It hardly seems like January here in New Hampshire. Even up on our hill, there is only an inch or two of frozen slush instead of the foot or two of snow that is 'normal' for this time of year. The weather has been so warm that most precipitation for the last month has come as rain.
Karen and I went up to the Second College Grant for a couple of nights during the holidays and stayed in a cabin owned by the college. It was nice and cozy, with a wood stove for heat and propane for lights, refrigeration, and cooking. The cabin had a new outhouse out back and a well-stocked woodshed. We didn't get to snowshoe because of the lack of snow, but we hiked some instead. When it came time to leave, I was much relieved that the car started (it was 10 below zero).
The birding has been pretty slow, but we do have a flock of Common Redpolls wintering on our hill. One morning I saw one at the new thistle feeder that Karen gave me, and we were able to watch it through the window from only a foot away. We also had a Barred Owl hanging around our backyard one afternoon. For a while it was perched only ten feet away out our bedroom window.
Our jobs are going well, and the flu hasn't hit us yet this winter. Hopefully you
are also happy and healthy!
Terry