Saturday, February 21, 2015

Visitors to my feeders

The winter continues to hold us in its icy grasp, but I’m thankful I don’t live in New England. Sorry, my New England friends. I just can’t handle that much snow at this point in my life. I’ve seen pictures and heard the news and winter this year has been brutal to so many in this country. So far, ours here in Maryland has been much less severe than last year – and for that, I am grateful.

We’ve had some snow, though. And it’s been rather pretty. But it’s been terribly cold lately and when I woke up yesterday morning, the temperature was –1. With the wind, it felt a lot colder.

I still don’t have internet at the house, but am using my mobile hotspot on my cell phone to post some photos I’ve taken over the past week or so. I keep the feeders filled but this past week, have been inundated with the damn starlings and they have eaten me out of house and home. I have to go out today to get more bird feed because we’re expecting more snow tonight. Starlings annoy me because they arrive in flocks and swoop down, ruining my feeders and scattering all the smaller birds.

 

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I always like to name the birds for you. This is one of my favorites ~ a female cardinal.

 

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Tufted titmouse.

 

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Ditto.

 

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And again.

They’re photogenic little things, aren’t they?

(so are the bare branches, imho)

 

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Male red-bellied woodpecker.

 

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They do have red (pink) bellies. The males sport a red head as well.

 

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I sat outside in my lawn chair last Sunday in the sunshine. It was cold, but the sun was warm. As long as I’m bundled up, it doesn’t bother me. And I was in a protected area from the wind. I sat there reading my book and looked up when I heard a pileated woodpecker calling. I went inside to get the camera after hearing the distinctive sound of him drilling in one of the tall trees on the property. It is a very loud drilling sound. He was eating the snow when I caught this photo of him. Guess he was a little thirsty.

 

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Downy woodpecker.

(I love this photo.)

 

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Border collie.

(I love this dog.)

 

Thank you for your continued visits despite my lackluster posting of late.

Stay warm, my friends ~

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29 comments:

Michelle said...

Love love love the snowing photos of cardinal and titmouse!

Country Gal said...

Fantastic photos ! I do the same all bundled up and taking photos in the cold . It is snowing here today again but at least it is mild and not the -35C we had been having . Thanks for sharing , Have a good day !

Nellie said...

Tufted titmouse! A favorite, though we seldom see them here. Starlings abound! Great picture of George!

JaneK said...

glad you name them!!! So many different kinds of woodpeckers!
and that last species of bird? the border collie? the most magnificent of all!
good to see you :)

joeh said...

I've never seen a pileated woodpecker. Very cool.

Cloudia said...

ALWAYS happy to see you and that Dog!




ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
<3

Gail said...

It's always a delight to visit. Your pictures are beautiful but I think you know my favorite.

Angie said...

Your pictures are gorgeous. I have worn myself and my camera out snapping pictures this last week LOL. But I have such a strong love affair going with the birds that I'm compelled to keep snapping... LOL That cover for the suet cage is awesome---definitely need one of those.

happyone said...

Love looking at all your bird pictures.
I live in MD too. Over here in Garrett county it seems to snow every other day. I like the snow though. : ) Not crazy about the below zero temperatures though.

Sabrina Steyling said...

I love your photos, Kate, and I love it that you always name the birds because I tend to forget certain ones! My favorite of yours is that tufted titmouse; he's adorable!

I love George too of course, as I've often said. Handsome and adorable all at the same time. Give him a hug for me!

Unknown said...

UP here in the Lake George area of NYS. I saw a bluebird feeding on my porch last week..Today I saw the male and female bluebirds out there together with all the other small birds.. This cold weather has been hard on all the outside creatures this winter..The sub-zero temps have taken its toll over the past two months.. Jan and Feb. Spring can't come fast enough for me..L.

Low Tide High Style said...

Such lovely photos! I hope you stay warm, we're in hibernation mode until this next storm passes.

Xoxo Kat

Low Tide High Style said...

Such lovely photos! I hope you stay warm, we're in hibernation mode until this next storm passes.

Xoxo Kat

Hilary said...

I totally get lackluster........I feel that way about blogging sometimes.........hoping to get my groove back.

Annette Whipple said...

I'm always amused when you state that you had to go back in to get your camera. With all the beauty you capture it seems it should be attached to your hip at all times.

Hugs!

The Furry Gnome said...

Great pictures!

beth said...

i thought you were going to name your birds like….well, with names….and i was hoping that the first one would be called Alice.

she looks like an Alice to me.

xo

Lee Owenby said...

Wonderful photos. George is my favorite but the third Tufted Titmouse - on the branch in the snow is my favorite.

Daryl said...

i love your bird photos and a side of George (!) is always a plus ... it was 1 degree here on Friday ... today after a lot of snow last night its 32 ... and very messy

Devon said...

I don't have starlings at my feeders, but Blue Jays are the bullies at my house... they come squawking and chase everyone away.

I love your cardinal pictures... I don't think I've ever seen one, they are not in CA. My favorite is the rare "George"!!

Jeanette said...

You take sueh gorgeous pictures!

Candace said...

Love all your birdies.

jo said...

I love female cardinals. I think they are prettier than the males. I love the bright red males, but I also love the muted colors of the female. Great photos.

Patty said...

Those photos are simply breath taking!

sharon said...

love the birds. I love how they fluff up when they get cold. As always George looks good. such a sweet dog. Cold here today. Snowing as I write this. Brrrr I should be at home. (just saying)

thotlady said...

We have snow here in Virginia too. It is nice for a change.

Latane Barton said...

That's a fantastic shot of a pileated woodpecker. They are really interesting birds to watch. I love them.

Jan's camera said...

Gorgeous photos. Can't choose a favorite. Well, maybe the last one. So funny how the red-bellied woodpecker doesn't seem to have a red belly. But I believe you! You are so lucky to get to see so many beautiful birds.

Bluebird49 said...

Oh--I hope you get your internet back soon, Kate. As always, every bird is more beautiful than the one before.

But...oh my! George in the snow! I love that darn dog, too---he is such a poser---but I still love him.