Ice-Breaker

After yesterday's heavy rain the temperature plummeted overnight and the bird water dish had become an ice and leaf sculpture by morning.  It continued to freeze regularly throughout the day as the wind chill took the temperature down to 'feeling like minus 11'.

Several of the smaller birds were at a loss to know how to deal with the frozen surface but not the Blue Jay, he simply hammered his beak into the ice until he had created a drinking hole..

The smaller birds were then pleased to take advantage of his efforts.  Firstly a pair of chickadees..

Then the Tufted Titmouse..