Jordan Lake. First Nest. Yesterday had intermittent rain showers. 1st photo the biggest chick has rain splatters all over her dark brown feathers. 2nd photo she got mad and shook the rain off because eagles really do not like getting wet. 3rd photo: all three chicks and mom Kate. I included a photo to help you locate all four birds.

I was sitting at my computer yesterday, editing photos.
My cat Grayced was lying just inside the picture window.
Suddenly Grayced levitated off his cushion and I stopped breathing when this red-tailed hawk appeared within 2 feet of the window.
This is actually the second pass of the hawk as he tried for a songbird at my feeder – I didn’t have camera in hand for the first pass.
The red-tailed hawk missed the songbird.  About stopped my heart.  Scared my cat silly.
Whew!!!!!

WATER is THE Critical Nutrient, especially in this FRIGID weather.
 
Dehydration, the lack of water, kills quicker than starvation.
 
Help your visitors to your yard and farms.
 
Make sure there is free-flowing water available.
 
Here is my front yard, just before I added water to the containers this morning, maybe it will give you some ideas:
My bowls are on the ground, on dark mats (to help absorb what sun gets to them).
I only half fill the bowls twice a day – makes it easier for me to flip out the ice chunks.
Those ice chunks on the grass are from late yesterday afternoon.
I use cold tap water: hot water actually freezes faster than cold water!
The “bowls” are metal pans, clay bowls and ceramic ones – different birds like different styles.
Once the water is drinkable, twice a day, then also check your feeders to make sure the seeds are flowing and the suet is accessible.
BTW the above advice about water goes for dogs, cats, horses and, of course humans.  Let’s help all we can.

My friend who is providing the winter garden home for the rufous hummingbird
here in Wake County has sent me an update with 2 photos.
You can see the light bulb behind the little female
that my friend put up to provide some warmth under the house eave.
You can read more about the hummer in the winter weather at http://artfuldogger.blogspot.com

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The yellowish tint here is due to the yellow of the heat lamp.  Spa time for the little bird.
I really appreciate that my friend is sharing her photos with us
and her garden with the winter visitor.
you can see my posting of banding this bird in my Winter Surprise!!! entry 
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