Getting Ready for Spring

At the wetland, many waterfowls are swimming around.  Everyone is waiting for warmer weather.

With the spring coming around the corner, the birds know they have to get busy with the nesting plan.   They show up in a pair here and there.

Happy Day

In Oregon, the winter months are filled with rain.  But once in a while a blue sky can be seen like this.

On a nice, calm day, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet stops over.  I do not know where he/she spends the night, somewhere in a bushy area near my home.  He/she finds it better when the bully Oregon Juncos and the aggressive Yellow-rumped Warblers are not around.

"Not a Junco at this moment! Yeah!!"

Now the ruby-crown (it's male) can be seen.

"I am happily full.  Now I need to rest in the bush."

Close to Spring

After a few weeks, we stopped over at the wetland.   Mostly waterfowl were around.

"I am an American Coot. I have pretty red eyes."

Canadian Geese are everywhere.  Instead of flying around in big flocks, they were diving to find food.

"We feel like eating fish today.  "Wish me luck."

There were not many little birds, but a Song Sparrow was curious about me.

"Nice to see you again."

The Suet Lovers

It has been freezing cold here even during the day.  I've been waiting for the Chinese New Year (the beginning of spring per the lunar calendar), which falls on Feb 5 this year.   During the cold months, many birds stop over for the suet.  

Daily visitor #1:   Northern Flicker

" I need to warm up with the suet."

Visitor #2:  Song Sparrow

"I'm usually a seed eater, but sometimes I try to peck on

 the suet.  Everyone does it, so the suet must be good."

Visitor #3: Bewick's Wren

"Yes, I guarantee it.  The suet is delicious.  

I can eat it all the year round."

New Seed Cake

During the cold months, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet stops over here to nibble the suet.  When he gets excited, his ruby crown can be seen (this one is only showing a little).

One of the Christmas gifts I received was a bird seed cake.  After I hanged it under the patio roof,  he found it, ignoring the regular suet and beelined to this seed cake.  A smarty pants.

"Yum, yum.  Something new!"

"Thanks for the yummy cake."