SNOW!! and Birds

After a mild winter with only 1 decent snow (Jan. 21st) this week has been the exception. It started off mild but a wet clinging snow came Wednesday.

Thursday was milder and most of the snow on the southern slopes melted. Friday afternoon snow started falling again. By dark or shortly afterward the ground was snow-covered again. PennDot was out on our road by 8PM. Predictions were 1 to 3 " then 2 to 4". Last I checked a total of 5" by Sunday. We also have a lot of wind so there is a lot of blowing snow with almost zero visibility at times. So Kate went sled riding. Phil and Becky watched from the window until Phil decided it looked like enough fun to brave the wind and cold (16.5 F, 15 to 25mph). Well it was fun but Phil was wondering if it was wise for someone almost old enough for medicare to ride a toboggan.

Even the birds were hunkering down during the gusts and squalls.

And speaking of birds next weekend, Jan. 17 to 19 is the Cornell Great Backyard Bird Count. It is a chance for all bird watchers (amatuer to professional) to assist the Cornell Ornithology Lab. Go to http://www.birds.cornell.edu for more information.

Birds we regularly see at our feeders are:

Black-capped Chickcadee http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-capped_Chickadee/id/ac

Tufted Titmouse http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Tufted_Titmouse/id/ac

Slate Colored Junco http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Dark-eyed_Junco/id/ac

Nuthatch http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-breasted_Nuthatch/id/ac

Northern cardinal http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Cardinal/id/ac

House Finch http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/House_Finch/id/ac

Mourning Dove http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mourning_Dove/id/ac

European Starling http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/European_Starling/id/ac

Red Bellied Woodpecker http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-bellied_Woodpecker/id/ac

Downy Woodpecker http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Downy_Woodpecker/id/ac

Wild Turkey http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wild_Turkey/id/ac

sparrows that I don't know well

and occasionally

Sharp-shinned Hawk http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sharp-shinned_Hawk/id/ac

Lots of other bird spieces are around the farm but these are the most frequently seen around the feeders. What do you see at in your backyard?? Let cornell know next weekend!

CHOCOLATE!!

We were in Hershey Pennsylvania this week for the Mid Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference. (1/31/12-2/2/12).

Our growers' association is one of the sponsors for the convention. Besides Pennsylvania growers from New Jersey, Maryland, New York, Delaware, West Virginia, Virginia and other states were present.

This beeswax and parafin sculpture was in one of the resturants at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.

The weather was very mild and certainly different from last year. High temperature on Tuesday of 60. Becky and Phil took advantage of this to go on some lunchtime walks on the beautiful grounds.

Besides meetings covering all sorts of items of interest to vegetable and fruit growers there was a trade show with over 150 vendors. Everthing from equipment to chemicals to containers to farm groups to supplies to seeds and plants. This was with a seed company's display.

Oh, there was food also! Becky took this picture for the flowers but Phil liked the the food on the table.

So we learned some things, saw some friends, even went in the pool and hot tub one evening. Mostly got some ideas to try this year and our enthusiasm cranked up a little for a new season. Spring will be here soon!!