Monday, January 31, 2011

I Heard them Say Thank You!!

With all of the winter weather we have been having lately,  my little backyard birds have enjoyed eating and drinking water at the Adams Restaurant.  Here are pictures of some of these little Cuties.  Above is one of my MANY Goldfinches.  Below are more.





I love this picture of the little Bluebird watching the Northern Flicker at the suet feeder.  The Bluebird was patiently waiting her turn!






The sun came out for a little while---which gave me an opportunity to get some good pictures of some of the birds at the feeder.  This Red-Bellied Woodpecker is a regular  visitor.





I love this picture of one of our female Bluebirds...We have four Bluebirds who are always together --and they come to the feeders regularly --especially when the weather is bad.





I love seeing our Northern Flickers...  This is a good picture since you can see the yellow tail feathers... Isn't he gorgeous?





Finally, this bird,  even though it is pretty,  can be a nuisance to many of us who feed the birds.  So far though,  I have been very lucky.. This is the first Starling I have seen at the feeders this winter.  (Sorry---I originally called it a Grackle for some reason.)  I hope this one doesn't invite his friends to come to my 'table'...  My restaurant is NOT for him --nor for those pesky Squirrels... ha

Have a wonderful day --and remember to feed our feathered friends,  especially in the cold winter!!!!

Hope you had a good weekend.  I did more work on my Family History, but I took time out last night to see a wonderful movie,  "The Lost Valentine" starring Betty White and Jennifer Love Hewitt.   EXCELLENT movie even though I cried like a baby!!!!!! Hope you saw it...  Both George and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Hugs,
at

69 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    Good Morning Betsy, What beautiful photos. It is such a thrill for us to see these birds through your camera lens as we have some of the same birds but can't see them "close-up." Wishing you a happy Monday.

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  2. ratiehJanuary 31, 2011 at 4:24 AM

    hi Betsy, happy Monday!

    it's time to "my fave pics"..and my fave pics goes to second and forth pics! esp for the forth pic, it's sooo pretty. me likey! =D

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  3. RitaJanuary 31, 2011 at 4:33 AM

    Betsy,
    You make difficult days special. Love the close ups of the flicker especially. I've fed birds off and on for over 30 years.:) They bring so much joy. I use to have a chipmunk that lived in a birdhouse and he greeted me every morning. I named him "Charlie." And now I have a new movie to look for. Thanks!

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  4. Linda at To Behold The BeautyJanuary 31, 2011 at 4:42 AM

    Your bird pictures are so beautiful, Betsy. If you're shooting them through a window, it's doubly impressive. And Grackles have to eat, too, you know. :)

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  5. diane bJanuary 31, 2011 at 5:03 AM

    Your beautiful birds must brighten your winter days. We saw the movie, "The Kings Speech" the other day. It was excellent too.

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  6. Arkansas PattiJanuary 31, 2011 at 5:13 AM

    That is why I hesitate to learn my birds. I thought that was a starling in breeding plumage. I stand corrected.
    I had a huge flock of them go by that would have emptied my feeders in seconds but fortunately I could shoo them and they kept heading south. Phew.
    Your shots are really so good with the new'ish camera.

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  7. pamJanuary 31, 2011 at 5:55 AM

    Did you have a gorgeous weekend like us?!!

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  8. Ruth HiebertJanuary 31, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    Beautiful birds.Isn't it amazing how a little sunshine makes their colors pop?I hate to sound like a know-it-all,but that last bird,I believe is a Starling in winter plumage.They are as bad a nuisance as the Grackles,though.I have a day off from school,yeah.
    Ruth

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  9. mamahasspokenJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    What does the Grackles do that makes them so bad? Just curious since I don't feed the birds. It would drive my dogs nuts!

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  10. BookncoffeeJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:18 AM

    Good morning! The birds here were very happy this weekend. They chirped and chattered and I've missed that. The warmer temps made them happy. Saturday they got all the left over "end" pieces of our bread too. I always toss it out back for them instead of throwing it away. Hope you all have a great week!

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  11. RoeHJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    You should contact the National Geographic people. I'm sure they'd buy some of your photos. When you upgrade cameras, can I have your old one? (Just kidding) Beautiful post. I know those little babies appreciate the food you put out.

