I awoke to a deep, distant drumming. The drumming managed its way to my sleepy, aging ears through triple pane glass and 8 inch walls. I knew my neighboring Pileated must be at work. I checked the thermometer- 27, cold for the newly, planted lettuce. Glad it has a row cover and has been hardened. 

I put on the appropriate winter coat and grabbed the binocs. I was greeted by a wonderful, deep rolling drum and then a very distant response. This carried on for some minutes as I tried to catch a glimpse of my neighbor. As the sun rose, so did my friend climbing and drumming till it reached the very top of an old, branchless, elm snag, and there, in the morning light its magnificent red crest beamed brightly.   

On our Crossroad Farm/Taylor Floodplain walks this week we have seen a number of Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets throughout the forest. We had good looks at several Brown Creepers. A Savannah Sparrow has returned to its field. We heard a Northern Flicker. An Osprey flew over head. A pair of Merlins have returned. We saw Cowbirds visit the feeders. We had wonderful looks at a pair of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers a few days ago. 
A full list will appear at eBird. 

Tim


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