Winter Wings

It was a long wait this winter for the birds to come to the feeders. I assume it’s because of the mild temperatures we had at the beginning of the season.

Now, the birds are abundant…and beautiful!

This Red-bellied Woodpecker is not a frequent visitor, but will occasionally appear for a bite to eat. I’m so glad I had my camera when he stopped by. Identifying the gender of this bird is quite simple. The male’s red hood extends onto the forehead. A female has a red nape only. This bird is definitely a male.

We see this guy all the time pecking at the suet. It’s a Downy Woodpecker, very similar to a Hairy Woodpecker, but smaller with a shorter stubbier bill.

From the picture it’s hard to identify this woodpecker...is it a Downy or a Hairy?

This is, of course, a Northern Cardinal. The bird's name comes from the red-robed Roman Catholic Cardinals.

This particular bird’s mate is never far behind. She is very hard to photograph, though, as she is so quick and chooses not to stay in one place for very long. For the past several years the couple has built a nest in our grapevines. We love having them reside so close. Their wheat, wheat, wheat, wheat song is so soothing and can be heard at any time of the year. What fun it is to watch the male feed the female. I’m not aware of many birds that do that.

Our little Juncos are both delightful and abundant. They are the most common of our winter birds at the feeder. Both male and female are very similar with females being somewhat duller than males. These lively little birds are very entertaining.

This fluffy little Nuthatch always seems to be a bit up-side-down as he is seen creeping along tree trunks and branches headfirst.

A Tufted Titmouse. I often see this guy chase away birds that are the same size or smaller. He’s a bit of a stingy fellow.

This House Finch displays a beautiful bright red color. The depth of red coloring in each male depends on the amount of a particular pigment in the bird’s food sources during the molting period. Females prefer the brightest and reddest males. The hue and intensity of color are indications of the male's fitness.

And….my favorite of all winter wings….the chickadee. I love these little birds. Several months ago I set out to get one of these fellows to sit and eat out of my hand. It only took two days effort before I had accomplished my goal. What an awesome experience. It really isn’t difficult, just takes a little patience and the ability to stand very still for awhile.

This character, though not winged, can be seen any day, any time stealing the bird seed. Maybe he thinks he's a flying squirrel. I guess he has to eat, too.

Comments

[Maria P]

What a great post!

I lived in Indiana when I was little - LOVE those cardinals!!!! Those juncos are soooo cute and the chickadee looks so sweet! How cool that you got one to eat out of your hand!

[MaryM]

I just love feeder pictures. What a great variety of birds you are getting! We pretty much get only the House finch (and occasional chickadee or junco).

[Margaret in Minnesota]

These pictures are great, Donna! I've been so inspired by you ladies to get a feeder that the squirrels (we have, like, EIGHTY of them) can't ransack.

And I agree with Maria--it is very cool that you got a chickadee to eat out of your hand.

[Jennifer]

Your photos are deightful!! I love the little house finch... and woodpecker... and cardinal... All of it!

[Theresa ♥]

What great pictures Donna. I love the squirrel. He's definitely persistent. *smile*

I see you changed some colors, very nice.

[Jane Ramsey]

Wonderful photos, Donna! And a very informative post. Thank you!

[Kristen]

Thanks for the wonderful bird lessons. I'll be stopping by tomorrow with my children. God bless.