The weather is getting colder and Christmas is approaching but my thoughts these past few days have been on the birds.
I haven't fed the birds very much since April. I have done without many things during this recent season of unemployment and now getting back on our feet, but the thought of not feeding my feathered friends over the winter made me very sad. I am from the south and I really, really dislike Indiana winters. Feeding, watching and photographing the birds is something that gives me pleasure during the long winter. I actually look forward to the snow just because it brings the birds to the feeders. It not only entertains me but the cats and dog love watching the birds too. My nineteen year old son offered to buy me sunflower seeds for Christmas. How thoughtful is that?
My bird food wreaths last year were such a huge success that I wanted to make several more this winter. They provide me with something bright and colorful to look at during the many dreary gray days of winter and they also provide pretty props for bird photography.
I stopped by Home Depot Tuesday and picked up some free Christmas tree branches. I attached them to my swing frame along with the artificial greenery that was used last year.
As soon as I put a few peanuts in the small basket a chickadee landed on it.
Later, right before it snows, I'll add a few pine cones dipped in lard, peanut butter and bird seed to the wreaths.
The apple is cored and filled with homemade suet. It makes it a little harder for the house sparrows to gobble it up.
The cats certainly make wreath making a more interesting task. Both of our cats have always loved napping in the wreaths.
I put some of the free greenery on the sled and attached one of the ice skates that I purchased at a garage sale a few years ago.
After being out in the cold, a cup of hot chocolate is a delightful treat!
I'm practicing food photography these days and it isn't as easy as looks!
This was the moon yesterday. It was shining brightly at 4:00 PM right along with the sun. Even though it was cold the sunshine felt wonderful after all of the rain we've had.
Now that my wreaths are finished, I am actually hoping that we get a little of that snow that is in forecast tomorrow!
So, are you planning to decorate for the birds this year? If so, I'd love to see what you make!
11 comments:
Robn All your ideas are so unique and I hope to copy some for next winter... Birds are going to be very happy in your garden... Your photos are terrific!made me want a hot chocolate with mints
I love that you decorate for the birds! We have two feeders, that we fill all winter long. We have to stop in the summer because of bears.
Your birds are well taken care of. At my place they get their food from a simple tray at the window.
Beautiful photos and creations!
Have a lovely day!
Hugs, Wendy
The birdie decorations are beautiful! I adore that skate on the sled with the berries...just delightful! Your post has sent me scrounging around for some greenery and a basket for peanuts. :) I would love to spend my Holidays on and with the birds. :D
After Christmas we take the Christmas tree out to the yard and decorate it with cranberry strands, orange cups filled with seed, bagels covered with peanut butter and sunflower seeds. I've never thought to decorate a wreath to enjoy for the whole season and now I can't wait to do it! Thanks for the great idea!
Wonderful photos and decor. Your birdies are happy!
We had several 70 degree days this week, so I've not yet started feeding the birds. They are hanging out in the garden and my hollies are LOADED with berries.
Robin....you are so creative. Your wreaths are beautiful and so much more attractive for photos than a feeder.
I've only recently been putting feed in the feeders. The squirrels have been awful, but someone gave me a wonderful squirrel-proof feeder yesterday and I can't wait to see how well it works. Just in time for the painted buntings to return.
I hope you are doing well, dear friend.
Love you,
Patricia
How creative! And how sweet of your son to offer to buy you sunflower seeds! We have outside cats, so I don't feed the birds. I miss doing that, but it became too dangerous for them.
I love all your creative decorations! And your photos are lovely! I have only recently gotten into bird feeding, and it has been so much fun to see the different birds that come.
Your son is very thoughtful. What a sweetie. I can relate to the tight pocketbook. My husband is retired so we are on a limited budget. I work some but it isn't monetarily sufficient. The birds do bring lots of life and spirit into the garden this time of year. They don't ask for much yet give a lot in return. I think you can photograph anything that you put your camera to. I will look forward to some more food related photos. Winter is such a good time to practice inside photos.
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