I've taken full advantage of the snow. During the past week I was on the trail with the snowshoes a total of 4 times. What fun!

Early morning was the best time to head out. The forest was silent and the animal tracks from the night before were still visible. I got to see moose, deer, elk, coyote, squirrel tracks in the fresh snow in addition to numerous mouse tunnels and the only sound was that of the snow crunching under my feet.

My other go-to outdoor activities require more snow and colder weather. There isn't enough snow for x-country skiing but the local trails are being groomed so there is a good base ready for the next snowfall. The temperature isn't cold enough to start laying down water for the outdoor ice rinks. I'm looking forward to the days ahead when I can get the skis and ice skates out of the garage.

The backyard bird feeders have had numerous visitors. During the day the nuthatches, chickadees, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and bluejays were busy feasting on seeds. The magpies were plucking the berries off the sea buckthorn branches. In the evening the deer wandered in the yard to see of there were any leftovers in the tray feeders.

Now that it appears that the snow is here to stay, I will have to get some more feeding stations set up in the backyard to try to entice the pileated woodpeckers to visit.

The shorter days of winter may make one feel like hibernating but I choose to make the most of it by spending as much time outside as possible. I can layer up to make myself comfortable no matter what the temperature and there are no mosquitoes!

If you are one of those hibernators, why not consider an activity that will get you outside? X-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, hiking and bird watching will get you active and those gloomy winter days will pass by more quickly. What will you try this winter?

Magpies enjoying the berries

Black capped chickadee and a downy woodpecker sharing a meal

White tail deer visit the bird feeders in the evening