There was more snow on the deck this morning.  As the wind gusted, branches flew back and forth and the vent on my range exhaust fan flapped open and closed, creating unwanted noise in my kitchen.

I had planned to go for a short hike today but the weather was not cooperating.  I did drive to Elk

Island to see what was happening there.  On the way, just a short distance from home, a moose was enjoying a drink from a slough just inside the park fence.  I slowed to a stop.  It looked up and then continued quenching its thirst.

The wind created waves on the larger ponds within the park, keeping the waterfowl hidden amidst the reeds.  It was only on the small, sheltered sloughs that numerous species of ducks could be seen.  I did remember to take the binoculars with me today.  I saw at least 8 different species.

A backhoe was working at the edge of the beaver pond at Astotin Lake.  It was taking apart the dam that the beavers were working on.  If the dam hadn't been broken up, the water would soon have been flooding over the road.  It won't be too long before the beginnings of another dam will appear.

When I got home, I had the intention of splitting the stack of wood that has been sitting against my garage.  The wind was howling even more so I opted for a good book and a cozy blanket on the couch.

The two deer visiting this evening decided that the green grass was tastier than the grain in their tub.  I thought that I may not need the lawnmower this summer.  If they keep trimming the grass, I won't have to mow and they will fertilize the lawn at the same time.

The male of the pair appears pretty beat up.  It looked like he had been in a few good scraps.  Patches of hair are missing and he's got some visible scars.  He was the closest to the house.  As he made his way along the edge of the lawn, he noticed his reflection in a garden gazing ball.  His reaction was pretty funny to watch.  He circled around the ball as he continued to watch himself in it.

The bird feeders are always empty in the morning which tells me that the group of 5 deer are still visiting overnight.  The 2 deer that come during the daylight hours do not feed on the sunflower seeds.

A flock of red winged blackbirds visited the backyard today.  They fed at the grain tub and at the sunflower seed feeders.  It was quite the sight to watch as they tried landing on the narrow ledges of the feeders.

The chickadees and the pileated woodpeckers have been calling from the trees behind my yard but they have not visited for awhile.  I'm certain that many are caring for eggs in nests.  Warmer weather would sure make things easier for them.