This morning the blue sky is filled with a few wispy white clouds and lots of sunshine.  It is turning out to be a great day.  

There is a choir in the backyard.  I can hear the chickadees singing in the branches of the old willow next door.  The pine grosbeaks are adding their verses on the opposite side of the

yard in the tops of the aspen trees.  The calls of the blue jays, magpies and the pileated woodpecker are echoing through the forest behind my yard.  

There is a tray feeder on the back deck.  I've seen the chickadees and the redpolls 'breaking bread' together.  Once in awhile a pine grosbeak will land on the deck rail and want to join in.  The smaller birds scatter when this happens.  I

guess there is a size limit for who shares the table.  They are so entertaining to watch.  It's a great activity to enjoy while having a morning coffee.

The hanging feeders are empty again.  I can tell by the shape that they are in that the usual suspect was in the yard last night.  There is only one buck that has figured out how to get those seeds dumped to the ground.  When he's been in the yard, the feeders are either hanging in disrepair or are laying in pieces on the ground.  He's been a regular in the yard of late and has had me refilling the bird feeders more often.  The guys at the feed store will be wondering how I went through a 50lb sack of seed so quickly.

I have an appointment for tomorrow to pick up my new snow toy.  I wish that I would have found the local supplier earlier in the season.  The retailer will be showing me how to use it correctly so I can remain upright.  Hopefully the snow will not melt too quickly and I will be able to enjoy it for a few more weeks.  I'm giddy with excitement.  It will be 'snow' much fun!