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 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 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 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 Wren

Carolina Wren

How can you not smile at this face?

Carolina 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 Wren

Carolina Wren

Come back soon,

Dan