Wintertime in the Backcountry Backyard

Only after it starts to get real cold do we see the Dark Eyed Junco around this neck of the prairies. There were several feeding together today.

A hungry Black-Capped Chickadee cracking open a sunflower seed. He has to hold it between both feet and hammer away with his beak, feeding is a lot of work!

Switch Grass bending under the relentless artic blast that moved in overnight early Saturday

This clinging bit of Big Sagebrush looks all alone. Last year's unforgiving winter snuffed out all of the other hardy shrubs but this.

What ever happened to that dreamy Indian Summer we were all enjoying this fall?

The old Ponderosa Pine doesn't even notice the artic cold, its just another day as far as this tree's concerned

Sandhill Cranes

Along with Canada Geese, various ducks and other waterfowl, these cranes can be seen at a protected refuge Near Ashland, Nebraska.

For more, go to: Nebraska Game & Parks - Sandhill Cranes

Little White Heron

Hmmm.... not having much luck IDing just exactly what type of heron this little guy is. Seen in the Platte River valley near Ashland, Nebraska.

My Little Chickadee

Always in line, patiently waiting their turn after the sparrows have had their fill. Sure, they get run off by the jealous sparrows who don't much like sharing amongst themselves, but the Black Caps always come back to our feeder each breakfast and dinner for their meal.

Thank goodness they're so patient!

Elk Spotted