Snowy Sky, Downy Woodpeckers, and Hummingbird Migration

The sky was full of dark snow clouds as it lightly snowed on our mid-morning dog walk.

Checking the weather forecast with my morning coffee, it had changed to predicting continuous snow until 7 am Sunday morning.


So far, the prediction has come to pass. It's 5 pm and still lightly snowing. We've had about four new inches so far today.

While most of the rest of the country is looking at their daffodils, we're still photographing winter scenes in SW Michigan.


The birds are singing their mating songs, the temps are hovering around freezing, and it's obvious to the experienced Michigander that spring is on the way.

I love having four seasons, but I'm ready to say good-by to this one and move on to the next.


For those enjoying the bird pictures, this is a male and female Downy Woodpecker.

The male Downy has a red spot on the back of his head. The male Hairy Woodpecker (not shown) has the same. The females are plain black and white.


Part of anticipating spring is watching the progress of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird migration.

The little birds started in southern Mexico and northern Panama and have now reached the southern coast of the US. They're headed our way. Anticipated arrival, the second half of April. They expect the snow to be all gone when they get here, so it better start melting soon.

If you want to know more about hummingbirds, check out Hummingbirds.net. It's "your source for information on attracting, watching, feeding, and studying North American hummingbirds."