Overcast, cold and quiet

We have had at least some snow on the ground since the 16th of February.  The edges were melting by mid-morning even without sunshine, but there was a lot left to melt.  Still, gray sky in the winter usually means warmer air. So I would not say March came in like a lion this year.

I caught the feral cat watching the feeders and scared it off.  By careful observation I discovered that the yellow rumped warbler with the black throat is the chaser and the one with the white throat is the chased.  The downy woodpecker pair took turns on the suet when it wasn't under attack by a squirrel or a starling.  The regulars, juncos, and white throated sparrows all visited.  A great blue heron circled and landed on the boat lift.  Lots of gulls were in the air including one great black back.  I also saw a buzzard. 

Waves of rain came through in the afternoon.  In between, herons, buzzards, ducks, and gulls flew over the creek.  One heron stalked upstream under the bulkhead where there was open water.  Water covered the ice and made it more reflective.  A brown thrasher visited the suet.