Last Saturday, the first snow covered the hollow on the same day as last year--December 5. But, it was not quite as much so I hope we will not have to endure the same record snowfalls.
Unlike last year, the weather turned very cold after the snow so the birds flocked to the feeders. Here's a fluffed-up Carolina Wren waiting her turn in the burning bush. The red berries are a favorite of the juncos and white-throated sparrows.
The male and female Purple Finches also wait to get their chance to munch the sunflower seeds.
While winter isn't my favorite time of year, it doesn't seem to faze my dog, Kookie. She might not stay outside long but she still manages to dig. I don't see how she smells anything in the snow.