"Winter teetered on the verge of succumbing to the returning sun, but today the breeze still preferred the touch of snowflakes."
― Rue
And just like that ... it's winter again. Actually, astronomical spring is right around the corner, but we're going to have a few cold days this week with single-digit lows Monday night. By Thursday we're looking at temps in the 50s, and that'll melt whatever snow is left. Many friends and colleagues have observed recently arrived American Robins asked "Are robins going to be alright with all this snow?" Yes ― they are and will be fine. Fortunately, there are lots of fruit-bearing trees around, so there's plenty for them to eat.
The overcast lighting wasn't the best for photography, but the portraits turned out pretty well.
Singing!
Eating!
Chilling!
I photographed robins about an hour just across the street from my apartment. Feasting with them were Cedar Waxwings, Black-capped Chickadees, Song Sparrows, House Finches, Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, and European Starlings.
And now for something completely different from birds ...
I finally got around to testing my SilencerCo Omega 300 Suppressor on Friday at the Vortex Edge 100 yard range. I was a little concerned after testing a colleague's suppressor some time ago that rendered my Tikka 6.5 Creedmoor a tad less accurate that the same might happen with mine. Fortunately everything was dialed-in and there was nil negative effect ― the thing shot as true as ever. Outfitted with a Vortex Optics Razor Gen II 4.5-27x56 FFP (MRAD) and sending Hornady 140 gr ELD® Match ammo, I've finally achieved true Sniper Status. For the non-Vortex people out there, that's a bit of an inside joke.
That's our 100 yard indoor range.
My complete Tikka rig, Omega installed.
Le Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 140gr ELD® Match ammo. Did you know that the Pittman-Robertson Act will generate $1.19 billion in 2023 for conservation and wildlife restoration efforts?
And shooting ...
Pretty tight groups! Best was .227" MOA.
All images © 2023 Mike McDowell