Common Grackle

I like the Common Grackle for its sharp intelligent eyes and the way it marches around my yard like a soldier.

Blue Heron versus My Husband

Now that spring is here, I assume the battle of the Blue Heron versus my husband will resume. Last year my husband put a small goldfish pond in our yard. He was so proud of it with his decorative rocks and surrounding plants. Soon after, his fish kept disappearing and he was suspicious of the squirrels and birds. One morning I looked out our kitchen window and could not believe I was seeing this huge bird! We watched him gulp down the last of my husband's fish. Who would've thought that this bird would've been able to spot our small little pond in our even smaller yard. Someone gave us the tip to put a couple strands of fishing line across the pond and that this will stop the Blue Heron. We'll see....but I must admit, I hope the Blue Heron returns again.

Ladies Lunch - The Cardinal and the House Finch

Today I observed a "Ladies Lunch" with the female Cardinal and female House Finch. The cardinal was already enjoying the sunflower seeds when the finch flew in for a visit. In the second photo you can see the cardinal checking to see who joined her. In the third photo, the finch appears to be checking out her lunch partner too.

Another White-breasted Nuthatch Photo

It seems like the only birds visiting the log cabin lately are the nuthatches, chickadees and the Hairy woodpeckers. Bear with me on one more photo of the White-breasted nuthatch. I just thought this one was cute as he was peering down on me. I love how white his chest is.

Ode to the Black-capped Chickadee

Today I was watching my family of 8 Black-capped Chickadees swarm my feeders at the cabin. When I had to take the feeder down to refill it, I could hear all the noisy protests as they lined up in various trees to watch me. I was hurrying as fast as I could and then ran back to the cabin to watch them. These various photos are my ode to Black-capped Chickadees. They are definitely the boss of me!

Nuthatch with a nut!

I had to share this photo of the nuthatch with a nut. I was placing seeds and peanuts on the log post of our deck to lure the birds in closer for photo opportunities. This little guy flew back and forth to the post a few times, taking one item at a time.

More of my Hairy Woodpecker couple

My Hairy Woodpecker couple showed up again today at the cabin. They took turns feeding on the same suet cake. I found this comical and yet endearing - especially since I had another suet cake on a tree nearby. Chicago Nature Lady agrees that I should give them names - I'm still thinking. Does anyone have ideas??

Busy Nuthatch

I love the White-breasted Nuthatch. They always seem so busy and on the move. They are so interesting to watch as the creep down the tree headfirst. These pictures were taken at our log cabin. We have a couple nuthatches hanging out with a family of 8 Black-capped Chickadees on the feeders. From what I've read, these 2 groups typically hang out together in the winter along with the Tufted Titmouse and the Downy Woodpecker.

Hairy Woodpeckers that peck trees together...

Hairy woodpeckers that peck trees together - stay together. This morning I observed the male and female Hairy woodpecker hammer on the tree together in front of our log cabin for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, the female starting climbing the tree higher to peck on a new spot. This caused the male to started chirping - (well really he was making this "PECK" sound very loud) - almost like he was calling to her. I'm hoping I get to observe them together for many more days to come.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

This morning I had the good fortune of having the Red bellied Woodpecker visit my yard. This picture shows him storing the suet in the tree that he just took off the suet feeder.