November was cold and nasty this year. With an Alberta clipper (or polar vortex) invading Minnesota, the subzero air was accompanied by strong winds, frequently gusting to over 30 miles per hour.
Conditions were brutal early in the season.
On the upside, the cruel weather afforded me the opportunity to photograph a bird not so easily approached during normal weather.
One morning a few weeks ago I awoke to the sound of wind buffeting my house. The Arctic winds had picked up overnight, ushering in a blast of frigid Canadian air.
I donned a warm coverall, stocking cap and mittens before stepping outside to fill my bird feeders. The sky was gray. A light snow was falling.
As I completed my task, I noted tree limbs barren of leaves waving goodbye to any thoughts of Indian summer. Whirlwinds of snow spun wildly here and there as the flakes sought a sheltered spot.
Back in the house, I watched as various birds gathered to feast at my feeders. I didn't even bother with my camera. Birds perched on constantly waving, windblown branches are nearly impossible to photograph.
Then I noticed a pileated woodpecker on my suet feeder. I watched as the large black bird with the red topknot fed briefly. Then it flew to a mature bur oak tree and took a seat on the tree's leeward. It was attempting to hide from the icy wind while digesting its meal.