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  12. linda mJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:13 AM

    Love your bird pictures. I also watched The Lost Valentine last night and cried like a baby especially at the end when Betty White touched the casket and started to cry. Then when they played Taps (which always makes me cry) I bawled even harder. Best movie I've seen in a long time. Sure hope Betty White gets an award for her performance in it.

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  13. AlainJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    I love your photos! You do have a good selection of different birds visiting.

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  14. MadSnapperJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    can't decide on a favorite today. i love them all, including the grackle. that little femal blue bird is soooo adorable

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  15. JenJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    I'll be by to pick up that Bluebird soon. HA!!Ha!!!
    Missed the movie :( darn it!

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  16. nannyJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    I forgot to watch that movie, and I so wanted to....maybe they will show it again soon.
    I'm off to buy more sunflower seeds today. Storm is coming.....
    Have a great week Betsy!

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  17. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    I always enjoy your bird photographs! You take the photographs so well! We saw a movie this weekend, too, which made me cry. The movie was called "Letters to Juliet".

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  18. HarrietJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    They do thank you and they fuss when you forget to feed them!

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  19. Small City ScenesJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    I am sure each and every bird does thank you for their winter repast. You take such good pictures of them. They are a joy to watch that's for sure. MB

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  20. KarinJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    So glad to see all those amazing birds that frequent the Adams Buffet! What is entertainment for you is such a treat for us too!Such excellent photos!!

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  21. DorothyJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    Wonderful bird pictures! I love that last Bluebird's expression! Looks like he's ready for spring!

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  22. Out on the prairieJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    Wish you could send some of those bluebirds. They beat the robins actually for spring according to an article in Birds&Blooms.I put out houses all over last year near me and hope someone will visit. Lovely shots.

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  23. ameliaJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    Lovely pics as always Betsy. It's almost -40 here this morning and our feeders are really busy.

    That's a starling by the way, we have lots right now. Grackles are a bigger sleeker bird and they don't have spots. They have a head and neck with a beautiful blue sheen.

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  24. Cheryl @ TFDJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    Love the pretty little birds. Great photos, Betsy! Your suet feeder is exactly like mine, but I never thought of putting a perch across the bottom like you did...great idea! I had a blasted Grackle eating at the suet feeder this morning. We have a lot of them that move in and just literally clean out the feeders in no time. It keeps me busy watching for them and shooing them away. They are such a big nuisance! I still haven't seen a blue bird at the feeders even tho I know they're around somewhere. Take care.

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  25. Busy Bee SuzJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    They sure are taken care of at your casa!!!! Maybe a thank you note as well is needed??
    xoxxoxoo
    Suz

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  26. BarbaraJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Those are such great photos Betsy, I know you sure care for your feathered friends well there, such a variety of them too, just beautiful, thank you for sharing with us, lots of hugs from your sick friend, Barbara♥

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  27. The Quintessential MagpieJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Awww... the poor Grackle! Is he a bully bird? He's kind of neat looking to be such a bad hombre. That flicker is WONDERFUL. Love his plumage. Loved them all.

    Tell you what, Betsy, pack up the squirrels with their hickory nuts all tied up in little bandanas and send them to me in Florida. I run a hostel for squirrels. There's one squirrel that I watch daily, and I love her antics. She sits on our fountain, and her tail hangs over the little boy's head. It looks like a Daniel Boone cap. LOL! She has provided me hours of entertainment as I wash dishes. It's like that show about the world's funniest animals.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  28. Big DudeJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    Our feeders are a hub of activity as well. The trees on either side are full of birds waiting their turn at the feeder.

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  29. Ginny HartzlerJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    Gads, how did I miss the movie!! I used to watch Betty white as a child when she was young!! Two sitcoms she had "Life With Elizabeth", and "The Betty White Show". They were hilarious to me, even as a tot, she was like the precursor to Lucy. Well, I will type this movie in my DVR, it's likely to repeat, I'll set it to tape tonight. LOVE the birds, you get so much clarity and detail!!! The grackle looks like a baby starling. It for sure seems to be a baby, when they are adult they are sleek black with a long tail. Why would there even be a baby in winter. And are you sure it's not a starling? But I think the starling and grackle babies look alike, grackles are a good bit bigger, though. Now we have what are called boat tailed grackles, maybe this is one a different kind.

