Snow day!

Today we have been hit with an early winter cold snap, complete with snow.

I love the first snowfall of the year.

It brings the winter season into full view.

When I met Regina for a walk this morning, we had no idea how fast the weather would change.

As usual, many people in these parts of the banana belt of Canada, are fairly inept at driving in the snow.

Including me.

Luckily I can hide behind the disguise of a 4 wheel drive van.

This, the view from the studio this morning...

My big concern in this cold is my sweet little Anna's hummingbirds.

They winter here and I've had them here now for 2 winters.

I've learned a new word today...

tor·por  (tôrpr)

n.

1. A state of mental or physical inactivity or insensibility.

2. Lethargy; apathy. 

3. The dormant, inactive state of a hibernating or estivating animal.

The first 2 definitions I can relate to.

The third being what a bird, bear or other animal will do to survive the cold.

They will lower their body temperature slowly to match the outside temp and basically shut down their metabolism, sometimes by  95%.

Truly incredible.

In the meantime, I'm trying to alternate my two feeders to keep them going during the day while not in torpor.

I keep one bundled up outside until it freezes..

And have the other on standby when this one starts to freeze.

I'm also trying bubble wrap as an insulator.

The birds at the feeder and at the suet are busy as well...

There's one guy I know who is absolutely ga-ga about the snow...

So keep warm little hummers.

I love how the snow quiets everything out here...

The only sound now is the snow plow once in a while, and the soft sweep of the wind through the trees.

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