In mid-winter there is always a good chance of seeing a Snowy Owl at Col Sam Smith Park.

Photographers know this and there is frequently a group of them.

You have to be careful however. Not every white clump on the docks is a Snowy.

The weather is changing drastically from day to day. A big snow storm last week followed by bitter wind and cold for 3 days. Then 3 degrees above freezing on this overcast morning. Here are some views from the park:

This morning’s group:

Along this walkway, many Pin Oaks have been planted:

Col Sam Smith Park is also a good place to see European Pussy Willow:

Some of the birds from this morning:

Species list: mute swan, Canada goose, mallard, greater scaup, long-tailed duck, common goldeneye, white-winged scoter, red-breasted merganser, snowy owl, ring-billed gull, red-bellied woodpecker, downy woodpecker, American crow, black-capped chickadee, American robin, house sparrow, northern cardinal, house finch.  (18 species)

COMING UP: February 10 in Friends of Miles: Bats: Milos Radakovich

February 6 in Articles: 9 Wildflower Species 1) as they look in summer 2) as they look in winter

NATURE POETRY

Open the door, though the wild winds blow,
Take the child in and make him cozy.
Take him in and hold him dear,
He is the wonderful glad New Year.  

 – Dinah Maria Mulock Craik (1826–87)

Miles Hearn