...at the bird feeders. A decree went out (obviously not from Caesar Augustus, but from someone) that the feeders had been filled—and word spread fast. Today we had: red bellied woodpecker, downy woodpecker, nuthatch, jay, cardinal, starling, dove, finch, junco, chickadee, lots of various sparrows, and at least half a dozen squirrels.

So far no squirrel has breached the defenses, but not for lack of trying. I'm quite sure they will figure something soon—squirrels around here are quick on the uptake. I watched them pace off distances, explore launch points, and calculate trajectories. Quite likely they will sleep on their observations tonight and have a solution tomorrow.

So far, no sign of the hawk.

Walnut grove, with lots of walnuts remaining on the ground—winter sustenance for squirrels, besides the bird feeders. — Walnut grove, with lots of walnuts remaining on the ground—winter sustenance for squirrels, besides the bird feeders.