Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to DECEMBER . Hope you have an awesome and grateful month!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Backyard Birds


The cold weather finally LEFT us (at least for awhile). The temperature got up to about 55 degrees here in Fairfield Glade yesterday, so I took a chair and sat outside on our deck for awhile. OH--that fresh air felt SO good!!!!! And the good news is that this nice weather should stay with us for about 5 more days!!!
While on the deck, I had my binoculars and of course, my camera. The Pine Siskins had been at the feeders all morning, but were gone by the late afternoon. I did see some of my favorite birds: Caroline Wren (who was up in a tree SINGING loudly), Cardinals, our Chickadees, Nuthatches, and Tufted Titmice.. All of these are 'regulars' at our feeders. It was so much fun sitting there listening to the Carolina Wren singing at the top of his lungs. That wren was as happy as I was that it was warm outside!!!!
NOW--here's some good news. While sitting there watching the little birds, I looked up --and guess what I saw in a couple of trees not far from the feeders????? Two beautiful Mourning Doves! I have never seen them this close to the house and feeders ---although, since they are ground feeders most of the time, they may be eating the seed which drops on the ground under the deck (since we can't see that area without being in the back yard). Those doves just sat there staring at me!!!! I got a few pictures (note one above) of them which I will share today, along with a few other pictures of 'my' birdies!!! Enlarge the pictures for a better view!








Another picture of one of our Mourning Doves; He was sitting on that branch for the longest time--just watching me. We were staring each other down!!! ha







The other Mourning Dove was in another tree to the left of the feeders. He finally flew away--but the first one stayed for a LONG time!!! UPDATE: Barb looked at this bird closer than I did. This is a Northern Flicker instead of another Mourning Dove. Thanks Barb!!!!









This little Tufted Titmouse was playing 'hide and seek' with me.. I captured him while he was hiding at the house feeder.. Gotcha, little Titmouse!!









After taking his picture, he decided to show me his 'good' side!!!! ha ha









I love these White-breasted Nuthatches, and feel really good when I can capture them at the feeder. They flip in and flip out---and are constantly MOVING. I got lucky yesterday --and got his picture!!!!
Hope you enjoyed my backyard birds today! I enjoyed seeing them--but mostly, I just loved feeling that fresh, warm air!!!! Can Spring be that far behind??????
Hugs to All,