Not Even Winter Yet

The winter solstice, the first day of winter, is December 21. That’s a week away. Yesterday we got another four inches of snow, bringing our total close to two feet for the month. And the temps are down into negative numbers. Very much like February, not early December.

So, as I sat on my sofa, enjoying my living room Christmas tree, I snapped shots of the birds at the feeders in the falling snow and thought I would share them with you.

I made sure the feeders were filled before this latest snow came, knowing how spoiled they have become for easy food options. The upper feeder holds suet filled with seeds for energy and needed for warmth.

Since this feeder got low, I had to shovel a path this morning to refill it.

This morning, with the sun shining, it was a beautiful day despite the -1 degree temperature. The mourning doves fluff their feathers for warmth in the sun as they wait their turn to feed.

The red-breasted woodpecker is a favorite and one of the larger birds that visit the suet feeders. The mourning doves prefer the platform feeder.

Tomorrow, the temps will rise to normal December levels, and hopefully, this snow and cold will not be the norm for this year.

As we approach the Christmas season, remember the value of kindness and share it often.

Winter Has Arrived

Hello friends. It has been a while since I posted, but I wanted to share my winter wonderland photos. Many of us living in the Upper Midwest are being hammered by snow. Current totals are over 8 inches with another 3-4 expected. In preparation for the coming storm, I overloaded the bird feeder, which they fully appreciated. Most of these pictures came from this morning, when we only had about 5 inches. I hope you enjoy.

The outdoor tree was planted about 10 years ago. It’s finally big enough to decorate; its lights are hidden under the snow.

There is a large platform feeder, and on the pole is the suet they need for colder weather.

The larger red-breasted woodpecker came by, too, but he refused to let me take his picture.

The cardinals are always beautiful when it’s snowing. Their bright red stands out nicely. Most bird pics were taken from inside, so you get a glimpse of my Christmas decor.

Daisy is not so sure she cares for the snow.

Always remember to share kindness wherever you go. It can easily spread to others.

Shades of Yellow

For the past several years, I have enjoyed the grand size and beauty of sunflowers. However, this year, due to medical concerns and knee replacement surgery, my gardening was scaled back significantly. But the birds disagreed with my decision and scattered seed from their feeder in various places in the yard.

With my daughter taking care of the yard, nature moved faster than she did. But I have thoroughly enjoyed nature’s course until a storm came through, knocking the tall majestic plants to the ground. Since they had not fully matured and bloomed, I had my daughter lean them against the fence, hoping they would continue to bloom…and they did.

To me, the sunflower is a wonderful example of resilience in the face of storms and continued proof of God’s intricate design through all of creation. As we look at the single bloom, we see a happy flower sharing its gifts not only to us, but also to the bees and the many goldfinches that seem to love these flowers.

When you look closely, you will see that the sunflower is filled with tiny florets, each with a pollen-filled stamen.

As the bees move across the flower, they pollinate the individual florets, creating the sunflower seeds that the goldfinches love.

So, as you watch the beauty of nature, remember God’s plan for you is just as intricate as it is for a simple flower, a bee, or a bird, and remember to always be kind.

Enjoyment in the Swing

Recently I had a friend put up a yard swing for me. A little gift for me from my tax return. Yesterday and today were gorgeous days so I got a lot done in my yard, for tomorrow we are expecting rain. Thought I would share my views from my swing.

You can’t really see the flowers much from these pics, so I will include a few.

My lilacs are in full bloom and the yard smells amazing. The bees and butterflies are hanging close to them but would not be still enough for pictures. Guess they are a bit camera shy.

This is a new flower for me – Lavender Stream Lobularia. A small light-scented cluster flower with 4 tiny petals on each tiny flower.

I have always been fond of Verbena and this rich purple is really nice. Evidently the squirrels like it too. I had to move it to a place where they could not climb in to it to nap. The cool colors of spring are still the favorite. Once summer gets here, we will change to bright yellows and reds.

The downy woodpeckers have been fun to watch, hanging precariously before learning how to stand on the thin wire stand.

The beauty and enjoyment of spring I can now enjoy as I slowly swing and relax. Have a wonderful week and remember to always be kind.

Morning by the Feeder

I did finally get a reprieve from the sparrow swarm at my feeders. I put the platform feeder, their choice type of feeder, on the opposite side of the house out of my view from the couch. While they still visit the hanging-style feeders some, the other birds now have a better chance to enjoy treats. But I do miss the Mourning Doves. They also prefer the platform feeders.

The Downy woodpeckers have returned and are such a cute small bird.

The house finches were having fun this morning.

The Nuthatch is always fun bird to watch and really loves the whole peanuts.

Hopefully, by the end of summer, I will have my new windows which will allow me to birdwatch easier, and maybe I will get clearer pictures. But for now I will enjoy them the best I can.

Remember to enjoy nature that surrounds you. You might be surprised at the little things that may you smile. And as always, remember to be kind.

Fun at the Feeder

Our spring here in Iowa is taking another nap allowing winter to re-dip his cold fingers back into our season. With an expected hard freeze, I took the liberty to move what plants I could into the sunroom. This room is not heated but it will not be as cold as outside or allow the chance for frost. The remaining plants I have covered with towels or sheets. While this will not protect them much from the cold, it will protect them from potential frost.

