Apologies if this looks like just too much more cold weather. I started this post long ago, but I’ve decided to go ahead and finish it anyway: I am cleaning up February photos to make room for March and beyond as we push onward toward spring.

The last week and a half of February wasn’t very active for me or the avians, but I did find a few hardy individuals when I managed to get out and see them. I had been planning to write about the big warmup, but it was over quickly and as we still deal with colder temperatures, the memory has faded. But the daylight is increasing and the angle of the light is definitely brighter, when the sky is clear. And so it goes, in fits and starts, much like my approach to life lately.

On February 21, before I left my house, one of the male Northern Cardinals that visits my feeders was singing in the front apple tree.

in Riverside Lawn, there was snow covering everything and ice on the river. Although we have had snow since, we won’t be seeing the ice anymore.

Every once in a while the Rock Pigeons get out and celebrate.

Downy Woodpeckers are among the hardiest little birds I am always happy to see.

There was a distant American Kestrel. I have blown this up and cropped it considerably, so it’s not a great photo, but it was so nice to see this bird.

At the Chicago Portage on February 22, all the camera could find was a young deer and a Downy Woodpecker.

I went back to the Chicago Portage on February 23 and took note of the change in the sky and the snow.

A few American Robins were here and there.

Sometimes a Black-capped Chickadee stops long enough to visit. I also found a Song Sparrow and a Northern Cardinal on the snow-covered paved trail.

And I got a good look at a White-throated Sparrow.

February 24 in Riverside delivered one Downy Woodpecker.

I got not-great views of a Red-shouldered Hawk.

And a Song Sparrow and a White-breasted Nuthatch were making do with whatever the weather delivers.

Then on February 25th at the Chicago Portage, a Red-tailed Hawk put on a show of sorts.

There was also a Red-shouldered Hawk. For some unknown reason I could not decide between these three photos.

I also had a pair of Mourning Doves.

On February 26th in Riverside, it was back to gloomy skies. The American Robins did not look too happy.

I barely caught a glimpse of a Bald Eagle as it flew over me from behind and over the trees.

Dark-eyed Juncos were busy foraging in the grass and a Northern Cardinal posed.

Last day of February, at the Chicago Portage, was still pretty cold-looking. A few European Starlings showed up, and a Black-capped Chickadee.

Goodbye, February. March 1 at the Portage, no warmer, but I did have that cardinal at the head of the post

March has been more interesting lately, slowly but surely, and I will be back soon with a sweep through the last few days as I have started to see more birds coming back.