The temperature plunged again. I stepped outside to take out the garbage and I could see my breath this afternoon yet the snow was melting on the deck.  

The birds were in a frenzy.  Chickadees, nuthatches and bluejays flew back and forth from tree branches to feeders.  Hairy and downy woodpeckers were enjoying the suet.  I heard a pileated woodpecker behind the house. 

The deer odd couple showed up during daylight hours today.  I wondered how frequently mule deer hitch up with white tail deer.  They appear to be the equivalent to a human inter-racial marriage!

The female white tail is the aggressor over the male mule deer.  When he wants to eat from the grain tub, she chases him away until she is finished eating.  Once she is done, he's allowed to come for feed.  I noticed this a couple of visits ago so I have been putting grain in the tray bird feeder for him.

He came to the tray feeder before I had a chance to put out the grain today so began to eat the seeds.  The shells were made him gag.  I thought that I may have had to provide first aid for choking on the poor guy.

My day was spent spring cleaning.  Even though it was chilly out, I turned down the thermostat and opened up the windows to let the fresh air in.  The curtains are washed and the bed covers have been switched to the lighter spring/summer colors.  I'll celebrate spring inside until the temperature rises again to continue the melt.