How the winter landscape has changed in the last few weeks! The extreme cold temperatures and chilly winds have made life challenging for critters and birds. Fortunately, "my birds" are getting plenty of seed to help them through this season.
The feeders are so crowded, in fact, that there has been a waiting line to get on the perches. Birds, like this Black-capped Chickadee, wait their turns on the trees next to the feeder systems.
Luckily, photographing birds in a more natural setting is more pleasing than from a metal feeder. I noticed the American Goldfinch has taken on its duller, less vibrant winter coat.
Northern Cardinals are regular visitors too. This female continues to have its beautiful coloring.
As does the bright red male. What is more beautiful than a cardinal against a snowy backdrop!
There have also been new visitors to the feeders this winter, like this Slate-colored, Dark-eyed Junco. Some juncos live here year round, according to the migration maps, but I've only had Junco visitors in the few weeks so I think mine have come south.
In looking at my bird visitors, they all appear to have big chubby bellies. But in times that have the negative wind chills we're currently experiencing, they need those extra layers for warmth and energy.
I wonder who the next new bird visitors will be. Will the Cedar Waxwings find the fermenting berries from Mountain Ask trees? Or will the little Common Redpolls find their way to my feeders. I've heard they've been sighted in the area.
Beautiful captures, Karen! The birds are lining up at our feeders, too; and more deer are coming in. As I type this, four of them are combing the drive for seed the turkeys left.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jan. These trying conditions are hard on all our beloved creatures. They all are trying to take in the energy needed to survive. Not easy when it's below zero.
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