a thick pair of socks, I opened the back door of the garage, prepared for the worst. The snow was higher than I thought and it was perfect powder. (Rejoice, skiers! Rejoice!) Unfortunately, it was almost impossible to walk through, especially with a giant bucket of sunflower seeds. Perhaps if I walked on my knees, it would be better? Wrong. Instead, I sunk in up to my chest. Lovely. I tried walking again, to no avail. The chickadees were getting exciting now. I could hear their raucous calls from the bush. “Okay, guys. I’m coming…eventually.”
What if I ran? It didn’t sound so bad. I smiled to myself. At break-neck speed, I began to run with giant leaps through the snow, bucket flailing. Surprisingly, it worked. I got to the feeders—in record time, I must add. The chickadees were practically hopping up and down by this point. I finished my task and bounded back through the snow. What fun! I came back inside and removed all my snowy clothing. By now, my mother was in the kitchen. When I entered all rosy-cheeked, laughing with joy, she seemed a tad bit perplexed. “What were you doing out there?” I laughed again. “Just filling the birdfeeders.” That really stumped her. “Okay…”
I went to the window and looked out to the feeders. They were swarming with chickadees, juncos, cardinals, and jays. Later on, the Three Stooges (three crows that frequent my yard) even stopped by. To my surprise, a giant flock of wild turkeys walked through the field behind my house later in the afternoon. What a day!
Sure, I didn’t see anything really out of the ordinary. But, I am truly glad that I decided to fill the feeders that morning. I still smile when I think about my exhilarating snow bounding with my giant bucket of sunflower seeds flailing behind me.
Do you have any interesting stories about winter birding? Have there been any strange sightings in your backyard? If so, please feel free to e-mail me at chickaee@att.net.
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