And More To Come
A snow storm hit us again today, starting about 5:00 AM. It was very peaceful because no one was out, the town plows didn’t bother to come around early and not a snow blower in sight. It was the type with big fluffy flakes falling down early on then became very light rain before stopping in late afternoon. It dumped close to a foot of snow today, adding to the foot still here from the previous Wednesday. We now have a three foot snow bank along our driveway and higher mounds here and there. And, there’s more to come tonight. The weather forecast is predicting the second round of this Nor-Easter tonight may add another 8″ to 10″ more.
As soon as the snow stopped the neighborhood came out in force cleaning their driveways and getting them ready for the next onslaught tonight. We had to rake some of the snow off our roof as it is thick and heavy and makes it difficult to open the sliding door. During all these chores, we were accompanied by plenty of birds doing their best to pack as much food in as they could to brace for the storm. The Chickadees and Carolina Wrens didn’t even care that we were raking the roof; they just flew in and out picking on seeds at the feeders by the patio.
Our beehives have only a couple of inches left before the snow reaches the landing board and the bottom entrance. We were lucky that we decided to put the hives on 3 foot risers off the ground, otherwise half of the hives would have been buried under the snow by now. I know the bees would be fine if that had happened because they still have the upper entrance that keeps air flowing. They will be able to come out through the snow for their cleansing flights anyway, even if snow covered both entrances. The hot air they create in the hive melts little holes in the snow where the entrances are.
Only a couple of inches left before the snow reaches the landing board. Both lower and upper entrances are covered with snow. When I inspected them after the last snow fall, they had small tunnels behind the snow that opened up to the left and right of these little mounds. Once I saw them I left the snow alone so it can block the cold and wind from getting in the hives.
A few more weeks to go before spring reaches us, but more snow to be expected. On the bright side, we need all the extra water. And, if the bees pull through this harsher than usual winter, we will have a very strong generation of honey bees for our garden. Bees that can weather temperatures below 0ºF in a very erratic winter.
Petals and Wings 
Your snow sounds dreamy. Hope last night’s wasn’t too heavy. Your photos are so nice, especially like the new header. I tried looking up the bird for ID–Rose-breasted Grosbeak? Haven’t seen one here but it is gorgeous.
Yes, it’s dreamy until the shoveling starts. The hurt follows soon after. The snowbank by the driveway is up to my waist now. I thought it was time to change the header and this one randomly changes each time one enters the site. Thanks for the compliment, I’m glad you like it too. The Rose Breasted Grosbeak are migratory and we only see them in spring here. You should have them down there too though I’m not sure what time of year is best.
The birds have been at the feeders in my garden en masse, too. I put out a heated birdbath in the winter and it’s always interesting to see how many birds bathe in it, even on the coldest days. I love the photo of the little chickadee. Such tenacious little birds.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I’m always fascinated by the birds taking a bath in the winter. Even though it’s a heated bath, I still wonder that they don’t freeze when they get out. The chickadees are one of my favorites too. They are generally unconcerned as I go about my business near the feeders, they continue to come in for seeds, barely noticing me.