Hi GPODers!
Snow can bring all kinds of added challenges to the winter garden. The heavy precipitation and ice that might follow can weigh down shrubs and break tree branches. Long periods of wet snow on your lawn can cause fungus that damages or kills your grass. The salt used on the roads before and after a big storm cause its own host of problems. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t also create some absolutely breathtaking garden moments. Caroline Blais in Ontario, Canada recently captured some spectacular wildlife moments during a snow storm in her garden.
Greetings Garden Photo of the Day people. It is a very snowy day here in our zone 5ish garden outside of the village of Belwood, Ontario, Canada. I thought that you might enjoy some photos of the birds and a squirrel taking advantage of the various feeding opportunities available to them. We have a large pine cone wreath that we found at a thrift shop which we loaded with suet and bird seed. Our acorn feeder is filled with black sunflower seeds and our other feeders have regular bird seed mix. I hope you enjoy these photos.
Caroline managed to spot this snow-dusted squirrel despite it camouflaging so well into the grays and whites of the winter landscape. Gray squirrels are homeotherms, which means they can maintain a pretty constant body temperature all year, and do not hibernate. This makes trees and other plant material essential for the nests and dens that keep them protected and warm during this time of year.
Despite the common saying of “flying south for the winter,” most birds are actually also homeotherms and many stick around through the freezing temperatures. Branches, berries, and evergreens are also essential for these non-migrating birds. Caroline takes this to the next level by providing bird seed even after her time tending the garden has ended.
And here is the cool pine cone wreath that Caroline mentioned in the introduction. While the wreath provides some great garden interest, the addition of suet and seed made it an invaluable source of nutrition for Caroline’s visiting birds. Even piled with snow, these birds are managing to dig out their dinner.
Lastly, a lone bird utilizing some branches as a dry perch. What a peaceful moment to capture in the midst of heavy snow. If you’re looking to see more of Caroline’s garden, be sure to check out her blog: Carogil Farm.
Thank you for sharing your winter wonderland with us, Caroline! It was a lovely reminder that while we can retreat indoors for the cold season, wildlife does not have that same luxury. Whether our space is large or small, we should all consider that when preparing our gardens for winter.
Have you spotted any critters taking shelter in your winter garden this year? Or did you capture some shots of your landscape after a fresh coating of snow? We’d love to see those photos! Follow the directions below to submit your photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.
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