As the first official day of winter approaches it’s hard to believe we’re not already knee-deep in the middle of it as the wind whips snow across frozen fields and the sun works to crest the horizon.

I’m sure meteorologists have many different classifications for types of snow. This morning we saw the inch-per-hour variety just enough to cover the ugly spots with a fresh coat of white.

These mourning doves seem to appreciate a roof over their heads roosting all day in the feeder. At 4 degrees for the day’s high it’s not a bad strategy to hunker down and wait out this weather.

It’s one degree above zero this morning a cause to celebrate? after so many below zero days. Things seem to move a little slower when the temps get this low except the seed in the feeder…that goes much faster.

With lots of new snow, swirling winds and temps just above zero I’m guessing some are already hoping for a short winter. Basking in the midday sun this Blue Jay seems content to hang amongst the oak leaves and take in the day.