Sunday, March 6, 2011

Out of My Rear Window 3/6/11

Late yesterday afternoon, after an all day rain.
When I got up this morning.
A couple of hours later.
Yes, folks, we have ourselves a snowstorm!
And, the birds know it.  They have been flocking to the feeders all morning.
Here's something that I've never seen before.  Cardinals on the niger feeder.  Yet, today I saw both a male and a female sitting and eating there.

Titmouse
Chickadee
This is just a starling sitting in the dogwood tree, but, I like the composition.
And, the real excitement of the day, that I didn't even realize that I had until I looked at the pictures, is that I think that I have been visited by common redpolls.  These are birds of the far north that sometimes make incursions into this area in the winter.  I'm hoping that Gary, from Me, Boomer and The Vermilon River http://vermilonriverwildlife.blogspot.com/ stops by today, because he is very used to seeing these birds, and should be able to tell me for sure if these are female common redpolls.  The bird hanging on to the middle of the feeder is the one that makes me think that this is what I have.  If you click on the photo, you should be able to see the red spot on the top of her head better.  Heh, she doesn't appear to be too happy with the goldfinch above her, does she?
My plow guy just came, so I guess I had better get the garbage out before the driveway fills in again.  Have a happy Sunday, everyone.

16 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

Oh man! I was SO excited to see your top photo and thought "Wow! Spring has finally made it to Louise!" But then Mother Nature had another agenda...

I saw some posts on redpolls recently on another blog. I think you might be right, altho I've never seen them in person. :)

Sharon said...

What a smack-down, more snow! I love the pictures of the birds, you have a very popular place! Some of them look pretty cold, is it a cold snow or a warm snow that you are having? I imagine you are longing for Spring......

Louise said...

Sharon, it's a heavy, wet snow, unfortunately. The temperature is 27 F, but slowly declining. So, it's going to be a bear to shovel unless I keep on top of it. I am more than ready for Spring, but, we're used to this here, and I can remember big snow storms the first week in April. I tell you, though, we really appreciate Spring, when it finally arrives.

Kritter Keeper at Farm Tails said...

ugghhh, so sorry you have all that snow. wehad a spitting of snow this morning that got me down...blahhh...here'es hoping your snow melts quickly!

Sally said...

March is playing the Lion. Just when we were seeing a little grass....Can't wait for the Lamb.

Love the activity out your window. My cats are watching the busy feeder here...from inside!

Tina said...

Same here rain all day yesterday, all the snow gone, woke up this morning, everything white again....sigh!!!

Sandy ~~~ said...

Oh your beautiful Cardinals! I so miss them having lived in WA state now for almost 30 years, coming from Missouri. Thanks for sharing all the birds with me this morning!

Louise said...

Sally, do you have a blog? It doesn't show up on your profile and I would love to follow it if you do.

Jim said...

Louise, you did it again! What great photos of your feathered friends! I especially like the Starling one....such a good shot of it in a very typical pose....one of rejection. Funny how they have this 'bad' rep.
And of course the Cardinals.....I have never seen a female before....they look something like a Grosbeak.
We are getting your storm tonight.....mostly rain though here along the coast.

Unknown said...

That's a female Common RedPoll!! The Hoary would have a white/buff area on her back. Hope you get some males. They have a red bib. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Unknown said...

Gosh I thought I left a message. Yes those are Common RedPolls and they came with the Goldfinches. If you spread the bird seed on the ground you may get a larger flock and then you may get some Hoary's. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River.

Terry said...

I would like a cardinal or two.
Thank you for your comment on Clifford, dear Louise. Your thoughtfulness is very appreciated.

Upupaepops said...

Wow Louise You need to start a yard and life list

A Redpole

fantastic

Inger said...

A list sounds like a fun idea. That was the saddest I have seen your yard look since you started your photos, but it all changed when the birds showed up! Great photo essay of what goes on in a back yard in western NY state.--Inger

KB said...

We're having snow too! It never ends here, right until the end of May most years. Your yard looks beautiful with the new snow!

Very exciting if that's a common redpoll. I believe that we occasionally have those here in the summer.

Sheri said...

The birds especially appreciate the feeder on miserable days, and help brighten our day in return. Nice to have redpolls visit.