Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Some Feathered and Furry Cutie Pies

Last week I featured one of my favorite woodpeckers, the Pileated Woodpecker. If you missed that post, click HERE. Today, I'll show you more of our little birds, plus a couple of pictures of some deer. All of these pictures were taken during Thanksgiving week (BEFORE the cold weather and snow visited us). Above is another of my favorite woodpeckers, the Northern Flicker. Below are more.





Here's a sweet picture of a male House Finch... I have alot of them at our feeders now --along with tons of Goldfinches.





Here's one of my all-time favorite birds, our sweet little Eastern Bluebird.




Here's a close-up picture of the Northern Flicker Woodpecker. He is helping himself to some goodies in the plate feeder. You can see more of this bird's gorgeous colors.





And--here's another picture of one of our Eastern Bluebirds. This is the female --and she is eating at the suet feeder. The male pictured above is eating what has been spilled on the deck!!!!





The deer are 'protected' in our area ---so we have alot of them around. They love to feed on the golf course fairway (and people's yards) late in the afternoon. We captured this picture of four of them along the fairway near our back yard.





Here is one more close-up of one of our gorgeous deer here in Fairfield Glade. They were out during Thanksgiving week ----probably looking for some turkey dinners!!!!

We live in such a beautiful area of Tennessee ---and are so fortunate to have the birds and deer around us... Hope you enjoyed seeing more of our little beauties.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This week, we (along with many other areas of the country) are experiencing some bitter cold temperatures and even some snow. Although, here in Fairfield Glade, we have only had a dusting of snow and mostly just flurries, we are still experiencing the very cold temps.

SO---to enjoy the season, I will conclude with a picture George took a night or two ago, of our beautiful Christmas tree and the blazing fire in the fireplace --which we are enjoying each and every day/night. Maybe this will help all of us to feel just a little warmer today!!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

65 comments:

Darla said...

Am I seriously first!! ??? Our feeders are filling up with the birdies too. Waiting on the Warblers and the Goldfinches to show up any minute....beautiful tree and I would love to snuggle in front of your fireplace!

diane b said...

The photos of the birds are stunning. They are all so colourful especially the woodpecker, he looks like he has been painted. Oooooh how warm, cosy and Christmassy your room looks. I would be staying inside until summer comes back. We are having sensible temperatures, not too hot, but there is an awful lot of rain about, all over Australia.

Ruth Hiebert said...

I love birds and these pictures are so pretty.
The tree and fireplace are gorgeous.
Blessings,Ruth

Sharon said...

Love the birds! Yesterday, we had one come by the flu cover and give us a rat a tat tat and made us both jump! I just can't get over what characters they can be!

Your tree and fire - going to make your own Christmas cards? Would make a nice one!

Stay warm, Betsy, it's cold out there!

Valerie said...

Betsy - your tree is beautiful! Such a warm and cozy and inviting place!

I absolutely love the second Flicker picture, what a very neat capture. I love the angle.

Funny you have them in the south - I see them around here in the summer - but mostly on the ground - hardly ever in a tree or on a feeder.

Love that shot!!

Big Dude said...

You sure get great wildlife shots and the last shot is so warm and inviting, it makes me want to head for the plateau.

Tabor said...

the birds, of course, are lovely but that big old tree is to die for!

Arkansas Patti said...

I am so envious of your bluebirds. I have pretty much the same birds as you eating me out of house and home. Sure do love winter bird TV.
Those deer must know there won't be hunting on a gold course. Smart.
Love the in house look with the tree and fireplace. I miss my fireplace so much in the winter. I can watch a fire for hours.
Stay warm and keep enjoying.

Beth said...

Wow! Your tree is huge! It's beautiful as is the way you've decorated the fireplace wall. You must need a ladder for that tree!
I've only seen an eastern bluebird in a picture:the one where the bird looks angry. I liked seeing the detail of the male one from the side. They are cute.
The detail in your photos are exquisite---thoroughly enjoyed this. :)

Fred Alton said...

Wonderful post of the feathered friends and of the deer. Yes, they are protected there on the golf course, but I wouldn't harvest either one of these in the picture as they all appear to be does. Of course there are special seasons where that is allowed - but I just stick to the main hunts. The birds here are also looking for a warm place and a few bites to fuel their body heaters!

linda m said...

Beautiful pictures. Your tree is gorgeous. We are having bitter cold temperatures here in WI. Makes your fireplace all the more inviting.

penny said...

Your colorful Fairfield Glade birds and deer are beautiful decorations for the outside, Betsy.
How enjoyable it must be to watch them from inside where is warm and cozy by the fireside.
Your Christmas tree is beautiful as well with all of its twinkling lights and ornaments.

a Hug to help you keep warm,
Pam

Peggy said...

