Utah Gray Partridges in a Spruce tree

Greetings all!   No pear tree, but. . .  Seen through a cloud of thick gray fog this morning, 10 Gray Partridges were huddled underneath a Blue Spruce tree in the back yard.  As the fog lifted, they ventured out to feed in the snow.  The lone male has large dark patches on his breast; the females' breasts are gray and white.  The rusty heads and barred sides are similar in both sexes.  This is probably the same family that I observed in the area over the summer; their numbers are reduced from 13, but I never observed a male with them.  Gray Partridges were imported from Europe; I've heard them referred to as "Hungarian Partridges."   The bird feeders are now up, but we've observed only two goldfinches taking advantage of the free provisions.

12-22
A few Myrtle blossoms still grace the corner of Hague Rd. Myrtle is a hardy garden escape, an alien, yet any flowers are welcome now!
John

12-21
At dawn many winter cutworms - and the occasional earthworm - were crawling atop the snow!
John

12-4
Cave Crickets (Ceuthophilus maculatus) survive the winter in our spring house.
John

12-3
Two common lichens, British Soldiers (Cladonia cristatella) and Pyxie Cups (Cladonia pyxidata) add a touch of color to the fall landscape.
John

12-1
At least 4 Bluebirds have been foraging under my bird feeders. They appear to be gleaning crumbs of suet dropped by other birds. They may also be eating some millet. And they are learning to go directly to the hanging feeders for food.
John