Ice

this cold snow dump is bringing a lot of water into the ecosystem which we will probably notice in the next few days as it quickly melts!

The cold also does a good service by killing many insects that are not adapted to cold snaps, this includes many wood borer beetles that attack the native evergreen trees.

Many other species, particularly ducks and fishing birds, will use the bosque to forage and relax until the weather allows further travel. The downed logs and larger wood piles also house many mammals, insects, and reptiles in the hollow air spaces.

The abundance of vegetation and lack of impermeable surfaces means mud will be a pain soon, however, nature is holding the water in the ground and eventually the water table. The city up the hill will soon be having the usual issues with surface run-off.

my captive tadpoles are happily hibernating under the ice in the unheated back room. The fish and amphibians are active, just at a much lower rate while the snow is falling. They need at least six inches of standing water to survive below the ice, less if the water is moving. The temperatures under snow and ice are usually stable at around 4 degrees Celsius. 

Many critters rely on man during a cold period. Here are raven taking advantage of corn put out to attract cranes. The numbers were impressive, but they will disappear as the temperatures in the early morning get even lower. I noticed that there were flies and gnats trying to take advantage of the heat leaking out of the window panes on houses.

Heidi's raspberry farm is now an ideal animal refuge because instead of crowds of people, they are now actively discouraged. Also there is plenty of forage for birds of all types, from hawk, owls, cranes and sparrows.