We had our first ice storm (hopefully our last this season, but who am I kidding?). I had filled this feeder less than 24 hours ago. Now it’s nearly empty again, and covered in ice. I don’t recall seeing actual icicles on my feeders before. Hopefully all this seed is helping the birds keep warm. I’m afraid if I went out right now I’d slip and break a leg, so they’re going to have to wait for later before I can provide the refill.
Tag Archives for birdwatching
I’m only stunned
I heard a “thunk” at the front window and looked out to see an Oregon Junco sitting on the deck. He (she?) was very still and it was a little bit before I was certain he was still breathing. I went outside and he didn’t move other than to blink at me. I wanted to move him to a safer place, but the first time I started to pick him up he flapped at me – for which I was grateful because it meant everything seemed to be in working order. The second time he stayed calm while I lifted him off the deck. Looking around I decided the best spot was on one of the feeders with a wide base. He sat there calmly for about ten minutes before finally flying off. It did mean I was able to get one good portrait.
Self-sustaining
Our birds planted a sunflower and we let them keep it. This one has begun harvesting the bounty. It’s good to see them taking steps towards independence.
Choices matter
Okay I admit I’ve been lax on refilling the feeders and I will get to that today. One bird chose unwisely and was the face of disappointment. The other was the glutton and would not share with anyone.
Move aside, little ones
The redwing blackbirds have found the feeders again. Groups come over and push the finches and swallows aside. They’ve also figured out that unlike the little guys, they don’t have to get inside this feeder to get to the seeds.
Not so hidden figure
Walked by a front hallway window and spotted this Oregon Junco in the Sentinel Pine by the front porch. Quickly grabbed the camera (thankfully on tripod nearby) and was pleased he (she?) was still sitting pretty when I got back.
Waiting for a turn
A beautifully marked white-crowned sparrow sits perched on the red-tip waiting for a turn at the feeders. Finally a bird that sat still long enough for me to get the focus set properly!
Why the (un)caged bird sings?
I have two feeders like this one. They are designed so the birds can hang on the outside and pull the seeds through the mesh – and because they are spheres they can get all of it right to the end. However, somewhere along the way the lid for this one was lost. I keep filling it, and the birds eventually decided it’s easier to drop inside for their meal, as demonstrated here by this white crowned sparrow. It’s telling that the one with no lid empties at twice the rate (or faster) than the one they have to use in its intended fashion.
Baby it’s cold outside
Spotted this puffed-up white-crowned sparrow on the rosebushes near the feeders. I think it’s the waiting area when there’s too many birds in the restaurant. With lots of snow and cold temperatures, the birds are going through seed like crazy.
Happy New Year!
I got my camera back out to try to capture the happy Oregon Juncos at the feeders in the snow. Not a great photo, but a very happy bird.
