Monday, January 24, 2011

My Poor Birds

Yesterday was bitter.  And, the poor birds must have been suffering.  They were at the feeder all day long.  I had to keep going out and replenishing the supply of seed and corn, all during the day.  All told, I went through two day's normal supply of sunflower seeds, and four day's supply of cracked corn.  I'd no sooner put more out than this would be the scene at the feeder.
I saw a few squirrels, but not as many as I thought I would.  They mainly came in ones and twos, not in the nines and tens I have seen at the feeder at one time.  I suspect that they were curled up in their winter nests, maybe eating the emergency supplies that they had stashed.  Then, too, I think that mammals can go for a bit without food, unlike the birds which carry no extra fat.
But, the ducks!  Usually, they come just at dusk, but, yesterday, they were here all day long.  It started with one lone Mallard.
But, he must have gone and told all of his friends because it seems that, every time I looked out, this is what I saw.
They're very interesting birds who seem to have some kind of flock awareness.  There are always some watching for danger, as the rest eat.

Such beautiful creatures.  It's a pleasure to have them around, even if they do eat me out of house and home.
They came right until dusk, some even sitting in the snow, just waiting, even as the sun set.

It's negative six degrees here right now.  After I finish this, I'm going to suit up and put the first batch of food for the day out.  I wonder if I'll have as many visitors today as I did yesterday?

19 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

I love the wildlife that come in and feed at your generous back yard! Tell those birds and ducks that spring is coming - I have it on good authority. I saw (and heard) my first skein of geese flying north here yesterday!!! :)

Liesl said...

Wow Louise, those ducks sure are beautiful! I agree that the squirrels might be munching on their stashes! Keep warm! xoxo

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

HI Louise! The ducks don't even look real in some of the pictures! I counted 5 squirrels eating up what I put out this morning--Everyone is hungry it seems!

I hope your day is going well!

My Mind's Eye said...

Hi Louise and what a generous and kind soul you are to brave the negatives for our fine feathered friends. I've never had to go out in those kind of temperatures to fill my feeders. You are having some rough weather!!

I'm amazed at all the beautiful birds and visitors you have.
Hugs Madi and Mom

John Going Gently said...

you spoil those birds x

Sharon said...

Those birds are probably pretty happy that they found your food! It's warmer today and not a bird in sight, here!

Vicki Lane said...

Geese also always have one on guard-- smart birds!

IsobelleGoLightly said...

I want to come up and eat all that yummy food, Auntie Louise! I was shivering here this morning at minus 12 degrees F. My lady couldn't believe that I, with my lovely coat, was shivering!

Terry said...

The birds are lucky to have you! Hope you guys warm up soon. -6 is too darn cold.

Joanna@BooneDocksWilcox said...

thank you for feeding them, but my heart breaks that they NEED you so desperately. -6 goodness, it's been cold here but nothing like that.

Anonymous said...

The mallard is my favorite bird ...one of them, at least.

Your weather conditions are the same as here. The wind is unbelievable right now and it's -11F. We're under a wind chill warning

Lori Skoog said...

I expect to see a wildlife hotel/shelter out there next season....just in case.

wiseacre said...

By 8 this morning it had warmed up to -20F :)

fromsophiesview said...

Are you known as The Bird Lady? Very fortunate birds these ones are....so cold here today that birds couldn't hang around...must the wind....brrrr!

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

I'm sure that you are a lifeline for some of those animals, especially with temps so low and no grass or wild seeds to forage this time of year.
I bet you are missing seeing the ground and grass about now, though.
At least all your wildlife visitors add some entertaining beauty and life to your view :)

~Lisa

Ellen Rathbone said...

Y'know - one just doesn't think of DUCKS as feeder birds!

Jim said...

Great shots Louise! Your feeding area looks like our deck....full of seed and corn! You gave me the idea that cracked corn is good. So I use it now! Those Cardinals get me every time!

Jacqueline Donnelly said...

Ducks!? You get DUCKS at your feeders? And wow! look at all those cardinals! Beautiful!

barefootheart said...

You have such a great crowd! Look at those cardinals! And the ducks! I like the way they are sitting over their feet, keeping their toes warm.