Christmas of white

Another snowfall last night. All the birds, especially the Northern Cardinals, are brilliant against the white backdrop.

hunting cat at the brush pile

This neighborhood cat, often seen scouting the edge of our woods, sat for a long time this afternoon staring at the holes in the snow beneath the bird seed feeder where the red squirrels come out from their tunnels under the brush pile. The cat finally stalked off, disappointed at the lack of activity. Soon after, a squirrel popped his head out to give the "all clear" . . .

. . . and later, another squirrel returned after enjoying seeds below the feeder.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Of the 4 types of woodpeckers in our woods, the Red-bellied like peanuts the best. The female enjoyed feeding at the tray earlier this autumn, and the male ventured close this week although he stayed among the trees. She looked more sleek with her feathers unruffled; with his feathers fluffed up for warmth he looks very much larger than he is.