To the great crested flycatchers, the dying box elder was the best tree on the place. Like many birds, they nest in holes in trees.

They can't dig their own holes. They re-use cavities that woodpeckers have created. Here's some insight on how a woodpecker chooses which tree to nest in. It gives a new slant on dead and dying trees.

Dear Diane: How do birds get water when it's freezing outside? My birdbath is a miniature ice skating rink. I just don't see how the birds survive. -- Minnie P., Minox ND

Birds need water every day, even when all the water is frozen. They can get it from snow, but it takes a lot of energy to melt snow inside the bird's body. Birds will take open water when they can find it, and that's opportunity for the backyard bird watcher.

You might wonder whether you really need waterproof binoculars. Especially if you never go out birding in the rain. But there's more to waterproof optics than surviving a downpour.

Here's are some other reasons you might want to consider investing in waterproof optics.

The great crested flycatcher painting is copyright Debbie Kaspari.
The tufted titmouse painting is copyright Diane Porter.