In the winter, when there is snow covering the ground, the trees are bare, the stream is frozen and nothing looks alive, we have our birds.

This morning at the feeder there is a crowd of Mourning Doves who flew in from somewhere over the pond. They gather and cluck like the quiet county cousins of NYC pigeons, and if startled, will take off in a flurry as a group, some landing on the roof, others in the trees over the pond. They are joined on the ground by the Slate-Colored Juncos who hide somewhere all year until the snow, then they flee from the woods to the open field. They will hop around under the feeder to glean the seeds tossed off by the more agressive feeder birds.
Our Red-Bellied Woodpecker is at the suet feeder adding a splash of color and some acrobatic display as he hangs on and works at the suet.
Today we have a White-Throated Sparrow, I don't see him every day, but his is distinctive by both his size and his bright white patch under his throat, but when you look closely, you see that yellow spot by his eye that makes him stand out adding some Spring-like yellow to my stark winter landscape. More color is added with the Northern Cardinals of course, who have a habit of flying off into the apple tree which makes a classic "photo op" or perhaps next years Christmas Card ... red Cardinal - snow-covered tree.
Shall I go on ... there are at least five other species of birds out there now as I write this ... maybe tomorrow I'll show them to you. As for today, I am thankful that in the winter there is SO MUCH life and color outside my window - I could watch for hours! You are missing out on something indeed, if you do not have a bird feeder within sight of your window.

Posted by sunybank at February 20, 2007 12:56 PM