Thursday, December 12, 2013

Variety is the spice of life...

It’s cold here.  Not as cold as in the upper Midwest, but pretty darn cold.  It is also very bright and beautiful out.  It seems like the birds are extra active in weather like this.  They have been coming and going with great frequency to the feeder.  Now and then they have to rest though and when they do, I have been trying to grab my camera.  Here are the birds who have visited us lately.

The official state bird of Massachusetts:  the Black-capped Chickadee.  He looks official, doesn't he?


The cardinals are not as apt to hang around near the house.  If you look closely in this photo, you will see this dashing male's wife sitting on a branch behind him.


This little Junco looks curious, but the Juncos are very skittish so I don't think he knows I'm there.



Of course, the Wild Turkeys have to stop in the yard on their way through the neighborhood.  I got a kick out of watching them jump off the ground trying to grab the leftover crab apples off the tree.  Sort of the opposite of bobbing for apples.


This morning, there are American Robins in the yard.  We've noticed that they  have been sticking around during the winter the last few years.  So much for them being the heralds of spring.


17 comments:

MadSnapper said...

the official bird looks cold and official and the robin looks bright and cheery/cozy. the cardinal is a blaze of beauty

TexWisGirl said...

haven't seen robins come thru here yet this winter. and would love to see wild turkeys around. that tiny chickadee is adorable!

Lynn said...

super shots, I love the Wild Turkey...and your Official bird looks very Official, all great shots!

Anonymous said...

The birds are right at home in their winter wonderland.
Mr Cardinal stands out from the rest.. he'd better watch out.

Kerri Farley said...

Oh I LOVE these!!

Unknown said...

I enjoyed viewing these....we have the occasional robin also..alot of apple trees gone wild round here, and they eat those I think...we have finally got into some very cold weather too...even the huskies want in after just a few hours...except Kody who thinks it is his civic duty as a Siberian, to sit on the porch.
Beautiful captures Barb!

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

The little chickadee is so cute! And the cardinal is stunning against the snow. I did see his wife in the background. :-) I've seen wild turkeys twice recently and didn't have my camera handy. Great photos!

Anonymous said...

I like it!

Ana Mínguez Corella said...

Beautiful birds and pictures.. Congrats..

diane said...

I ♥ these bird shots!!!
The chickadee is so dang cute!!
I have yet to be able to capture a cardinal shot ... :-/
But I'll keep trying!
Tweet-tweet!
diane @ aug's blog

Nicki said...

You have certainly gotten some good pictures - well done on the wild turkey (they only seem to touch down near the road when I'm driving by). It's cold here, very cold tonight - so I'm guessing it is especially so in your neck of the woods.

The Furry Gnome said...

Great pictures - but robins at this time of year!?

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

We have lots of cardinals at the feeders, perhaps because it is the state bird of VA? And I agree that the junco is a very kittenish bird and never seem to focus fast enough when they come to the feeder.

Rose said...

I am sitting here reading your blog and watching the birds come and go at my feeder...I have a hard time getting a good capture of the Chickadees...and for some reason they are all skiddish this morn.

I would not have notice the female Cardinal if you had not mentioned it.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

PLEASE NOTE Barbara, your email has apparently been hacked as I received 2 messages supposedly from yiu that you were traveling in the Ukraine and had passport stolen. It requested me to help and send $. There was even a link back to your blog. The message was received at both our blog email address and my own that is linked to the blog. Others me may also be getting the same spam email. Just thought you should know. I will delete the messages after sending this one.

Debbie said...

they are just beautiful with that back drop of snow!!

for the last 2 winters, we have entertained a pheasant. i sure hope he returns this year!!

eileeninmd said...

I love the cute chickadees. I love watching my birds at the feeders during or after a snowstorm. Wonderful collection of birds and photos! Have a happy week!