Robins Herald Spring's Arrival

Either that or they've developed a taste for frozen worms.

Difficult to see, but at center (just below middle) are two Robins.

The weather has been so nice this winter...mild, with relatively low snowfall.
And here we are on January 28th with Robins bickering with one another...already!

The next photo is of my prized Northern Red Oak (don't look for a bird), Quercus rubra.
Another sign that spring is just around the corner is when the tree loses its dried and brown leaves as buds begin to swell...from the top down.

These Oak trees are native to the eastern half of the continent, and I'm thrilled it has turned into a fine specimen in this hot and dry environment.

Quercus rubra, planted approx. 40 years ago.

 

Unattractive during winter, it's truly a magnificent specimen the rest of the year, and today tops out at about 30 feet.

During October and November's mild days, our grandson asked for "garbage bags" so that he could pick up the tree's crop of acorns.  Pity his Mom when he brought the bags home and proudly announced "Here, Mommy, acorns I picked for you!"

Many, many birds have overwintered here and it's customary to see flickers, finches, sparrows, chickadees, magpies and the ubiquitous Quail.  The quail are truly everywhere!  Hundreds of them!
This winter's supply of black oil sunflower seeds so far totals 3 large bags, and 6 Suet (loved by the Flickers)!

Small group of Quail await spillage from overhead feeder.

And a hawk that hangs around daily:

The hawk atop a pine tree at our eastern fenceline

The Flickers will be disappointed this spring as the dead birch that stood for many years in which a large nesting hole had been extended no longer exists.  The "wildlife tree" fell during a windstorm in December.

"Wildlife tree" where Flickers nested is no more

The February weather forecast is calling for continued mildish conditions.

All that's missing is my best friend's pawprints across the last of snow.
Ah...the melancholy of what used to be.