I am just now getting birds back to the feeders after several weeks of none. Guess they went on vacation. LOL Love, love, love, your tree and that wonderful fire in the fireplace.

Connie said...

What grand pictures, Betsy! I loved them all. Your tree and fireplace are so beautiful and inviting. Hope you are staying warm. :)

From the Kitchen said...

I've enjoyed my daily "visit" with you so much. From the birds to the deer to the beautiful tree--it was a nice time.

Best,
Bonnie

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

I admit to being *jealous* of your beautiful bird photos. :-)

Winter hugs...
On Dec. 7th, 1941 - 'A date which will live in infamy'

Dorothy said...

Wonderful pictures, Betsy! I love those Flicker pictures! It's great that you have those deer in your yard. Your tree is gorgeous!

Out on the prairie said...

Wow, some really nice shots, I love the flicker.You havea great area to enjoy the creatures of the woods.Do you grow tulips with all those deer? I have had them eat me out of house and home. I almost have to replant bulbs every two years they get so sparse.I putin 335 this year.Thanks for your input, we have had some similarity in our lives.

DIGITAL WORLD PAGES ARCHIVE said...

Hello! How are You?!
Beautiful photos!

DIGITAL WORLD PAGES ARCHIVE said...

The first bird is very interesting...
I think I have not seen it before ...
Thank You very much for sharing!

Rose said...

You really outdid yourself with those bird photos...I love the one of the little bluebird and I love the one of the close-up of the flicker. and the picture George took of your beautiful tree gives a warm glow to the whole post.

Karin said...

Thanks for sharing these gorgeous photos with us! Amazing variety and coloring in the birds. That tree of yours looks fantastic! Oh, to just sit there and enjoy, but I've got to get to work. Take care!

Barbara said...

Betsy wonderful photos, the wild life is spectacular to watch and especially to capture on film, it is good camera work, lots of hugs Barbara

DeniseinVA said...

Fantastic photos of your feathered friends Betsy, and of the deer. The photo George took gives me such a warm feeling. I would enjoy sitting in that beautiful scene. Stay warm! I recommend hot chocolate :) Only because I think I am a hot chocolate nut!

Unknown said...

LOVE BLUEBIRDS, they are so delicate! What a beautiful, tall tree! I'm feeling much warmer just looking at that last picture! THANKS for sharing!

I Am Woody said...

Incredible shots! Love the Flicker!!

Glenda said...

Beautiful, beautiful creatures! Your tree - your BIG tree - is gorgeous! We are enjoying fires in the fireplace, too!

Diane AZ said...

Your house finch picture is the cutest ever! Thank you for sharing your birds and deer. You live in a great place for viewing wildlife. Your Christmas tree and fireplace sure look warm and beautiful!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Beautiful birds and beautiful photos!

MadSnapper said...

your litle finch looks like he belongs on a christmas tree. your fireplace and tree are gorgeous and thanks for the christmas hugs on your side bar

Kay said...

Your photos are so "Christmasy". I love them.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Oh my goodness, your tree, light garland, and wreath are georgous!!! I don't think I will even post mine, because everyone else's is so much prettier. Yes, more birds!! I love all the pictures!! We used to have flickers in the yard all the time. Once I got a digital camera, I never seen another one here! It has been years! I thought they were maybe getting more scarce? And speaking of scarce, those deer are so pretty, but why are they protected? There was just a big article in our paper about how so many more people are hitting deer. Many, many every day. They are now everywhere, so the deer hunting rules have been changed a bit so people can shoot more! Dead deer are all over the highways! Not that I agree with hunting!

amelia said...

Wow!! Is your tree really 12 ft tall? That's how tall it looks or is the angle you're shooting?

The birds are so pretty and ours are lovely too but I don't know how they survive. -20 last night and that's all I can think about while I'm in the warm, is all the creatures outside trying to get though another night.

Diane said...

Your bird pictures are beautiful. I took some pictures of the Northern Flicker yesterday but yours are WAY better! Your deer are so beautiful. And so is your Christmas tree. So gorgeous!!! Diane

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Wonderful photos...I love our feathered friends! Especially the bluebirds. We have several in our yard and I have a story I'll share sometime about them.

Your tree is absolutely beautiful and I love the fireplace. My poor tree is awaiting me to put on the lights and decorate so I better get busy!

Hugs,
Cheryl

Together We Save said...

Your tree is beautiful and your fire looks very warm and inviting!! So you have had a little snow!! Just a flurry here.

floweringmama said...

Oh my that is a HUGE tree and it is gorgeous.