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  30. DianeJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    The birds are so pretty, Betsy. You've shown them all very well. Have a good day. Diane

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  31. ~melJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    Oh Betsy... BEAUTIFUL as ALWAYS ~ but I'm with a few of the others about that grackle thinking it's a starling. We head out in two days!! I'm so not ready ~ but that's all part of the fun... lol ... not. Dear Hubby still isn't sure about making the swing up through Tennessee around Valentine's ~ but we'll see. I'll give out a big whoop and hollar if we make it up top of one of your mountains ... so take your ear plugs out and listen for my echo.

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  32. Fred AltonJanuary 31, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    I have no solution for the Grackles - but our son-in-law cured the problem of the squirrels raiding his feeder. He hung the feeder on a metal pole, then coated the pole in axle grease. The squirrel will run and jump as high as possible - but then go sliding back down! ☺

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  33. Kim@stuffcould....January 31, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    I know the Birds said Thank You!! I will need to see this movie, Thanks

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  34. Hidden Haven HomesteadJanuary 31, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    You take such beautiful photos of your birds! We had 70 degrees yesterday but today is cold and windy. I filled the feeders yesterday so all the birds are enjoying them today. Andy spent his first night outside last night. I put his sweater on him and he had a stall with a heat lamp but he chose to sleep under the hay manger. LOL Have a wonderful day and stay warm!

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  35. KathyAJanuary 31, 2011 at 12:08 PM

    We had a flicker that sat at the suet feeder for over a half hour the other day. We feared it was dead or had gotten stuck -- it was just eating!!!

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  36. CatherineJanuary 31, 2011 at 12:36 PM

    I am sure the birds are very thankful to know there is fresh eats at your house. How could they not be?

    I look forward to seeing that movie.
    xo Catherine

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  37. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiJanuary 31, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    Betsy, your bird photos are always my favorite photos. The little guys have such personalities! The do enjoy their meals at the Adams restaurant! :)

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  38. CottonLadyJanuary 31, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    I'm headed out to fill feeders now. Have a nasty cold front on the way and the birdies need food to heat their little bodies! Love the goldfinch and bluebirds, actually like most birds, but am with you about the starlings..they hog the food and make a big mess. I didn't see the movie..watched the home makeover that took place here in Texas about 40 miles from me. Stay warm!
    Blessings!
    CottonLady

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  39. From the KitchenJanuary 31, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    I do believe that I saw a sign on a tree in Chicago yesterday. It said "Eat At Adams"!! = ) What well mannered birds you have.

    Great photos!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  40. Becca's DirtJanuary 31, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    I hate that I missed that movie. I intended to watch it. Oh well. I know the birds appreciate you looking after them.

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  41. Pat - ArkansasJanuary 31, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    Beautiful birdies! Great photos!

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  42. KayJanuary 31, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    Hi Betsy,
    How come your wild birds are so colorful and ours are mostly drab brown and gray? LOL.
    Love all of your woodpeckers. I only see Acorn Woodpeckers when I'm out hiking. They are black and white with a bright read head.
    The movie last night (The Lost Valentine) was beautiful. Betty White did so well and so did Jennifer Love Hewitt. I cried so hard near the end when they brought "Neil" home at the train station and when they played Taps.
    Kay

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  43. Pat TillettJanuary 31, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    WOW! Those are beautiful birds and beautiful photos Betsy...
    Nothing like that here!

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  44. FaysaLJanuary 31, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    I am sure they know you-how much fascinated about them.Thats why you can hear their heart. :)

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  45. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    your bird photos are so crisp and clear...I even like the one of the starling...they can be a nuisance can't they?

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  46. TracyJanuary 31, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    Hey Betsy,
    I always miss you over the weekend! ...just wanted to tell you :) WEll, I'd probably have a lot more luck with my birds if everytime I went out to sit on my deck and take photos I didn't have a certain four legged friend accompany me to the back yard...goofy dog!
    We had 65 degree weather yesterday and it was gorgeous and the birds WERE out but so was Hurricane! So let's just say it is a work in progress,but I'll always favor yours...they are gorgeous!
    hugs to you!

