I was making my husband's lunch this morning when I spotted two Tufted Titmice at the bird feeder! This is the first time that I've seen them at my feeders! I was so excited! I immediately stopped making the lunch and grabbed my camera! Priorities, you know!
They were the first birds I saw at the feeders this morning and quickly flew away when the feeders got more crowded. I do hope they come back!
What a beautiful way to start the day!
I'm seeing more robins in the yard. I do hope this is a sign that spring is getting closer.
We've had snow on the ground for a while now, more is expected this weekend and Monday. The robins are coming to the bird feeders. I've never seen them eat any seed, but they seem to be looking for food. I hope the snow melts soon for them, although I don't think this one has missed too many meals!
The male red-bellied woodpecker came back!
I had to stand at the door to shoo the starlings away so he could eat! They kept landing on the suet feeder and chasing him away. I frequently do that for the downy woodpeckers too. Oh how I despise those starlings!
I'm seeing more cardinals than ever too! For the last few days I've had as many as six males and five females! For several years I only had one pair, so this is quite exciting to see!
I thought I would update on my diet that I mentioned on January 31 for those who might be interested. It is still going very well! So far I've lost 16.5 pounds! That alone is motivation to keep striving towards my goal, (only 25 more to lose)! I'm still eating just whole foods with a major emphasis on legumes, fruits and vegetables. Still no caffeine or sugar! A neighbor gave my daughter half of a Cheesecake Factory Turtle Cheesecake when she babysat for them on the Saturday before Valentines Day. Now that was TORTURE! I didn't dare eat a bite though. I was so very glad when it was out of the house!
I am already seeing benefits of the diet change, which motivate me even more! Not only am I down a full size in clothing, (from a 16 to a 14), but my blood pressure and blood sugar are both staying in the normal range and my digestion issues are slowly being resolved. I am feeling so much better already!
I look forward to warmer weather when I can get outside to garden and walk again. I'm not too keen on indoor exercise and haven't been able to make myself do it...yet. Hopefully I can get motivated to start soon!
Another side note, due to increasing spam comments, I decided to stop allowing anonymous comments since most of the spam I get is anonymous. I decided to do that rather than use the word verification. I do hope this doesn't inconvenience anyone.
I hope you all have a great weekend!
Robin
Love all the pictures.The Robins always seem to indicate springtime.Have you tried putting some raisins in the feeders for them?We feed lots of raisins in summer,the Robins love them.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,Ruth
Well, may I say, that tufted titmice are my favorite birds ever. i have never seen any but I just, for no particular reason, adore these birds. They are so small and cute.. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYour little titmice are so sweet. That's a bird I have never seen before. Either we don't get them here, or I have just failed to identify them. Congrats on your weight loss too. I did really well a few years ago and lost 50 pounds. I kept them off for 4 yrs, but in the past two years 20 pounds have crept back on and I just can't shift them. I keep losing and gaining the same 5 pounds, very discouraging. I wish you well for your continued success :-)
ReplyDeleteThe little Tufted are my faves. Aren't they so cute?
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss! My goodness, that's just fantastic.
Cameron
Oh, Robin...look at those gorgeous birds! The soft photo of the robin in the tree is one of my all-time favorites of yours. How sweet and beautiful! They're all great - I hate starlings, too. CONGRATS on your success!
ReplyDeleteRobin, I have no doubt the Titmouse will be back. What great photos. Congrats on your loss. I wish I could get motivated. Maybe if I keep your success in mind I will be motivated.
ReplyDeleteLoved all your birdie photos!
ReplyDeleteOur little namesake above looks a little peeved at you! LOL Congrats on the weight loss, so happy that it's going well for you. I need to get tougher on my diet, I keep slipping up. But I'm not an *all or nothing* girl like you, I have to have my little treats here and there so I don't go crazy! I've learned to eat one small Peppermint Patty slowly with mouse bites so I feel like I've had a whole candy bar. By my way is only 43 calories!
ReplyDeleteGood going on the diet and getting tufted titmice to your feeders. I haven't seen any here, not sure if we get them. I did see a robin in the yard today--the first since last summer. And yet--snow is coming again! Boohoo! I like the idea of putting raisins out, as one commentor suggested. I think I'll try that!
ReplyDeleteYou have so much to be thankful for - beautiful birds and losing weight. Keep up the good work. I'm waiting for warm and dry weather too so I can get back to walking. Exercising in the house doesn't work for me either.
