The Northeast got blasted with a record-breaking winter storm with some places in Connecticut getting over 40 inches of snow and many bigger cities getting over 20 inches, much of it which was heavy and wet.

Then there were the 70 mile per hour winds that came with it that took down snow-covered trees and power lines.

Many of those affected are still without power. To make matters worse, temperatures went down into the single digits the night after the storm.

Then today, freezing rain and rain came through putting more weight into the deep snow on roofs. As we look forward, more storms are coming across the country which will hit the region again and again this week.

We lucked out. The 12 to 14 inches of snow we got from the storm made for another great weekend of skiing and snowmobiling. The trails are probably in the best shape that they have been in all winter.

I guess we all can’t put our faith in the groundhog and his shadow. They say he is only right 33% of the time—this sure wasn’t one of them.

On Saturday night, after moving snow much of the day, I took a short nap in my chair before going to bed. When I woke up about eleven, looked out under the spotlight and in the path to the feeder was a Ruffed Grouse huddled in the snow bank.

The light powder snow was just right for grouse to dive into for a night of warmth. I think that is what this bird was trying to do.

However, right where he was is where I have wire fencing to keep the turkeys and deer from getting under my hedge.

I think the grouse hit the fence on the fly and was stunned, but he looked okay by the time I took his photo. He was gone in the morning so I just added him to my weekend feeder watch count.

After the storm had passed and the roads cleared up on Sunday, we took a trip to Rochester to hear our grandson Nathan sing in the Rochester Boys Choir. The performance was part of a program at Eastman Theater, A Taste of Song in Kodak Hall.

The Greater Rochester Choral Consortium presented the great program with 20 different groups participating. It was a super afternoon of song.

Some of the groups performed on stage and others participated from the audience.

Nathan’s group was the second to perform. About fifteen boys ages nine to 15 stood from their seats in blue suits and red bow ties and sang Al Skloska D’Varim accompanied by a piano.

These boys had only four practice sessions before the performance and they did a great job. They did not seem the least bit overwhelmed by the 50-member Greece Choral Society that sang right before them. They just stood in place and sang their hearts out.

It was a packed house and the sound in the building was great no matter where you were sitting.

The 16th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count is this weekend, Friday, February 15th through Monday the 18th.

This year will probably be one of the biggest worldwide counts ever to occur in the bird world.

You can now send in your information through E-bird if you have previously registered, or you can make your own account and record your information.

To participate, you only have to watch your feeders or take a walk in the woods for a few hours one of the four counting days.

Keep track of the birds you see, how long you watch, or were out walking or skiing. Write down the weather and keep track of how far you traveled whether in your car or on foot or skis.

Visit birdcount.org to get more information. Have a great weekend birding.

My weekend bird counts, but that’s another story. See ya.