Snow Birds

We got quite a bit of snow on April 18 ... probably 8 inches on the ground when we went outside to clear the walks on Friday. Robins--mostly big, fat males--have arrived in large numbers, and looked a little confounded by all the snow.

We've got suet in the feeder, which the woodpeckers and chickadees love, but the robins don't eat that, apparently. They looked hungry, though, so we put out a tray of raisins, chopped dried fruit, and chopped fresh apple, along with sunflower seeds for the cardinals. No takers. There was an article in the Star Tribune today that said the robins that have just arrived in the area are looking for mates, not food.

After we got done shoveling the walks and driveway, Bruce and I spent some time taking photos of our bird visitors.

The sap has not been running the last few days; it's been too warm at night. But it was in the low 20s when I got up this morning, so maybe I'll get a bit more. I still have a few gallons in the freezer that need to be boiled, and I'd like to have a bit more before firing up the cooker.