The Birds of Winter!
Folks seem to be amazed that we have so many birds who stick around during the winter.
While it is true that many species fly south, it is surprising how many hang around. We have a
little patch of yard adjacent to a few wooded acres with a large pond. During Spring and
Summer, one can't see past the first trees, but in late fall and winter, we can see the backs of
the houses on the other side of the lake. Where the birds live during the cold seasons, we don't
know but I suspect that they find thick brushy bushes and holes in trees and wherever else they can find can find to protect them from the cold.
I have wrens who try to nest in my garage or in discarded items left under the deck . I have a
broken umbrella on the deck which snapped during our first snow this year and I propped up
against the deck rail., Just before the last snow, I discovered two wrens nesting in the folds of
the umbrella. We have Carolina wrens all year round.
We see bluebirds, cardinals, house finches, goldfinches, Carolina chickadees, robins,
sparrows, warblers, nut hatches, downy woodpeckers, blue jays and other birds all year round.
Maybe it's because there is a source of food in our yard at our feeders all year round. Maybe
they are just lazy and don't want to migrate. That's not true because the hummingbirds leave
in early October and don't return until May. It's a long way to Central America and back and
it's a lot warmer.
Whatever the reason, we are thankful that we are privileged to view these beautiful and
delicate little creatures and hope that you will enjoy them too.
Bitter cold week of January 10th- temps in the teens at night and mid-twenties during the day.
While it is true that many species fly south, it is surprising how many hang around. We have a
little patch of yard adjacent to a few wooded acres with a large pond. During Spring and
Summer, one can't see past the first trees, but in late fall and winter, we can see the backs of
the houses on the other side of the lake. Where the birds live during the cold seasons, we don't
know but I suspect that they find thick brushy bushes and holes in trees and wherever else they can find can find to protect them from the cold.
I have wrens who try to nest in my garage or in discarded items left under the deck . I have a
broken umbrella on the deck which snapped during our first snow this year and I propped up
against the deck rail., Just before the last snow, I discovered two wrens nesting in the folds of
the umbrella. We have Carolina wrens all year round.
We see bluebirds, cardinals, house finches, goldfinches, Carolina chickadees, robins,
sparrows, warblers, nut hatches, downy woodpeckers, blue jays and other birds all year round.
Maybe it's because there is a source of food in our yard at our feeders all year round. Maybe
they are just lazy and don't want to migrate. That's not true because the hummingbirds leave
in early October and don't return until May. It's a long way to Central America and back and
it's a lot warmer.
Whatever the reason, we are thankful that we are privileged to view these beautiful and
delicate little creatures and hope that you will enjoy them too.
Bitter cold week of January 10th- temps in the teens at night and mid-twenties during the day.
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| Bluebirds pair #1 |
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| Bluebirds pair #2 |
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| Very cold finch |
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| My pet Carolina wren who has nested in the folds of the broken umbrella |
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| It was about 18 degrees with a brisk breeze |
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| Old friend whom we have seen many years |
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| Feathers riffled by the breeze |
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| Downy looks like he found something |
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| Yellow-rumped warbler |
Seven inch snowfall and 9 degree temp on January 17-18th
The brave little critters who ventured out in the snow.
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| This little fella went to the usual spot for a drink but settled for eating snow |
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| Cheryl put the birdbath out and this dove braved the snowstorm to get a fresh drink (Before it froze over) |
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| "OK McNutty, here's the deal, you stay on that side and I'll stay on my side" |
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