Jan. 2 -More Winter Bird Feeding

 It is frigid weather here with a low of 9° last night! I was hoping for another mild winter like we had last year but it looks like we are in for a cold and snowy one!

 When I get up in the morning the birds are waiting for me.

 I had five male cardinals in the tree yesterday! They stop me in my tracks with their brilliant red feathers. I hope their spectacular beauty never becomes commonplace to me!

 The goldfinches will stay on their sock feeder while I fill the other feeders in the same tree.

The woodpeckers have now discovered the goodies on the front side of the tree! They prefer the suet dipped pine cones! I need to pick up more lard and peanut butter on my next trip to the grocery store to make more since we may be in for a long harsh winter!

Female Red-bellied Woodpecker

I always get very excited when I see a new bird species here at Robin's Nesting Place! Having a home in a newer subdivision that was once a cornfield, with no trees, it has taken me years to attract birds to my feeders. Of course my children think I'm totally nuts to get as excited as I do, (this totally sensible mom has been known to actually jump up and down and be moved to tears at the sight of a bird). I'm not even sure why it thrills me so much, but it does!


A few days ago, for the very first time, I spotted a red-bellied woodpecker at the back of my yard. I was on the phone with a neighbor when I spotted it. I started taking pictures while holding the phone. Because of the distance and holding both the camera and phone, the pictures were not very good.


I was totally delighted when she came back today and braved the feeders! She was a little shy and didn't stay very long. I hope she will be a regular now and I'm really hoping that she has a mate and that he will soon visit.