A chill runs down my spine when I hear two words, "Southern storm".  It means the potential is high for a lot of Gulf moisture and in February, that usually means snow.  We woke to five inches of a heavy, wet blanket thoroughly coating each branch of every tree. And the winds were gusting up to 45 mph.

Northern Cardinal 2/24/16

I had just photographed this cardinal when everything went dark and quiet.  The power was out.  It would be a long day.  But the birds were determined to come in to the feeders despite the winds.  Six Pine Siskins took turns waiting in the Rough-leaved Dogwood (Cornus drummondii) before going to the sock.

Pine Siskins perch in the Rough-leaved Dogwood (Cornus drummondii) 2/24/16

They were not always agreeable.

Pine Siskins 2/24/16

The American Goldfinches took turns, too.  This male is beginning to get some brighter breeding plumage. 

American Goldfinch at the fountain 2/24/16

The snow began melting pretty quickly in the afternoon. By the next day, not much was left.  This Hairy Woodpecker was back, checking the logs for insects.

Hairy Woodpecker 2/25/16

We spent Friday morning with our dear friend and native plant accomplice, Sue, at a Grow Native workshop in Edwardsville, IL.  It was a wonderful event, with our favorite inspirational speaker, Doug Tallamy, giving the keynote.

Read more about Doug and his work here:  http://www.bringingnaturehome.net

When we returned Friday afternoon, this Purple Finch female was around for a while.  It had been about a month since we'd seen one. 

Purple Finch female 2/26/16

This male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker came in - it is beginning to look brighter, too!

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2/26/16

I guess the roller coaster weather ride will last a while, but breeding plumage certainly is another precursor of spring.