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, March 4, 2010

Some Very Cold Birdies



During our latest snow storm this past Tuesday, I captured some pictures of some of my sweet little backyard birds at the feeders. Birds seem to eat much more when it's snowy or even rainy. I guess they are trying to keep their energy built up. I can only imagine how cold they were.

Here are some of my little friends on a cold, snowy day. The conditions weren't the best for good pictures, but I just had to share my birdies with you. Above is a little male Downy Woodpecker on the suet feeder. You can see how the snow was collecting on the suet. Below are more!






There were three Robins who kept hanging around the feeders during the snowstorm. They will eat suet --but love the raisins I put out for them... Don't they look cold????






This is not a great picture of the White-breasted Nuthatch --but I just loved watching him. He seems to know when I put the peanuts out. He comes to the plate feeder and takes one peanut at a time ---and goes back and forth and back and forth until they are all gone!!!! (That is the peanut butter seed bell behind him.)






I have a trillion pictures of the Bluebirds... We have a group of about 4-6 of them --and they spend most every single day (regardless of the weather) at our feeders. They like the suet ---and recently, they have been 'hogging' the Nyjer feeder, and keeping it from the Goldfinches. I had previously read that Bluebirds like fruits and nuts---but mine don't seem to like them as much.... Go Figure!!!! Anyhow---I love seeing these two little guys sitting on the clothes line---waiting their turn at the suet feeder. They look cold too, don't they???






The Red-bellied Woodpecker always comes to this tree first ---and waits until he can fly down to the suet feeder. (Can you see the Robin sitting in a closer tree branch?? He's out of focus--because I was focusing on the woodpecker.)





The little Song Sparrow has become a regular on the deck. The snow made it harder to scrounge around and find something to eat on this snowy day.






I got very excited when I saw this bird since I had never seen one before. Isn't she a beauty???? She is a Yellow-rumped Warbler---and I was stumped for awhile since the males look so different from the females.. (I did not see a male--although I looked for one.)






I am glad I got a picture of her yellow 'rump'...... Isn't she just gorgeous???? I got SO excited!!!

Hope you have a great Thursday!!!
Hugs,

50 comments:

RoeH said...

When I lived in North Dakota, I hated it when it would warm up with an early spring. You should never believe an 'early spring' in North Dakota. But the robins would be the first ones back singing their little hearts out. THEN..as ND does, we'd get a spring blizzard. And it would always kill all those early robins. *sniffsniff*

Darla said...

I guess all birds, hummers included eat more at feeders when the weatther is bad due to lack of food in the wild. You saw some great beauties Betsy. I saw a lot of birds yesterday afternoon myself. I know you are ready for the sunshine ball to show his face...it's time to refill the Hummingbird feeders around here.

Catherine said...

Oh Betsy ~ you are so lucky having all those beautiful birds at your house even in the winter. It looks like you are keeping them well fed! Ha! I only have sparrows, woodpeckers and red breasted nuthatches at my place. But I still enjoy watching them eat. I am awaiting my beautiful finche's return.

Looks like you and I both are early birdies judging by the time of your post! Morning ~ the best part of the day! Take care, Catherine

Kirigalpoththa said...

Red-bellied Woodpecker is a beautiful bird! I have not seen it here..

Beth said...

What a pretty little warbler, Betsy! It IS so exciting, isn't it, when you see a new bird! Your pictures are just amazing. My favorite is the one of the robins all fluffed up---the one looks like he/she is wearing an orange-red cape. :-)

Connie said...

Poor little birdies. They look so cold! Great photos, Betsy! My favorite is the bluebirds. Very nice! :)

diane b said...

I can't believe you are still having snowstorm. The birds are lucky to have you feed them. They are all gorgeous looking puff balls. The new yellow rump one is cute. Hope the sun is out today. I have got my new computer. It took me ages to work out how to put use iphoto and put up a post. Somehow I did it but not sure if I did it right.

RA said...

Wow, very gorgeous shorts! I admire how close shots you could take. Beautiful colors. Have a wonderful day. Hugs and blessings :)

Arkansas Patti said...

Great close ups with that new camera. Wasn't aware Blue Birds ate seed. Guess they don't like sunflower seeds for that is all I feed besides suet cakes. Have only seen one or two Blues all winter. Lucky you.

Ginny Hartzler said...

I got very excited when I saw "Birdies" in your blog title, and it did not dissappoint! What wonderful shots! The two little bluebirds look ever so artistic, the way they are posing! But the robins,the one looks actually frozen to death! Why do they return so very early, I wonder? I have never seen a yellow rumped warbler, either. That would be a very exciting find! After so many years of watching, it's rare that we see a new species. And I do love the way you even can see his little claws! Do you know when they sleep, their claws lock into position so they don't fall off the branch? My blog is indeed very boring today compared to yours!

Reanaclaire said...

hey Betsy! how did u manage to get so closed up of these little cuties? u r cool, lady!

Jayne said...

WOW Betsy! That new camera loves you! Those shots are so wonderful! Love seeing the little butter butt. I've not seen any here this year yet.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Such cuties Betsy.
Didn't you know that it is impolite to take a girls picture from behind??? :0
"Does this cold weather make my rump look big?"

EG CameraGirl said...

All those birds visiting your feeders! What a joy!

Harriet said...

Love the bird pictures. One day we had two Red-bellied Woodpeckers in our backyard.I had seen one for a while but two at the same time was a treat.

Diane AZ said...

The robins do look especially cold. I love the bluebirds on the line and the yellow-rumped gal. Thanks for sharing your cold birds, Betsy!

Susie said...

That warbler is a beauty Betsy! But I love the pic of the two bluebirds. That is precious.

Roses and Lilacs said...

