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...

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Deer and Bird Visitors


Yesterday, I posted a picture of a deer and some little birds at my feeders. Today, I'll add a few more to the collection. Since we had TEN deer visiting us on Monday, I will show you more of the pictures of them---plus more of my cute little birdies. Above is a neat picture of a Mourning Dove --perched near the Rhododendron on our deck. Below are more!





I love this picture of my Baby Blues (Eastern Bluebirds)--taking turns at the Suet feeder.





We first saw the deer in the empty lot next door to our home.





This female Downy Woodpecker (NOTE that there is no red spot on her head) visits the Suet feeder also.





After visiting our back yard (see yesterday's blog picture), all of the deer headed out toward the golf course fairway behind our home. There really were ten of them --but they were too spread-out to get them all in one picture. (I had never seen groups of 10 before. Last year, we had groups of 7.)





Isn't this a sweet picture of the male and female Eastern Bluebirds? We have many Bluebirds around our yard... I wonder if these were some of the little ones I photographed in the summer when they were born????





When I took the picture of the Cardinal featured in yesterday's blog, I also took a picture of this little Carolina Wren --who was also forging for food on our deck!





Our resident Pileated Woodpecker comes to the suet feeder almost everyday when it's cold and snowy outside. I took these pictures this past Monday. He comes and checks out the situation before heading to the Suet feeder.





From the top of the clothes line post, Mr. Pilwood (the resident Pileated Woodpecker) flies to the Suet feeder. I have never been lucky enough to catch a bird during flight before much---so was thrilled to capture this one. Their wingspan is amazing!!!





Now Mr. Pilwood is at the Suet feeder. He really knows how to hang onto the feeder. I added this photo so that you can see how LONG this guy is... Isn't he HUGE?????

One more story about Mr. Pilwood... As big as he is, I was disappointed to see him fly quickly away when one of those stinkin' Starlings (I don't take pictures of Starlings --or Squirrels.. ha) came to the Suet feeder... I guess most all of the birds--including the Pileated Woodpeckers, don't want anything to do with the Starlings. (Luckily, we don't have very many Starlings at our feeders!!!)





Here's another picture I took of a male Cardinal ---waiting in a nearby tree for a turn at the feeders.






And finally, here is a sweet picture of a female Easter Bluebird. Such a gorgeous little bird!!!

Let's all remember the people in Haiti today. What a horrible situation. May God be with them!

Hugs,

51 comments:

Arkansas Patti said...

Gotta love the blue bird best. Thanks for the lovely pictures. I never get close enough for such lovely shots and appreciate yours.

The Haiti situation is mind boggling. I have such an intense desire to help and have sent what money I can. Today, I will try to find a church taking up a clothing and food drive for them. Once after a flood, I was down to only the clothes on my back but was surrounded by loving family and friends. These people have only pain and suffering all around them. They need all the help we can give.

Diane AZ said...

Hi Betsy, I really enjoyed seeing your bird and deer visitors. Mr. Pilwood looks awesome in your pictures. Maybe those cute bluebirds are from last summer's nest box!

diane b said...

Your birdies are so cute. The last one is like a ball with beak and legs. The red cardinals just have me mesmerised. Great shots too. Haiti is bad news.

Thistlebrooms said...

Great Shots again Betsy...
Love ALL your visitors, they surly know who to come and visit...
Beautiful close-ups of the Bluebirds!!!

My Best~Marilyn

Beth said...

Your bird pictures are fabulous, Betsy! I especially love the ones of the pileated woodpecker. We had one last summer that kept evading me every time I'd try to take a picture. I just love the way they look---sort of ungainly but beautiful, too.

The situation in Haiti is heartbreaking. They need our prayers and our money, too. So much devastation...

Sunny said...

Wow, these pictures are amazing! You really did an outstanding job of capturing the dear little birdies.
The devastation in Haiti is almost hard to comprehend, very sad.
Sunny :)

MadSnapper said...

I called Bob in to look at your precious little blue birds. we don't have them in Florida, but they live in PA, which is where he is from. He really liked your bird photos and so do I. the deer are so precious. we have them here but I have never seen one.

Connie said...

I really enjoyed all of you photos on this post. I believe that is the best photo I've ever seen of a Mourning Dove. But the pictures of the bluebirds were really great. What awesome photos of the woodpeckers. You've really outdone yourself on todays post. I loved all the photos!!!

Jo said...

Betsy;) I also love the bluebirds. These and the Carolina Wrean are very similar to our Robin-Chats. You're so right: Let's remember and pray for the victims of Haiti disaster. (((Hugs))) Jo

Karin said...

