January 05, 2010 - The Northeast has had its second but biggest snowfall of this winter, leaving about 16 inches of the white stuff in our backyard.  Needless to say the bird activity has greatly increased, the heated birdbaths empty faster and all feeders and shoveled ground areas are in constant need of replenishing.  Into the mix, we have seen the almost dreaded return of some pine siskins. Last winter the usually occasional visitors felt more like an invasion. While we would still like to see a few, our backyard seemed ill-equipped for the onslaught. Even though we have better accommodations this winter, we want first to care for our birds who faithfully call our yard home.