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!
