On this beautiful, sunny morning, I traveled down to the lower Bonne Femme Creek Valley, southwest of Columbia. It was 17 degrees F and the creek was frozen over; fortunately, there was no wind.
Despite the weather conditions, I saw a fair number of birds. Canada geese, northern cardinals and dark-eyed juncos were most abundant, joined by a host of common winter songbirds. Of special interest were the raptors: two bald eagles, an American kestrel and three red-shouldered hawks.
Oblivious of weather reports and thermometer readings, wild creatures must remain active; their survival depends on it. Indeed, they are often more conspicuous during the barren months of winter as they move about in search of food. Just watching them makes the season more tolerable for winter-averse humans.
