Winter Weather Restricting Wildlife Encounters

January 27, 2014  •  2 Comments

We are on pace to having the coldest January in 100 years here in western Pennsylvania.  Over the last few days we received about 8 inches of snow and I think a lot of the wildlife is laying low to conserve energy during these cold days.  Below is a tract of woods the day after another storm.

 

Ten months out of the year this stream is flowing swiftly through the ravine providing White-tailed Deer, Great Blue Heron, Kingfisher, and small bird photo opportunities.  Right now, just a small portion of the running water can be seen through the ice buildup and snow.

 

When the weather gets really bad I watch birds visiting one set of feeders located just outside my dining room window.  This day was going to be one of those days.  I'm always hoping to have an infrequent visitor come to my feeders such as Red-bellied, Downey, or Pileated Woodpeckers.  The beauty, however, of the frequent visitor, must not go overlooked.

Below is a male Northern Cardinal with fresh snow flakes on his face.

Northern CardinalNorthern Cardinal

Northern Cardinal

 

Of the 14 Cardinals I counted in the trees surrounding my feeders outside my window, this female Cardinal sat still long enough for me to make this sharp image.

Northern CardinalNorthern Cardinal

Northern Cardinal

 

Many Mourning Doves perch on nearby trees waiting to come in and feed off the ground.  One by one they come in for a landing.

Mourning DoveMourning Dove

Mourning Dove

 

The Carolina Wren has quickly become one of my favorite feeder birds to photograph.  Its quick movements offer a true challenge to make a good image especially when it's jumping around the dense branches of this Hawthorn tree.

Carolina WrenCarolina Wren

Carolina Wren

 

How can you not smile at this face?

Carolina WrenCarolina Wren

Carolina Wren

 

I didn't realize I caught this moment until reviewing the images on my computer.  It's using the power of its wings to swiftly run along the branch before taking flight.

Carolina WrenCarolina Wren

Carolina Wren

 

Come back soon,

Dan


Comments

Willard C. Hill(non-registered)
An excellent post, Dan. I especially liked the last photo of the wren. Are weather has not been as severe as that in your area except for the cold. There is only a dusting of snow on the ground, but it has been hard to get photos.
Jessica(non-registered)
Hello we chatted over Facebook and I then looked at your website to see the elk...which were very cool. Anyway I am not too far from Benezette and said I had to go after seeing your pictures and videos...well I did today. I seen heads of females!!! I will be back to search for the bull!
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