The scientific data are not at our fingertips, but we can all recall an early December snowfall of 24 inches followed by very little snow for the rest of the winter. Overcast and gloomy gray days with warmer temperatures didn't always result in as much precipitation as we might have liked. Streams, ponds, and waterfalls seemed to be at highest levels in February, and mud season so far hasn't been as dramatic as in some years when oozing ground made hiking low areas impossible. Despite the often "open" season with passable trails and "balmy" temperatures in the thirties, most of this period's FROM THE FIELD contributors enjoyed nature in their backyards and at birdfeeders.
 Female Northern Cardinal on a snowy February day in Brimfield. Photo by Bill Platenick. |  A Female Northern Cardinal manuevers for access to fruit. Photo by Bill Platenick. |  Golden-crowned Kinglet 8 February 2020 by Alan Rawle. |
 White-breasted Nuthatch and Dark-eyed Junco bickering over feeder offerings in Rutland. Photo by Anne Greene. |  The occasional Common Grackle will overwinter in central Massachusetts, but usually they begin arriving from regions further south in February. Photo by Anne Greene. |
 Two European Starlings vie for the best position at Anne Green's birdfeeder in Rutland.  A curious American Mink (Neovison vison) at Swift River Preserve in Petersham on 11 January 2020. |  A shiny meltwater droplet resembles a jeweled earring against a blue velvet jacket. Captured at just the right moment by Anne Greene. |  Trail camera photo capture of Eastern Coyote in Rutland, by Doug Wipf, 2 January 2020.  Winter Wren, Quaboag Wildlife Managment Area, Brookfield, 20 November 2020. Photo by Alan Rawle. |
 Edson Pond in Rutland hosted Ring-necked Ducks and Buffleheads in mid-March. Photo by Ted Purcell, 13 March 2020. |  The February full moon is called the Snow Moon, named after the snow on the ground. Some Native American tribes named this the Hunger Moon due to the scarce food sources and hard hunting conditions during mid-winter. Photo by Alan Rawle, 8 February 2020. |
 |  This Barred Owl found Doug Wipf's Rutland yard to its liking for several days in mid-February. |  |
 Another visitor caught on Doug Wipf's trail camera was this robust-looking Red Fox. |  These Eastern Bluebirds are waiting for dried mealworms in Rutland. Photo by Anne Greene. |
 Black-capped Chickadee, 15 March 2020, by Alan Rawle. |  Blue Jays, February 2020, by Ted Purcell. |  Tufted Titmouse in Paxton, February 2020, by Ted Purcell. |
 Mourning Dove by Bill Platenick. |  Cedar Waxwing in Brimfield by Bill Platenick.  A Red-bellied Woodpecker and Blue Jay make eye contact. Photo by Anne Greene. |
 Brown Creeper in Brookfield, 22 February 2020, by Alan Rawle. |  A vigilant Dark-eyed Junco looks skyward. Photo by Anne Greene. |  A House Finch in Brimfield after a snowfall. Photo by Bill Platenick. |
 It can be difficult to spot more than one of these quick and nimble Carolina Wrens at the same time. Photographed in Rutland by Ted Purcell, February 2020.  This Eastern Phoebe over-wintered on a Hardwick beaver pond--seen here on 15 February 2020-- and made it through the season by feeding at swampy edges that never froze. Photo by Alan Rawle. |  American Robins that stayed through the winter found Staghorn Sumac to be a reliable food source. Photo by Alan Rawle, 17 February 2020.  A male Red-bellied Woodpecker's vibrant red cap stands out against the snow and gray sky. Photo by Anne Greene. |  American Tree Sparrow in Rutland 19 January 2020. Photo by Ted Purcell.  A female Pileated Woodpecker in Brimfield, photographed by Bill Platenick. |