You do have a constant source of enjoyment in front of your own window! That's just wonderful! You are blessed! Love the deer - my favorite animal - I think! The variety of birds just takes my breath away!

PS Hubby got himself in iPod with his air miles! Now to figure this thing out - can hardly read the small print in the instruction booklet! Might have to get the grands to help!

Bill S. said...

Beautiful birds. I have never seen a pileated woodpecker and boy it is beautiful. Great pictures.

Roses and Lilacs said...

What wonderful photos. Are the deer eating your roses?

What kind of suet do you use that attracts bluebirds?

I've never seen pileated woodpeckers here...I keep hoping.
Marnie

Joe Todd said...

Great photos. Still looks pretty cold. Almost hit a deer with a golf ball once by accident LOL

I Am Woody said...

Wow!! You got some great shots!!

Connie said...

I love seeing the deer. I think they are such graceful and peaceful creatures. The shots of the woodpecker you got are fantastic too! Hope you have a great day, Betsy! :)

Busy Bee Suz said...

I am so sad about the peole of Haiti. What can we do? Send money and pray I suppose.

Lovely little creatures in your yard..what, you don't LOVE squirrels???

Janice K said...

The Pilated and the Blue Birds....Wow! What can I say. Outstanding pictures! A couple of years ago I had a pilated that visited our suet a couple times but now I have to watch him from afar......and blue birds, I have not seen in many, many years...I keep hoping.

Of course the deer are always a special blessing, especially when they visit your yard.

amelia said...

I want some blue birds!! Too bad we don't have them

We have starlings too and as much as I don't like them hogging the feeders I tell myself that they are just small creatures who need food like all the others!!!

Cicero Sings said...

Some lovely bird pictures here Betsy. Sounds pretty cold out your way! We've been having it mild and our snow is mostly gone!!! a chickadee announced spring was here yesterday when we were out on a walk!!! I think it was a bit premature.

Small City Scenes said...

Excellent , excellent shots of all the birds. Such sweet faces on some. I do like the pics of the Pileated. the first specially. I couldn't pick a best because they all are good. MB

imac said...

Wonderful selection of birds and beautiful deer pics.

Dorothy said...

Beautiful pictures! You really have a lot of deer and birds!!!
Isn't photography fun!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Your pictures of the birds and deer are wonderful. I love the woodpecker! It is finally warming up some here today. I went out and bought some flower pots just like it was spring!

Diane said...

You're getting some GREAT pictures, Betsy. They're all so pretty - the little Carolina Wren is so cute with the perky little tail!

Darla said...

You are like the kool-aid mom on the block for the birds! Beautiful..

The Retired One said...

Oooooo, the PILEATED! Be still my heart. He is so gorgeous. I haven't been able to capture any on camera yet..they are very wild and shy here and don't come to the suet feeders at all...and the bluebirds are gorgeous too. Wonderful bird shots!

storyteller said...

I'm playing catch up today after being away from the computer ... loved reading your last four posts in my reader and appreciate you making the entire text available. Little by little I'm getting a 'birding' education as you identify your lovely feathered friends. How wonderful that you provide food for them and the deer during your wintry weather. I've not posted at Small Reflections since last Sunday, but I did share at Sacred Ruminations this morning.
Hugs and blessings,

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos!! Did your Pileated Woodpecker just come from the hairdresser for the photo shoot?! LOL!!!

The South African relief organisation Gift Of The Givers (GOTG) will depart for Haiti tonight with medical supplies, blankets and food. They will send in specialized medical personnel, trauma specialists, orthopedic surgeons, trauma nurses, advanced life support paramedics, to work with other medical personnel on the ground or work on their own. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and the people of Haiti...

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Gorgeous pictures.The Pileated in flight is particularly good.Of course the Bluebirds are so pretty.Have a wonderful day,my friend.
Blessings,Ruth

Jen said...

Your Blue Birds are sweet. They seem so delicate to survive the winter there.
I guess I will have to see about mail ordering a Pileated--- ha!

carolina nana said...

Hello again Betsy, I just love your wildlife pictures,that's one of my favorite things to photograph.I am in Hendersonville just outside of Brevard Hope you have a great day and don't feel bad about getting upset over your Tennessee team,last night I got so upset I cut the TV off watching UNC/Clemson b-ball game.One of the Clemson players was acting so obscene it was ridiculous,plus I'm a Carolina fan and those kids couldn't have hit the ocean with a basketball last night.Funny how we get caught up in these things. Have a great day.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

I do love these beautiful photos Betsy...they are all so beautiful!!! I absolutely love to see and hear the doves...the only description I have for them is "angelic"!!!

