Regardless of the timing, winter brings a change in prominence of the locals. The non-snow birds disappear, leaving others behind to be better noticed. In particular, as long as all the water is not completely transformed to a solid, a variety of interesting critters provide entertainment.
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| There are plenty of scrumptious weeds under the moving water. The geese are more welcome at this time of year because they are not keen on defecating everywhere one walks. |
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| The male hooded merganser also likes the water. A bit skittish, he has yet to provide the photo op desired, where individual feathers are on display. |
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| Unlike the chickadees, who are paid models. |
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| For a few black oil sunflower seeds, they're more than happy to pose. |
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| And to provide motion studies. |
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| The herd heard there was food next door. |
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| This charm of goldfinches did not need to go that far. |
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| What should you call beavers without flat tails? You oughtta call them otters. |
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| Backlit and in the shade, he provides a fine silhouette, but the subtleties are lost in the shadows. |
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| But he doesn't care. He's having fun. Otters always look like they're having a good time. |
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| Sharp-eyed Mary spies a large bird in the treetops. Who could this be? |
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| Correct! The American Bald Eagle watches from the treetops. Come closer! |
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| Oh yeah! A visit to the water's edge provides a more detailed pose. |
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| The wind and driven snow are giving someone a bad feather day. |
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| No matter. The regal pose is recovered. |
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| Now where did I put my cell phone? |
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| Regal once again, even if the talons don't penetrate the ice or granite. (And there were no messages.) |
