Absence

The view north has changed -- tree gone.  This represented a major logistical operation, as the remaining stub and sectioned trunks span four or five feet through.  Surprised to see that the lower trunk was sound, no heart-rot.  Some of the upper sections, not so much.

Also, no redpolls seen yesterday.  Granted that I wasn't maintaining continuous surveillance.  That wasn't necessary before . . .

Sun shining.  I may attempt to sneak a bike ride past the weather gods this morning.

Thursday no-roadkill report

Again, not even a squashed squirrel.

Windier than I would prefer in a well-regulated universe, and still in the mid 40s F when I got out to ride, but desperate times call for desperate measures.  As I have said before.  And I'm not the only impatient idiot -- a Spandex guy blew by me on his road bike, about three miles into the ride.  But road bikes are inherently faster than mountain bikes.  Nothing to do with him being 20 or 30 years younger than me . . .

Skunk cabbage spathes up in the bog.

15 miles, 1:20