With the snowfall earlier this week, soil and grass conditions are wet. Temperatures have risen slowly this week with highs in the mid 30s yesterday. It appears most trees and bushes have entered a dormancy phase. Birds that are staying in the area this season are actively looking for seeds and the occasional thawed out insect to consume. For the most part, small mammals are in their burrows or nests and are not venturing far. The flying predators such as hawks have been scouring the landscape for a meal. With snow still on the ground small mammals and the occasional bird are targets for the hawks. Larger mammals such as possums, deer and coyote's are actively searching for food and trying to avoid each other as mush as possible.