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  47. LindaJanuary 31, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    Wonderful to see the little guys that will flap thier way north in a couple of months.

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  48. RoseJanuary 31, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    Awwww, don't you know that squirrels and starlings get hungry, too!

    Haven't seen the movie...will look it up if I can remember after while to see what I think about it.

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  49. Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪January 31, 2011 at 5:47 PM

    I like your new header.

    My birds do not like my buns when I hang them from the tree. May be it is hard work. They prefer I throw them on the ground. Then the big pigeons bully the little ones.

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  50. GlendaJanuary 31, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    You are tops at getting great bird photos! These are extraordinary! I can imagine the many moments of pleasure you enjoy in your backyard.

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  51. pennyJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    I love how you decorate you blog with the seasons and holidays.
    Love all your beautiful birds also.
    I'm green with envy, Betsy.

    Hugs,
    Pam

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  52. Joe ToddJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    Great photos Betsy. Hope you are having a great week. We have another storm coming through tonight here in Ohio.

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  53. SquirrelQueenJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    Betsy, your little birds probably say thank you a lot. You make their lives so much easier in the winter time. The little blue bird is so sweet.

    But squirrels have to eat too!

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  54. Deb from WhatsInMyAtticJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    Terrific photos today, Betsy! You are truly the bird-photo woman!

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  55. ElizabethJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    Beautiful photos and you have helped me identify a regular at my feeder! It's the goldfinch, which I missed in my birdbook, because the male shown there is VERY yellow and has that black spot on his face and, of course, the one in your photo and the ones at my feeder looked nothing like that. Well, long story short (too late, har-har!) I re-read in my bird book and found that in WINTER the male goldfinch looks just like the female and thus just like your photo! Thanks, Betsy!! It's nerve wracking not to be able to identify a bird, don't you think?

    Oh, and I think that bluebird looks a bit disgruntled...were you late getting the seed to the feeder??!

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  56. carolina nanaJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:50 PM

    Hey Betsy looks like your area might be on the edge of that huge storm coming across the country.
    Hopefully you all won't get the ice !!!
    Be safe,stay warm.
    Have a blessed tomorrow.
    Marilyn

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  57. LyndaJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    The Northern Flicker IS gorgeous. I had never heard of or seen one until your picture. Our birds were singing in the sunshine this weekend!

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  58. NealJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    Very, very nice Betsy. The bluebird is my favorite. The starling....I would shoot if I could. :)

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  59. UnknownJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    My fave is till that little Goldfinch, so cute and pretty! I am now off to add the movie to Netflix thank you :-) x

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  60. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    Hi Betsy, Love the pictures! You have Starlings and I have Coots! Same "Blessing". Oh well.
    Have a wonderful Tuesday tomorrow!

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  61. Together We SaveJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    Amazing pictures... hope you are enjoying this wonderful weather.

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  62. LVJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    With the kind of weather that is happening everywhere, all the birds and animals will be coming to your house. These little birds will pass along their good fortune.

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  63. KirigalpoththaJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:52 PM

    Like the new theme :D

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  64. EcoRoverJanuary 31, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    Always have mixed feelings about exotics like starlings or English sparrows. They can be tough on the natives, a lot like us others of European stock...

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  65. RoseJanuary 31, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    we always make certain to buy bird seed during the cold winter months for the birds. it's enjoyable to watch them good photos. rose

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  66. DIGITAL WORLD PAGES ARCHIVEFebruary 1, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    Beautiful birds photos!

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  67. JanieFebruary 1, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    Your birds look happy to be at the feeders. You have a lot of variety.
    I heard my birds tweeting a few minutes ago and went out to dutifully fill the feeders. I'm sure they were grateful.

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  68. MaryFebruary 1, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    Love the flicker and bluebird! I seldom see either one of those. Wonderful to have such nice visitors in this gloomy weather.

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  69. ruthinianFebruary 2, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    I miss these little guys in our backyard too... wish the snow will soon be melted so they can come again and entertain me.

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