My winter has been consumed with bird-watching. Not bird-watching of the high-definition documentary or Life List tallies or global expedition variety, but just simple backyard feeder bird watching. When the days are short, one little chickadee can make it or break it.
Our most common birds include the Black-capped Chickadees, obviously, along with Northern Cardinals, White-breasted Nuthatches, House Sparrows, and House Finches. Nothing for the regular person to get too excited about - but they should!
Blue Jays, always monopolizing the feeder
Dark-eyed Juncos, our little ground feeders
Lots and lots of woodpeckers, often patiently waiting for his or her turn at the suet feeder
Downy Woodpecker at the tube feeder, perhaps my favorite winter bird
A Pileated Woodpecker occasionally shows up to feed at our dead maple. I don't know why he bothers with a suet feeder, since he appears far too big.
And where there are bird feeders, there are squirrels, always waiting for an opportunity.
Spot the sparrows!
Red-bellied Woodpecker and resident chickadee
Our friendly nuthatch and chickadee, taking cover from the snow.
I've managed to get the whole family involved with birding. Adam is quick with a pair of binoculars, Pickles chatters when a bird comes close to the window, and TJ helps to keep the squirrels at bay. It's a team effort!
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