What a difference a week makes

[lizziebelle]

Last weekend, it was so bitterly cold that I didn't leave the house at all. This weekend, it was so nice outside I couldn't wait to get out. Friends were feeling similarly, and a bunch of us got together last night to celebrate the fact that the weather hadn't trapped us in our homes for a change. It felt great to be out, and seeing people in the flesh instead of in pixels.

I went for a walk along the river yesterday, where most of the ice has melted.




I saw a pair of hooded mergansers on the river. I think they look like punk rock ducks.



Skunk cabbage is starting to send out its shoots, the first sign of spring to come.



I put birdseed out on my deck, hoping to attract birds. It worked. After many tries, I finally captured the shy tufted titmouse in a curious pose.



Of course, I also attracted a squirrel, who wasn't shy at all. He just looked at me when I banged on the window, then continued shoveling down the seed.



The sparrows are less shy than the titmice, but not as bold as the squirrel.



I wasn't able to capture the cardinals or the chickadees this time. But it was nice to see them; last weekend, which was the Great Bird Count, I hardly saw any birds at all because it was so cold. I'm sure they're as anxious for spring as I am.

Comments

[puddleshark.livejournal.com]

Lovely bird and bold squirrel shots!

Glad to hear that the intense cold has let up. After last year I think you must be due a short winter and an early spring this year.

[lizziebelle.livejournal.com]

I certainly hope so! It does feel that way. But one never knows in New England. We've had snow in April before.