How can you not care?

When an entire family of Mourning doves sits patiently on such a cold, frozen place, 

waiting in hopes of a meltdown and a drink soon, how can we not head into the garden

to give them some attention.

"How do you do, I'm a White-throated sparrow and I love to drink - can I wait with you please?"

These lovely gentle birds perked up when I opened the door ready with the

 tea kettle and warm water. They flew off but returned later to drink - unfortunately

 with these low temperatures the water re-freezes very fast.

Bob was up before me today and said the barometer was at 8F, our coldest

 morning yet. The record was broken at Raleigh-Durham International Airport where it

reported 4F! In this photo the temperature was already climbing. By the end of the

 coming week we will return to the 60's which will feel like a heatwave. . . . . much

more normal here in the south!

This Sunday you will find me close to home - this is just too cold to be outside for long.

I'm afraid my planned walking weather has been put on hold for now!

Saturday morning sunshine and 10 degrees. . . . . . . .

This IS the South. . . . . . . . .and yes, I know, not as cold as other areas right

 now, however this ongoing deep freeze in what is usually a more temperate

 climate, even in mid-winter, is very hard on our wildlife. . . . . . . us too as 

our heating system is struggling, and awaking to a chilly house is very unusual.

New bird photos taken yesterday and this morning as, despite still icy patches

 from the little snow fall two nights ago, the temperature has not risen above 

freezing yet and the birds really need help with food and water.

-  Female Eastern bluebird -

- Male Red-bellied woodpecker -

- Tufted titmouse -

- White-throated sparrow -

- Northern mockingbird -

- Female Northern cardinal -

Today I went into the back garden early to put out fresh suet and seed.

 I can honestly say it was perhaps the coldest air I've felt in many years - probably

 since I lived in New England. I braved Antarctica and never felt cold like that - but of

 course was dressed more sensibly.  This morning pj's,a fleece robe, no socks or

 gloves certainly didn't work - but I just wanted to get out there when I saw the birds

 waiting for breakfast!

A little later Bob, still in his robe, started heating the kettle and was soon outside
 de-icing the birdbaths.

This young-looking woodpecker came immediately to drink.

White ice is still coating our cul-de-sac - hopefully today's sunshine will 

continue the melting. . . . . . however tonight will be our coldest yet, dropping

 to 8F (-13C).

Tomorrow morning I'll plan to don my Canada Goose parka saved from the 

Antarctic expedition to attend to my birds. I believe I'll need it!

******************

Thank you so much for your very kind and generous comments on my post yesterday.

My heart is so sad over losing these friends across the pond.