So I restocked the feeders and let the birds entertain me. We saw the familiar family of mourning doves with their feathers fluffed up against the old.

Another frequent visitor, especially with fresh peanuts available, is the Blue Jay.

The Red Breasted Woodpecker is always a fun bird to watch but they stay more to the feeder with the nuts already in pieces.

Other birds were available like Wrens, House Finches, and Sparrows but I was not quick enough with my little camera that is on my phone to capture their fun.

Hopefully by Wednesday, we will revert back to normal springtime temperatures. I hope it settles soon as its time to start thinking “All Things Garden”. In the mean time, let us think warm thoughts and be kind to all things.

Giving In

Giving in is not the same as giving up. Giving up says you can’t win so quit trying. But giving in says you will accept the outcome even though it was not what you hoped for. My neighbor had enjoyed watching my bird as they fed so she put up a feeder as well…on the fence between our houses. She gets the basic birdseed which draws the sparrows…by the millions. Don’t get me wrong, sparrows are cute but they are hogs and they take over the feeder pushing out the other birds.

I changed the food per the “experts” advice to saffron seeds but these critters are very adaptable. Then I separated the feeders putting the platform feeder out towards the fence and leaving the tube feeders with the stripped sunflowers that they don’t like near the house. You can see from the picture, that they didn’t read the same report.

But at least the peanut and suet feeders are drawing in the two types of woodpecker we have here and the nuthatch. The cardinals can usually fend for themselves and the platform feeder does draw in the mourning doves. So, fine. It is what it is. In a few more weeks I will put out my hummingbird feeder and begin the war with the ants. Never a dull moment when you enjoy your yard. Maybe I will try cayenne pepper at the base of the hummingbird pole. It worked in keeping the squirrels out of my potato beds last year. Welcome to the joy of spring and summer. Enjoy these pictures. They are not real clear but at least they may help you smile. First is the nuthatch.

Then the red-bellied woodpecker. A really pretty bird.

The smaller downy woodpecker is striking with the red stripe on the back of his head.

Now that spring is just around the corner here in the US, try to get out and see its beauty. And remember kindness is a beautiful gift to not only share with fellow man but also to nature.

Not the Solution I wanted

I have been looking for solutions to the huge problem of sparrow invasion. We know they are tiny take over birds but I thought with the right food, I could eliminate some of the problem.

They can clean out this feeder in a day. But as I watched today I saw what I think the real problem is…which is why I quit using sunflower seeds in the first place.

He is jumping from the fence to the platform feeder and then jumping onto the pole with the peanuts that are supposed to be for the woodpeckers. I have a slinky on the pole down at the bottom so they can’t climb the pole but jumping is different.

Dang yard Rats!! They are incredibly intelligent and resourceful. I need to rearrange the feeders this spring. I really need to get rid of the platform feeder but that one has sentimental value with it. So I will have to think outside the box on that one.

I will definitely go back to safflower seeds. That at least will keep the squirrels at bay. The things you do to enjoy watching the birds. Stay tuned for more spring pics as the weather warms and we get to play outside more. It’s coming…

Remember as the the temps begin to warm, let your heart warm as well and be kind.

The Front Yard

I enjoy watching the birds in my front yard. While the sparrows are an aggressive bird that periodically run off others, until the cardinal shows. The cardinal pays them no mind and sometimes will leave when he is there.

Now that the snow is melting and the weather is more seasonable for here, they are a little more active. Here are a few shots from this weeks crew.

The sparrows come by the hundreds taking over the feeder and running others off. I am trying some tactics this spring to see if I can pull them to the other side of the yard leaving the main feeder for more interesting birds.

I have a suet feeder out for the woodpeckers and other suet-feeding birds and the Downy visits often.

Other birds often seen are house finches and the nuthatch. The nuthatch with his long beak is a fun bird to watch,

I am looking forward to spring when the Goldfinch returns. Their bright yellow is beautiful. Here are a couple of pictures from last year.

Until spring, we will continue enjoying what we have. In closing, I remind you always of the beauty and power of kindness. It is amazing what a little kindness will do that also helps you.

The Middle of Round 2

The body time clock still goes off at normal time even though you can go nowhere, a good day to sleep in but no the systems are on a timer.

I got out early between the two lines of the snow to get some updated pics in case you are not sure what snow looks like…

I am always amazed at how snow sits on top of fence posts. It doesn’t take much to amaze me. Since I knew the heavy stuff would be here within the hour, I needed to refill the feeder so the birds would have something to get to since we spoil them now in providing their food.

They said thank you as the snow started up again.

The reflections of the Christmas tree are in the window. It comes down today.

The Downy Woodpecker is really enjoying the seedpack.

All in all, this snow is dryer and lighter than what we got on Tuesday, so it should not be difficult to remove. I already cleared the sidewalk once just to keep the weight down.

Hope you all have a good day, a calm weekend, and a continued good year. And as always, remember the value of kindness, especially when things around you are NOT calm.