Janie said...

Great idea to put the bird feeders on a clothesline. I'm going to try that!
Your bird pics are all great. The deer look kind of thin. They must be having a harder time finding forage in the snow.

LV said...

Betsy, another beautiful bird show. You are blessed having so much of nature's great showings. What caught my eye was the the bird feeders attached to a clothesline with clothespins. That had to have been your idea, as I am sure George never hung out clothes on a line.

Anonymous said...

Yep, when they're hungry they head over to Betsy & George's cuz they KNOW someone loves them over there, they told me so, too! heheheee!

Betty said...

I love all your little birds and so many deer in your yard.
I am going to revise my feeders then maybe I will have more birds stopping by.
~~Hugs~~

SmilingSally said...

That woodpecker is a show bird!

EG CameraGirl said...

It's amazing how much wildlife you have!. I live in the country...but in a village. No deer in my yard!

eileeninmd said...

You sure do have nice birds and cool to see the deer visiting your yard. Wonderful shots of the bird and the deer. I would love to see the Pileateds come to my feeders.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Oh, my, what a treat this post is for me!! Your blog is so good that I had to sign on as a follower. The deer are special, but of course I'm going crazy for the birds!! What splendid photos! The mourning dove's markings look pale blue in your lighting. I've seen the pileateds around here before, but never gotten a picture. They are just so large! I have several posts planned in the future about various birds. The downy woodpecker with no red on the head, could it be because it's a female? To read about our yearly run ins with a certain downy, check out "One Crazy Bird" from this past September. It seems like you post every day like I do, so I'll check back tomorrow.

Adrienne Zwart said...

Oooohh--a post filled with my favorite subject-birds! Such great shots, Betsy. Thank you for sharing.

Joy said...

You got some terrific pictures. That one in flight is just beautiful. You are so good at identifying them. I would have never guessed that one was a wood pecker. The one without red on it.

♥ Joy

Kirigalpoththa said...

Your bird pictures are getting better n better :)

Rose said...

Betsy, these are great pictures. Love your bluebirds....and the Carolina wren is my favorite bird...or at least in the list of favorites. I love their personality and their happy song...such a big voice from such a little bird.

EcoRover said...

Hungry looking bunch of whitetails--don't let them beat you up and take the bag of birdseed!

Incredible pileated pic.

Jayne said...

Oh, that Pileated, Betsy!! I would like to borrow him please??? :c)

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: The wonders of nature abound in your yard, love to see the deer.

Mary said...

These are wonderful! I posted some bluebirds today, too. I've never had them hang around before, so I'm excited to see them each day. Your pileated woodpecker shots are great! Such an awesome bird. The deer are wonderful, too...and so many. I guess these lovely birds will have to be our "flowers" until spring gets here :-)

SquirrelQueen said...

Great photos Betsy, the birds are beautiful and I love seeing the deer. One of my favorites is the Pileated Woodpecker, he reminds me so much of Woody. I have to agree with Ida on the hairdressers, he looks like he has a little gel holding the style in place.

Valerie said...

Betsy - I love the picture of the mourning dove - there is just something about the smoothness of their heads and the wideness of their eyes - they are so photogenic! Love that photo.

Thanks so much for your comment regarding the Michael W Smith Quote at:

http://intelligentexpressions.blogspot.com/2010/01/day-15.html

and I agree 100% with you. There are a whole group of folks out there who really do want to remain as they are - or have chosen that life. I won't argue one bit with you on that.

As I looked at the quote, I guess I was hoping that he was inferring more about the number of people who call themselves Christians and yet do very little to help the poor and homeless, the widows and orphans. I have heard over the years in heard in sermon after sermon, that if everyone who called themselves a Christian really gave to help the poor, we surely could turn the whole world around. So many church's struggle just to pay their bills and yet in school I have classes of 24 -9 year olds and more than half of them have their own ipods or mp3 players, video games and the like.

So I guess I was thinking more of a call to action on our part, and how we choose to serve - as opposed to the folks who have chosen that lifestyle out of laziness or whatever.

I always appreciate your thoughts!! Thanks so much!

Valerie

Cheryl said...

Such gorgeous photos of birds and deer. I love the deer especially. They seem such gentle creatures. And the birds, wow! You are so lucky to have such a nice variety visit you. You must have a great bird restaurant going there! Last year on January 29 we had our very first ever bluebirds arrive here. I see that they are visiting with you now. I do hope they come back again this year. And today we saw a flock of robins! usually we don't until March or thereabouts.