Food in the Snow Weather

This week more snow fell.   When snow was forecasted, I placed more food underneath the bird feeder so that the seeds were not covered with snow.

Northern Flicker:  "It's a relief to find food for breakfast 

early in the morning.  My friend, Bushtit, agrees with me.  Thanks a million."

House Finch, male:  "Thanks for the seeds.  I like your sunflower seeds."

Ruby-crowned Kinglet:  "Thanks for the suet.  I can always find it here."

American Goldfinch:  "I like your thistle seeds.  The Lesser Goldfinch told me about them."

Waiting for Spring Weather

Still cold.  Often just above the freezing point.  The blue sky peeks out once in a while.  

On a rainy day, a Downy Woodpecker stopped over for the suet.

Yellow-rumped Warblers are aggressive, always chasing out other smaller birds.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet is one of those often being kicked out.

"I have to nibble quickly before I'm found."

Unexpected Snow

One day I saw yellow crocuses in bloom; next day I saw snow.  Last several days have been cold with many snow flurries.  Birds are tough despite of the freezing temperature.

"I have lots of down feathers."

"On a snowy day, I come straight here to eat the suet."

"We fly around in a big flock in winter and 

roost together to preserve the heat at night."

Smell of Spring

Last week was a little warm.  On the south side of my yard, several crocuses were already in bloom.  Every spring they come out first, brightening my days.

The neighbor's maple tree is bare, but you will find one Anna's Hummingbird hiding amongst the branches.

This winter, I saw three Yellow-rumped Warblers at one time.   They come regularly during the cold months.

"Don't get mixed up with others.  I am a male 

Yellow-rumped Warbler with the yellow throat."

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."