The Brightest Ruby Crown

After the two weeks of below freezing temperatures, it has been mild with fog and rain.  One day a Ruby-crowned Kinglet flew in to show his widest ruby crown I've ever seen.

"I have the brightest ruby crown!"

"The side way."

Before Christmas

Last week was very chilly and the bird feeder cover had icycles.

Before the cold spell, one White-throated Sparrow frequented my backyard.

"I am back right before Chirstmas.  I am

 also known to be the bird Santa."

"Today I will try the maple seeds."

Bright Crown

One of the smallest birds is Ruby-crowned Kinglet.  Around here it is a winter bird.  Lately he shows up everyday.  

"Yum, yum, I like this suet."

This winter I noticed the bird tried to eat the seed mix, too.

"When the food is scare, I have to try new
things in addition to the suet and bugs."

And only when excited, he may show you the bright ruby crown.

"Here it is.  Bright and colorful like the Christmas tree decorations!"

First Snow

The first snow fell here in town. A large flock of Canada Goose flew over my house to get to another feeding spot.

The Oregon Junco always looks fabulous with the snow.  They like the cold weather.

"Hi, this is my season."

The House Finch shows up in the white snow.

"I live here all the year around.  So snow is a cinch."

The pink headed Anna's Hummingbird is eye-catching.

"I live here all the year around, too.  I have the down feathers to warm me up."

Just One Flicker at a Time

After a heavy rain, there was a dry time, when all the birds tried to finish their late breakfast.  One Northern Flicker flew in to nibble his favorite suet.

Then, I saw another one just landed on the same branch kicking out the first Flicker.

"I was there first!"

"Ok.  I'm gonna eat at somewhere else."

A Wet Day's Activities

Last  week it rained everyday.   Amongst the dead leaves, bugs may be hidden.  Here it is.  Bewick's Wren just found a big bug for breakfast.

"I am an experienced bug catcher."

On a rainy day, birds like to clean off all the dirt and bugs so that the feathers will be light for flight.

"Usually I don't take a bath, but today I should get clean."

"I am feeling better."

Three Meals A Day

The other morning I counted a total of six squirrels.  Usually 3-4 of them are around.  They live  around a pine tree, because they are called ”松鼠” meaning a pine mouse in Chinese.

Together with the squirrels, little birds are busy eating 3 meals a day in my backyard.  Another bird who happened to try the beauty berries was this Spotted Towhee.

"A lot of berries!"

"See, this pretty purple berry."