ReplyDeleteYou have the same china that I do.
ReplyDeleteThe titmouse is so cute. Beautiful photos of the Red-Bellied Woodpecker too!
Wow is right, Robin -- your Titmice are so pretty and your photos are great. We have them at our feeders regularly and they are so sweet. I envy you your robins - we have lots of cardinals, but no robins at our house. Congrats on the diet success - that's not easy to do, period, much less this time of year and with the cold you've had. I hear you have another big storm predicted - yikes - you've had enough!
ReplyDeleteWe have Tufted Titmice in our area, they seem to 'travel' with the Chickadees. Your photos are stunning. I especially like that male Cardinal with the seed in his beak.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on continued success on your dieting.
You have Robins! How lucky! That means 'spring' to me. Such beautiful pictures of all your birds.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on getting healthy and being down a size. Good for you!
Congrats on your weight loss! :D
ReplyDeleteYour feeder visitors look a lot like mine :D I love tufted titmice, they're such cute little things.
It is THE perfect way to begin the day and I wish I could experience that on a daily basis. Fantastic shots.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures! Guess what? We put up a blue bird house and blue bird feeder yesterday and within 2 hours we had blue birds eating and checking out the house!
ReplyDeleteRobin, first-the photos are wonderful! Looks like you could reach out and touch the birds. I am so happy you are seeing the increase in activity at your feeders. They know a good buffet when they see one.
ReplyDeleteSecond, way to go! Your will power is amazing, and inspirational. I haven't been able to give up caffine, but have given up all my snacks. (only a week of it, but I am determined to stick with it) Hang in there, spring will come and we can get outside with our gardens and get lots of exercise.
your pictures are AMAZING! gorgeous!
ReplyDeletekelly
We have had more cardinals this winter than ever. And there seemed to be more females. Wonder what that means in bird world? The tufted titmouse is a beauty.
ReplyDeleteOk Now....Love the bird pics, especially the cardinal . We saw one in our yard last week. They look so pretty in the snowy branches.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your weight loss.
Sorry about all those deletes, I was leaning on the mouse pad.
Oh Robin, so many wonderful birds in your yard. Tufted titmice are such cuties;-) They love my feeders, as do the robins! And the robins actually DO eat my seed, the hulled sunflower nuts--as well as the suet! I really just noticed this happening this winter, when I have had large flocks of them in the yard. And congrat's on your hard work and will power. I hope you will reach your goal but 'getting there' is a daily journey so try to enjoy each day. It sounds like you are doing just that--how you could avoid taking at least a 'taste' of that cheesecake I don't know! But I'm like you, a 'taste' would never be enough! That's why I still am where I was when I left my comment on your first post like this! Please send me some will power!! Good luck and have a wonderful week;-) (I'm getting ready to post bird photos, too...and wow, it's hard to go through the 'hundreds' and pick just a few for the blog. Almost an overwhelming 'task' for me--but it is such a blessing to be visited by so many avian friends;-)
ReplyDeleteRobin the images of the birds feeding a Joy as usual to see!
ReplyDeleteGreat camera you have! So clear even through the window!
CONGRATULATIONS on weight loss! I know the dicipline it takes! No sweets...good for YOU!!I sure wish you were here to help me but I continue to be inspired by you!
Whole foods that means fresh..no processed.Keep going..cheering you on!! hugs aNNa xo
I love the Tufted Tit mice...they are pert little fellows and are always amusing. It's funny to watch them fight for space with the finches. Only the chicadee can best the finches. Starlings are the worst pests ever....I am so glad that your healthy lifestyle changes are really paying off!...I know that for me it's an all or nothing thing...So no sugar means no sugar! Gail even with no anonymous commenters the spammers got through
ReplyDeleteYour fotos of your fine-feathered-friends are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your weight loss. It's a joy to know there is a new spring in your step! God is so good!
Blessings!
What great photos..the Titmouse will be back now that they have found your feeders, aren't they darling?
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to drop you a note and compliment you on your great blog. The pics are great. It is refreshing to see someone out there like me that appreciates nature and has concerns with the environment.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos Robin. I love the photo of the outstretched Woodpecker's wing. Your woodpeckers look different than ours ~ it's amazing how our birds vary in size and colouration.
