Going to the Birds

Lately it feels like this place is literally going to the birds. In the back yard we have two feeders, one with thistle seed for the finches and other small birds and one filled with sunflower chips for the cardinals, titmice, and nuthatches. Then, we sprinkle safflower seed on the ground for the platform feeders like the mourning doves and jays. The suet cage hanging in the bush attracts all types of woodpeckers, chickadees, and jays as well as the occasional starling sporting its white tipped winter garb. Often we scatter seed on the deck right outside the sitting area at the end of the kitchen so we can watch our feathered friends up close. The cats, of course, enjoy that benefit as well.

Earle snapped some wonderful shots of a male cardinal last week on the deck. Isn't he lovely in his scarlet robe! The feeders are rather bare today though. The current temp outside at 2:38 in the afternoon is 64.5 degrees! Obviously, the snow in the pic is long since gone and the birds are enjoying some protein meals as they track down insects who were fooled out of hibernation by the unseasonal weather.

Julia and I are going for a walk. It is too nice a January day to spend it all inside and the weather will soon return to its winter temperatures as we move into the snowiest months of the year. I am looking forward to a few good blizzards, but today's warmth is a welcome winter surprise!