Back to the Polar Vortex

Two weeks ago, we had about ten days of bitter weather.  In fact, after 

December 22nd, we did not see the thermometer get above freezing until Tuesday 

of this week. 

We had almost-balmy temps in the 40s and 50's, it was 57 this time 

yesterday afternoon (3:30 PM).  It is 17 today, has sleeted for several 

hours, has snowed, and the wind is blowing HARD.  Harummmphhh. 

Me no like. 

Jester no like.  He did not even want to get up. 

Tuesday, I stocked up on bird seed.  This gives me a good 

feeling to know that I have plenty on hand. 

You know... because I am feeding the southern half of Leavenworth County. 

Current status. 

The sleet covered everything on the ground this morning, and froze it solid.  

I spread seed several times a day, and yes, I am going to have to run to the feed store again, 

either tomorrow or Saturday.  This feed is expensive, too.  I could change the way 

I feed... feed only in hanging feeders.  The starlings would hang on them and spill them, 

and that would take care of the ground feeders, but you know what?  I actually don't mind watching the starlings.  

Two little observers like to sit in the doorway and watch the birds. 

Lilly sat out there surveying her domain (i.e., looking for squirrels) 

yesterday afternoon, and you can just barely see that the little birds were still 

on the ground eating.  Yes, there IS a lot of wastage, in fact, my plan these 

last three days was to rake up seed under the feeder... however... that never 

happened.  Now it is frozen.  I believe over the next week the 

starlings will swoop in to clean it up pretty well. 

Those steps are covered with ice today.  Gosh, I wish I 

had thought to have the contractor put a handrail on either side 

last summer!

Those are the steps, on the treacherous icy deck. 

Some seed falls below the deck, of course,  and 

the little birds are flying in and out of there, too. 

Those are mealworms on the fortex that is turned upside down, 

because bluebirds are stopping to drink regularly. 

I also saw a forlorn robin there about 2 PM, it looked so sad 

and was so thirsty. 

The satellite dish on the right obscures the green finch feeder, but it is 

very busy now with goldfinches, and the other little 

birds clean up the thistle and sunflower hearts that are spilled from it.   

There is critter mix out there too, and a bowl for cat food which I am 

not filling until dark now, or every starling in the midwest would be eating here. 

Those goldfinches. 

You must look very closely at this picture.  There is Harlequin, 

whom I have not seen in three weeks inside the henhouse. 

This morning I went in there with some dry cat food and some 

water.... and heard a noise.  I looked up in the rafters, and there was 

a cat watching me.  In fact, that could actually be Spooky, though 

I did see Harley.  He/She watched me and I went back in the house 

and opened two cans of cat food and took them right back out, 

so they would have a good breakfast on this cold day.  I'll take a 

can out tonight, just in case, when I go to turn the light out. 

My impatient girls (and boy) this morning.  They are captives for the next 

few days, I'm afraid.  I have oatmeal with raisins cooling for them right now, 

and will take them fresh water and a treat here shortly, and turn their 

overhead light out.  I got three whole eggs... and broke one. 

At least they weren't frozen.  

I hope they can resign themselves to being in for another bitter day.