ReplyDeleteRobin, I have to tell you I thoroughly enjoy your bird pictures!! Well I actually love all the photos you take! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteOh Robin, what a treat! The titmice are beautiful! I'd give anything to have cardinals at my feeders. They aren't in our area, unfortunately. Congratulations on your diet so far too! I know the feeling you're talking about... although my issue is a little different. I've gone on a gluten-free diet because I was having so many terrible digestive tract issues. Its been 5 months now, and I've lost 8 lbs and feel so much better too! Keep on~ (: xx Vicki
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to see the titmice! I've never seen any here--I get excited when the red-bellied woodpecker makes one of his rare appearances at my feeder. I've seen many more pairs of cardinals this winter, too. I noticed the Great Backyard Bird Count reports had the cardinal as one of the most common birds seen this year.
ReplyDeleteWay to go on your diet! I wish I had your willpower; I know it's a matter of motivation, but I think the caffeine more than anything would be a hard one for me to give up:) Keep up the good work!
So many lovely and exotic birds in your yard!
ReplyDeleteI am a garden designer in STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Europe, with a big interest in birds as well as garden:-)
Lovely blog, cheers from Hillevissan
Hi Robin,
ReplyDeleteYour bird photos are wonderful - that Robin looks well-fed! Wishing you continued success with weight loss.
It always brightens my day to stop by here! LOVE your pics! So glad that the TT's stopped by :)
ReplyDeleteWow what lovely photos of the birds! Keep them coming. :D
ReplyDeleterobin,
ReplyDeletefirst let me say bravo on sticking to your choice to eat healthier.
so glad you are reaping the rewards...that is truly movitating.
it is always so exciting to get new birds that come to our feeders.
we had an eastern towhee for the first time ever during the gbbc. so great.
happy february.
great bird photos...congrats on the weight loss...eating healthy is the only way to go...I went from a 18 to a 6 last year...and have been maintaining...Love your blog...
ReplyDeleteHi again Robin, sorry I thought I had commented on this. I gave a big smile when I saw your first pics not knowing this was a first for you garden! The crest reminded me of the ones only seen in the Highlands of Scotland. I am thrilled for you.
ReplyDeleteI always love seeing your cardinals and woodpeckers but I have to say your Robin shots have charmed me today :-D
Obviously, anon comments don’t bother me but I completely respect your plight to avoid spammers. I’d like to say I don’t mind word verification.
You are my FAVORITE BIRD watcher! I gave up on my bird attempts for this last weeks of February because I was super busy with Garden Shows. YOU have inspired me to try those techniques you shared with me earlier in the month.
ReplyDeleteI have been sharing the show and lots about seeds if you want to stop by and take a peek at my blog!
Happy ALMOST SPRING!
Gorgeous bird pictures. I heard a few bird songs yesterday - the happy sound of spring.
ReplyDeleteYou have inspired me to get back on my diet. The time is NOW! Thank you.
Hi, again, Robin; one of your little feathered friends told me today was a special day:) Happy Birthday! I hope you have a great day.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you today!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing so well on your trimming up program. Congratulations.
The Tufted Titmice are so cute! Once they know you have seed they will keep coming back too.
Hope you had a wonderful birthday.
Sherry
What sweet friends!
ReplyDeleteAloha,
Comfort Spiral
Great photos! A couple of months ago, I put out two feeders and now there are so many birds! I put up a bird bath and I have seen a lot of robins. I have yet to get a good photo. I'll keep trying. Enjoyed looking at your blog!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your weight loss Robin. I need to get on the stick too ~ healthy eating always pays off doesn't it? I wish you continued success.
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to see some tufted titmice at my feeders! How exciting. I hope they come back for you too.
Also, beautiful crocus photos. I am walking around my yard daily looking for new signs of spring. :-)
Oh, what happened to the name/URL option?? I think with open id my name comes up as a big long number? ugh.
I'm glad you got to enjoy a couple of Tufted Titmice. They're the sweetest little birds!
ReplyDeleteI chase the Starlings away too so the the RB Woody can eat in piece. They're such a beautiful bird.
We've had the same experience with Cardinals...mostly we see just a pair but last year we were seeing a group of at least 6 quite regularly. This year it mostly just 2 with the occasional 1 or 2 extra.
Great news on your diet! Keep up the good work. It's not an easy thing to do.