Temperature records fell throughout the central United States yesterday, as a cold front moved down from Canada. We dropped to -2oF, and we aren’t expected to warm up much before the weekend.

We always think of our feathered friends on days like this, so I went out early to clean off the feeders. I had just reached for one when a grey-and-white dart shot past me so close that I could hear it’s wings fluttering.

Evidently, this White-breasted nuthatch was so focused on getting to the feeders that it hadn’t realized I was there. It sat in a nearby tree until I was finished.

Within minutes of me going inside, these Pine Siskins showed up.

This Oregon Junco waited for it’s turn a little closer to the house, where it was out of the wind, and maybe a little warmer.

A female Hairy Woodpecker showed up mid-day. We don’t see them very often so it was a rare treat.

And of course, Black-capped Chickadees popped in and out throughout the day.

Stay warm, little friends! We’ll keep the feeders filled for you.