A photo from May, 2021. A very rare sighting for me. The Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis). A contributing factor to my seldom seeing the Catbird is its avoidance of unbroken forest (mostly that here) and its affinity for suburban gardens (not suburban at all). Possibly.
Special days bring special things. Today was no exception with some Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) arriving. Shopping for housing no doubt, perhaps with a real estate agent. They were all checking out the houses around the yard and noticed that meal worms were waiting for them at the feeder. This male with his brilliant blue admires the view from the roof top. Oh just look at that color!
A female checks out the rooftop view as well. Her coloring more gray, more subtle. I’ve got my fingers crossed that they decide to stay for a while, perhaps raise a brood or two or three here at the Observatory and Frog Farm.
During the winter my birdbaths really draw the birds. Bring in birds that aren’t interested in the seeds and suet that I put out at the feeders. Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) and Robins (Turdus migratorius) don’t eat at the feeders but they sure take pleasure in the water.
Another on my list of those that have no interest in the bird feeders, a Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus), who shows up simply because I use a water warmer to keep ice from freezing. A water warmer along with a long medium duty/outdoor extension cord.
And still another bird on that list, a Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata), affectionately know as Butterbutt.
Birds can eat snow to get the moisture they need but it takes precious energy to convert that frigid chill of snow to the bird’s body temperature. Precious energy. Some birds even bathe during the cold of winter to keep their feathers clean IF water is available. And of course there are all the birds that eat the yummy suet and seeds that are out there in the feeders. They need that water in liquid form too. The more the merrier at the ol’ watering hole.
A bird that I rarely see. Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus). Not an unusual bird, but one that just doesn’t show up here on my mountain. In all my years of capturing images of birds, I’ve only had two occasions to photograph a Purple Finch. Once in 2010 and once in 2017.
The Purple Finches that spend their summers in Canada, seek warmth during the summer in the central and southeastern US. Those that live in the northeastern US and on the Pacific coast choose to stay put year round. Sure wish they’d swing by here more often. I’d love to see more of them.
Suet at the bird feeders here insures that Downy Woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens) show up. They’re cute little things, about the same size a Dark-eyed Junco or a White-throated Sparrow. The smallest woodpeckers in North America. The Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus) is quite similar in its markings but a good bit larger — the size of a Robin. The proportional size of its bill to the head is a good indicator too, in telling the two apart. The bill of the Downy is about a third the size of its head. The bill of the Hairy is nearly as long as the woodpecker’s head. I love seeing these handsome little ones. I’m about out of suet, I’ve gotta get busy and mix up some more to keep those Downies happy.
The road coming up past my lane, February 10, 2010. One of several similar events during that astounding season. My very favorite winter of all time. My precious family, my cherished friends and my dear readers, I’m wishing you all a Happy Christmas and Merry New Year.
In flight going after a meal. The object of this Chickadee’s (Paridae) attention, a pinecone smeared with peanut butter and then rolled in hulled sunflower seeds. The little birds are intrigued!
It certainly is a wonderful time of the year. It really helps too, that for the past few days it actually has been a bit cold. Much like it should be at this time of year. And other things are happening here at the cabin to make things merry and bright. The big happening for a few days is GrandKitty Camp. My buddy for watching the birds, munching on yummy snacks and sleeping the day away has arrived to participate in the festivities. GrandKitty, Betelguese, got her name from the red supergiant star in the constellation Orion NOT Beetlejuice as in the movie!
Today, the first day of winter and my Mom’s birthday. A special day. Winter brings new birds to watch and enjoy. This, one of those winter birds, a Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis), was completely obliging and posed for me.
At the very top of my favorites for wintertime shrubs — Winterberry (Ilex verticillata). A deciduous species of Holly. Native to eastern North America, and is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. Winterberry is a dioecious bush that gets tiny inconspicuous flowers in June and July that attract bees and butterflies and is the host plant for one butterfly in particular, Henry’s Elfin Butterfly. Birds love the brilliant crimson berries which cling to their leafless branches in winter. I love them too, for their elegant beauty.