Since the weather has been warmer and a lot of snow is melting, I'm not getting as many birds at my feeders. In a few more weeks, we should be seeing some migrating birds coming thru from much farther south on their way to Canada.

Have you tried meal worms for your bluebirds? They love them.
Marnie

Thistlebrooms said...

Your surly enjoying that NEW camera of your AND it shows...
Fantastic Photos of the Lovely Bluebirds and the Fluffed up Robins...That surly tells you it was COLD...
Happy March Betsy...

My Best~Marilyn

Karin said...

I just got cold watching your little birdies and shivered when I saw the robin all puffy. You got some great shots. It's so wonderful and generous of heart to feed these little guys when they can't find any other food around. To my eyes the sparrow looks like he is made of ceramic and not real at all - like, frozen solid! I'm sure he is ok though. All my best wishes for the sun to melt away the snow. All the waterfalls in your area should be running fast and furious with this runoff!

Hugs! Have a lovely day!

Rose said...

That warbler is nice...so cute. But I LOVE that picture of the bluebirds.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Your birds do look cold,but as long as they hang around your place they will be well fed.I love the little Yellow-rumped Warbler,soon they will be back here.Hope your day is full of joy.
Blessings,Ruth

I Am Woody said...

Wow, you are certainly getting some great shots with that new camera! I love the shot of the bluebirds!!

Joy said...

Just seeing them gives me the shivers. Poor little things. Hope those feathers did the job for them. Great pictures.
♥ Joy

Dorothy said...

I enjoyed seeing your cold and snowy birds! Glad to know that you get as excited over seeing a 'new' bird, as I do!!! It's a major backyard 'happening' when I see one here!

Cheryl said...

I am in awe of all the beautiful birdies that come to your yard! Of course they must know it contains a five star diner for them! And yes, the birds sure do look cold. Your new camera is working in over-drive I see!!

Together We Save said...

Those pictures are wonderful. Can you believe this weather? Snow in March?? But I am hoping for a pretty weekend.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Oh, they look so cold !
What fantastic shots Betsy, you have really learned to master that new zoom lens ....
We had a woodpecker on the suet feeder yesterday, and a Mockingbird ran him off and ate the whole thing by himself.
Love those little Bluebirds, they are without a doubt my favorite.

DayPhoto said...

Snow, snow, go away, come again another day.

Those poor birds! They say thier inner clock says it's spring but the weather is not.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/

Big Dude said...

It always amazes me that the birds, and other creatures, survive unusual weather - guess mother nature knows what she's doing.

rghawki said...

We feed the birds too in the winter. It is so much fun to see the different bird and watch their antics.
Great pictures.

Joe Todd said...

Betsy great photos. Were these taken with your new camera?? The sun is out in full force here in Ohio today .I've been outside all day taking photos....

Shelley said...

Marvelous bird photos Betsy!! I really wish you would send me one of your blue birds- they are just so pretty! Can't believe all the snow you have right now. It's been melting away over here and it's sunny today. Hugs to you!!
SHelley

The Retired One said...

These ARE wonderful! I have never seen that last bird either..what a cutie!

Unknown said...

Hi Betsy. What wonderful photos.

I love the birds on the clothes line. They are quite the pair.

Have you thought of selling some of your photos? You take such beautiful pictures.

Anonymous said...

She is beautiful. All of them are nice but this one takes the cake.

Wendy said...

You take such amazing pics, Betsy!! Your birds to look cold, but they are well fed. LOL!

Love that yellow warbler. I'm glad you showed her backside, as I was trying to figure out how she was named yellow-rump, when all we could see was some yellow on her front.

Glad you cleared that up. Have a wonderful Thursday too.

Glenda said...

Love, love your bird pics! Never tire seeing them!

Thanks for your comments on my blog. Your words are always so warm, and I can always sense that you enjoy life!

SquirrelQueen said...

Oh, those poor little robins looks so cold and miserable. I wish I could send them, and you, some of our warm weather. I love seeing photos of those sweet little Bluebirds and the woodpeckers.

I'll bet it was exciting to see a new species, what a great find. Maybe the male will show up soon.

I know the snow is probably gone for the season and I'm not sure how you have your suet feeder hanging but a suggestion. A friend of mind used to take a plastic lid, like the ones on Cool Whip containers, and cut a small hole in the middle. She would then use it as a cover for her feeders. She had it just far enough away from the feeder not to bother the little birds.

Hugs,
Judy

Diane said...

Sweet and beautiful bird Betsy. I never get tired of looking at them. Diane

Plain Chicken said...

Love the woodpecker photo! They are all great. We have two bird feeders in our back yard and love to watch all the birds too!

Betsy Brock said...

We don't have bluebirds or warblers. Very nice!

This is the first winter we've had a few robins stick around all winter. I'll have to try the raisins!

Peggy said...

the word is out to all the little birdies where to get a good free meal!LOL Love your photos

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

I just love your birdie photos!!! I have a woodpecker in my backyard...haven't seen him but he is a loud one.

Mary said...

Gorgeous little warbler! I didn't know that Bluebirds like niger seed. That's quite a head of snow on that suet in the first shot. Poor birdies think spring is coming and they get more snow instead! Wonderful photos!

carolina nana said...

Hi Betsy, Love your pictures of the little feathered friends,can't wait until I get a better camera so I can get some close ups.Have a blessed evening, Marilyn

Regina said...

Beautiful little birdies! I hope they are not cold.
Amazing captures Betsy.
Refreshing winter. Quite warm here.

Have lovely day and weekend.

Jen said...

Most excellent!
It's certainly amazing how they survive the winters snow and ice.

MadSnapper said...

those poor little beautiful blue birds look soooo cold.

Sunny said...

You take some of the cutest birdie pictures. They are the dearest little creatures, so brave against the cold.
Sunny :)