Ice at dawn

The creek is skinned over except where the current runs along the opposite bank.  A male towhee and a titmouse joined the regulars, a dove, and the sparrows for breakfast.  The sky is all blue and very bright. 

The ice didn't last long.  I saw hooded mergansers along the bulkhead.  A white throat chased a song sparrow across the patio.  The song sparrow is slightly smaller.  Other white throats contended for the feeder as did cardinals.  One female cardinal hid in the bush when another appeared.  I wonder if they're mother and daughter?

Sparrows and chickadees kept at it all day under a clear sky.  After dark it got very cold.