Winter birds
The birdfeeders are active this time of year.
Our platform feeder in the mountains is a perfect example of 'pecking order' in action, with rounds of our common feeder birds: Northern Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, and White-breasted Nuthatch. Adding to the usual mix, we have Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, American Goldfinches, and House Finches.
In the last few days, a male Red-bellied Woodpecker has been hanging out on the black cherry below the feeder, and periodically investigates the feeder. And I saw a Downy Woodpecker on a nearby oak this afternoon.
A flock of crows was mobbing a hawk above the ravine at lunchtime (probably a red-shouldered, by the call). It was definitely a ruckus in the neighborhood, first the hawk's continuous calling, then the crow flock's squawking response. This went on for some time.
Amazingly, in spite of the cold overnight temperatures, we were able to eat lunch on the (covered) deck at ~50°F, quite comfortably.
Our platform feeder in the mountains is a perfect example of 'pecking order' in action, with rounds of our common feeder birds: Northern Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, and White-breasted Nuthatch. Adding to the usual mix, we have Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, American Goldfinches, and House Finches.
In the last few days, a male Red-bellied Woodpecker has been hanging out on the black cherry below the feeder, and periodically investigates the feeder. And I saw a Downy Woodpecker on a nearby oak this afternoon.
A flock of crows was mobbing a hawk above the ravine at lunchtime (probably a red-shouldered, by the call). It was definitely a ruckus in the neighborhood, first the hawk's continuous calling, then the crow flock's squawking response. This went on for some time.
Amazingly, in spite of the cold overnight temperatures, we were able to eat lunch on the (covered) deck at ~50°F, quite comfortably.
At first I misread the temperature as "-50" degrees and thought: THAT'S extreme gardening! In Colorado we're a fair bit cooler than you are at 50F -- at least most days -- and our feeders are busy, too. We're especially enjoying the Northern Flickers who come around. They do a nice job of patrolling the squirrels ;)
ReplyDeleteWe've been seeing lots of Northern Flickers in the Piedmont - there are small groups around the meadows at the botanical garden where I work.
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