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Tag Archives: snag

This month, most days have been gray with occasional snow. There is barely enough snow for the groomed trails and I have yet to ski. The girls and I try to get out often on foot but this winter, much of the public land is closed to people and dogs in hopes of bringing back the mule deer herd. So space is limited. We were lucky to find one short trail with no one else on it a couple days ago. The beaver pond is much larger than the last time I visited the area.

The day started with a bit of sunshine but by the time we got out, it was gray. Again. We just need to make the best of it.

We have planted snags in our backyard. Why would anyone do that? Birds love them. They stop to rest, preen and watch for bugs. They wait their turns for the feeder and the bird bath. Sometimes they just watch. Yesterday there were six Western Bluebirds on one snag! Here are three different species – a juvenile Lewis Woodpecker, two Townsend’s Solitaires and an unusual sapsucker that Ken photographed with my camera. What are your thoughts on the sapsucker ID?

Bald Eagles often perch in the snags below our house. I imagine they are hoping for roadkill or spawned out salmon or some other tasty tidbit. Eagles tend to be scavengers rather than hunters around here. This one seemed to take offense that a Black-billed Magpie chose to share its snag perch.

Yesterday, while eating breakfast, a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers landed on the snag in front of the house! What a delight to see these beautiful birds reasonably close. The female didn’t stick around for photos.