When it's 35 degrees outside, biking into Rock Creek feels more like an excursion than an leisurely afternoon. I was wearing four layers on top, sweatpants under my jeans, and two pair of gloves.
This week I discovered how much easier it is to film the birds when there are no leaves. After listening to their calls for several minutes, I spotted two woodpeckers that decided to stick around long enough for me to grab a few shots. The first, a Downy Woodpecker, can be found across the US from Alaska to Florida. In fact, it's range extends into all 50 states! The second, a Red-bellied Woodpecker, is found only in the eastern US and uses its two inch tongue to feed on insects hiding under tree bark. Ice is starting to form on the creek itself and the familiar mallards are nowhere to be found. It's about time the weather decided to take a look at the calendar; it was so cold my toes were numb by the time I got back to Mt Pleasant.
Next time I'll have to remember the wool socks.
