January 3, 2008 – As usual, our northern Michigan weather is going a little crazy.  Last week it was 8" of snow and blizzard conditions and in a few days the temperature is suppose to top 40 degrees.  Our high yesterday was only in the teens and we had strong winds in the afternoon, up to 45 mph.  Needless to say the wind chill factor was in full effect!  Sue and I took a walk through the woods and back home through the cedar swamp a few days ago.  The snow has settled and it is only about mid-calf in depth now.

The big feeder has only a handful of seeds left in it.  I went out to shake the remaining seeds down into the feeding platform.  While the other birds fly off at my presence, the chickadees fly all around me and will take seeds from my hand.  Every day about 30 morning doves line the branches just over the feeder and right outside the studio window.  Is it my imagination, or are they starring at me and willing me to go to town for more seed?

January 14, 2008 - I was shoveling the roof just the other day and heard some strange sounds along with what sounded like a rumbling truck.  I stopped to listen and in the middle of a good snow there was some deep thunder and flashes of lightning.  Every time the thunder rolled I could hear turkeys squawking.  Over in the field about 60 yards away there were a dozen turkeys.  They were incredibly vocal and some gobbled when it thundered.  It seemed rather strange, but it's a sign that the birds are getting active and spring mating season is coming.  Even so, it was a strange combination to hear in the middle of a snow storm.

The recent snows have stuck to every little twig and the woods & creek look beautiful.  This male cardinal makes a daily appearance at the feeder and really stands out with his bright red plumage.  Several deer have been wandering through the back yard as well.