Icy conditions. . . . . .and smart birds!

Garden birds are smart...........in many ways!

On Sunday, during the ice storm, which thankfully didn't cause any major damage

here in our area, I noticed the potting shed in the back garden provided shelter 

for many birds, especially House finches. . . . . . 

. . . . . . and this adorable Titmouse tucked under the roof overhang.

The finches, male and female, gathered together and shared covered

 spaces for over an hour when the freezing rain was falling.

Male Eastern bluebird and female House Finch

Female Eastern bluebird

Male Northern cardinal

Male Northern cardinal and House finch - boys together!

Male House finch

Thrasher considering frozen suet

Female Towhee

Female American robin in the fig tree today - sunny, dry and cold.

This post is especially for the many bird lovers out there - hoping these 

beautiful creatures visit your gardens too.

Today is disappointing!

Up to nine inches of snow was expected.

At midnight I heard the sleet slapping against the windows.

At 6:30 AM I peeped through the blinds and saw a little white on the ground.

I went back to sleep hoping for more.

At 8:00 AM I was up, camera in hand, totally disappointed.

I saw branches bending over, and a layer of ice coating every surface,

 with just a shallow dusting of snow on top.

Fooled you!

 But lovely to see a pair of Eastern Bluebirds back at the suet feeder.

The always sweet Mourning Doves - later I poured warm water on the

 birdbaths to help melt the ice.

Many cardinals, male and female all over the garden today.

The Northern Flicker is back - first visit in a while.

One of the many 'furballs' inhabiting our garden and sharing gobbling the birdseed.

Grey squirrels - love 'em or hate 'em - they are cute, at times!

All creatures need food in this expected severe cold which will last several days.

All photos taken through the windows this morning - it's below freezing - but

guess what, it's actually snowing out there NOW as I go to post this!

Off to dig out my boots and recharge my batteries.

A visit from the Cedar Waxwings. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recently, early morning, a flock of beautiful Cedar waxwings took a 

short break in our backyard trees. I first noticed about a dozen squabbling

 over whom would get a drink from the birdbath. 

I ran for the camera but by the time I returned to the window they

 were up on the branches with about 20 more birds, all preening before moving

 on to wherever they were headed, probably back up north. Such lovely birds.

I'm still visiting in Branson, Missouri.
Yes, enjoying the music and being with friends.
Weather has turned cold after the stormy night but will
 warm up again tomorrow. 

A flash of brilliant blue. . . . . . .

Bob has admonished me for posting so many bird photos lately!  
He thinks I might be boring the h - - - out of everyone. Am I?  
Oh well, sorry if I am, but I'll just blame it on a serious case of cabin fever, 
and the need to share something of beauty outside the windows through 
this long, cold February which is now turning into March. . . . . . . and we are 
due to get another ice storm today!

So today, a little more color will help perhaps, and you get a flash of the most 
beautiful blue across the screen.  I think everyone loves to see the bluebird.

It's usually difficult to catch one on the ground - I was fortunate with this shot as I also got

 the female cardinal and a mourning dove, sharing the seed under the feeder.

Love the bluebird's stance as he stood poised on the edge of the snow-covered 

bird bath - such beautiful feathers.

Eastern bluebirds are year-round residents here, then joined by many 

northern migrants swelling the population each winter.

Weather update and you've guessed it, more beautiful birds coming later!