Your birds are just beautiful. So far I'm only getting chickadees and a few finches. Nothing is touching my suet at all :-(

NCmountainwoman said...

The bitter cold has made our birds very active and hungry. Great photographs.

GreatGranny said...

You are so previledged to see all this wildlife and your tree and fireplace is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

GreatGranny said...

You are so previledged to see all this wildlife and your tree and fireplace is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Linda said...

That's the most gorgeous Christmas tree I've ever seen. Who needs TV of an evening? You could just sit and watch the tree.

In answer to your question, our snowfall just now is unusual for us in the city, and in the south of Scotland - also at this time of year. January is usually the month of snow for us.

imac said...

Real nice shots Betsy, Love the tree and fire, any hot chestnuts there?

Yippee I'm back in the land of Blggers, my friend.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Betsy, I think it is going to be even colder in TN next week...bbbrrrrr...your part of the state is colder than here but we're still cold!!! I love your bird pictures...always look forward to them...Do you have a new lens ??? These are spectacular!!!

Tracy said...

Betsy, have you ever thought of publishing a book with your photos? ...they are astounding and I love the Eastern Bluebird...

Elettra said...

Winter has made his entrance, the birds with their bright colors are a great beautiful vision.Ciao Betsy

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

my sparrows don't feed if I hang up a bread roll. They just like it when I throw them on the ground.

carolina nana said...

That is a beautiful tree. I love just staring into a roaring fire on these cold nights. We still got no accumulation of snow here but it sure is cold and windy.
Stay warm and Merry Christmas
Marilyn

Jen said...

I could use that fire! It was in the teens this morning. YUCK!
Your tree is gorgeous!

Jen said...

.....of course I love all your birdies, bucks and does too! I am waiting for my Northern Flicker to appear.

KathyA said...

We're home to the Northern flicker as well and have quite a few in our yard -- I love seeing them!

Do your bluebirds stay the winter? Oddly, I saw some almost all winter long last year -- and with all that snow! Didn't see many, though, over the summer.

Unknown said...

That's got to be the biggest tree I've ever seen! Gorgeous too! I bet the fairway is a beautiful place to spot wildlife on a regular basis. Does your hubby golf?

SquirrelQueen said...

Brrr Betsy, you are having the nasty cold temps we had a couple of weeks ago.

I love to see all of your adorable little birds and deer. I think my favorite is probably the Eastern Bluebird since we don't have those over here.

That is a beautiful shot of your Christmas tree. Stay close to that warm fire.

Neal said...

Neat pictures Betsy. You sure do get a lot of good bird pictures!

Lynda said...

Your tree is GORGEOUS!!!!! How tall is it? And I love the birds and deer. It is more interesting to read about wildlife on your site than in a book. You give us a story rather than just facts.

Love Of Quilts said...

You have a pretty tree and don't you just love having a fireplace. Trish

penny said...

Betsy, I smile every time your beautiful header photo unfolds. What a delightful sight your whole blog is.

Hugs and smiles across the cold miles,
Pam i am :)

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous Christmas tree! The fire looks inviting too. Your bird photographs are lovely! The Northern Flicker sure is a pretty bird.

ratieh said...

those birds are very beautiful & lovely.

really love your blog, coz it full of beautiful and awesome pictures! =)

Busy Bee Suz said...

Love the closeups of the feathered friends.
Your home looks so comfy and cozy!!!!

Kirigalpoththa said...

Nice photos as always!!

Janie said...

Your bird photos just get better and better, Betsy. These are spectacular.
The deer are cute, too. Love how they are so close to your home.
Your Christmas tree is gorgeous. You and George must be staying cozy in front of the warm fire.

Carletta said...

Beautiful shots of the birds Betsy!
I especially love that little blue bird. They are one of my favorites.
I got home Sunday night and each evening since I've seen three or four deer. It is almost dark but I think they are the babies from summer.
Love your tree! I am so behind. Mine will possibly get done tomorrow. :)
We have about two inches of snow on the ground and it was 23 today!
Stay warm!!!!

Jackie said...

Betsy,looking at your photos along with your cheerful comments is like sitting with a friend and looking through her latest photo album. You have a way of presenting your photos that is just charming. The birds and deer are lovely. Your huge tree is breathtaking, and showcases some beautiful ornaments. Wonderful post!

Twilight Man said...

i bet you you thanked God for blessing you with a cozy home amongst the birds and deers. Over here, we have lots of ugly black crows flying and stray dogs roaming! I told God it's not fair!.... LOL

Anonymous said...

Betsy, I really enjoyed these pictures. The details of the birds markings are magnificent. Your tree is so festive and just beautiful. Don't you love the warm glow from the Christmas lights? Stay warm by the fire today!