Here's Looking at You

One Sunday afternoon this fellow was once again sitting "out back". This capture was taken through our bedroom window. Nifty! The other "feeder" birds didn't mind his being so close. In fact, a Blue Jay perched about 5 feed away from him. Other birds were coming and going to and from the feeders. I've noticed this other times as well. I don't know how much of a song bird hunter this RS Hawk is, but the other birds must be sensing he's not too much of a threat.

Now a Cooper's Hawk, that's another story.

The Gathering

House Finches doing what they do best on a cold winters day......or any day for that matter.

Male House Finch

This male House Finch has spotted me in the house and cautiously waits to see what happens inside the house before pulling a sunflower seed from his favorite feeder.

Beautiful Blue Jay

Today we watched as a squirrel made its way up on onto the deck. After pulling a peanut out of the peanut ring the little fellow proceeded down the deck with his peanut treasure................not knowing he was being watched. After the squirrel found an appropriate spot, he dutifully buried his peanut. After covering it with snow and packing it down he ran off. Not five seconds had passed and a Blue Jay watching all this from a tree, darted off its branch and proceeded to dig out the peanut and fly up to a branch to enjoy the fruits of the squirrels labor.

The Grab

Two European Starlings are about to make off with the goods. These guys are true robbers.

Off to the Suet Feeder

After waiting for the Hairy Woodpecker to finish up at the suet feeder, it's this gals turn.

Male Red Bellied Woodpecker

I shot this through the sliding glass door going out to our deck. Even the Red Bellies like this feeder.

Female Yellow Shafted Flicker

One of two female Yellow Shafted Flickers that frequent our suet feeder.

Male Red Bellied Woodpecker

It took a long time for this male to fly down to the deck while I was sitting out.  In days past, if he saw me on the deck he'd fly off and try again later. I think this pile of peanuts was just too much for him to resist. I know when the Blue Jays see a large pile of peanuts you can see the excitement in the jays discovering a cache of nuts. It's great fun just sitting and observing the birds and their behaviors.

White Breasted Nuthatch

This fellow doesn't know where to start......or does he? Nuthatches are great birds to have around. The have such a unique nasal sounding call. I love em!

A Surprise Visitor

Look who came for a visit! I was flabbergasted. This is about the last bird I ever expected to see on my deck. What a very pleasant surprise. And what' extra special is he/she was a very brave bird and would come up to the deck when both my wife and I were sitting on the deck. That's a tall order for most birds. He/she would put its head back and just pound that suet block like a wood pecker. I hope to see them again this summer.

Asters and Downy

Here's a picture taken last summer. The asters have become primary focus here, and the Downy secondary. Sorry little guy.

Mourning Dove Morning Siesta

Facing the sun is important on a winters day for one of the favorite activities of this Mourning Dove.

Mourning Dove

A Mourning Dove anticipates its next move. Fly over to join the flock of other 25 doves in the next tree. Or fly down to the deck for some water which they all really like.