Backyard updates - The eight inches of snow we received last Saturday night continues to slowly melt even though today will be the first day of the week it's been above freezing. There's probably about five inches left. This is the sixth day in a row of sunshine, which is rare around here in the wintertime. I saw the White-throated Sparrow again on Wednesday, marking the fifth day in a row I've seen that bird in the yard. Interesting, I've not seen the Northern Flickers since Monday, and for the last six weeks, the Flickers have been among the most active feeders.