After the April Snow!

Ever wonder what happens to animals when it rains? They get wet! Just look at this bedraggled blue jay...

...solitary Eastern phoebe...

...and wet and lonely robin!

Not to mention this "boy are you in the wrong place buddy!" red squirrel!

Business at the feeder was brisk during our recent snowstorm. Many of the early migrants are in need of a good feed after a long flight and it doesn't look as though they will get much for at least a few days here in the Lanark Highland!

Spring and Goldfinches

Is it my imagination, or are there hints of spring on the plumage of this male goldfinch?
Can you see the bits of bright yellow starting to show on his chin and back?
Is this why I am dreaming of gardening again?
So many questions, so little time!

Red-winged Blackbird

These are not great photos - taken through the window on New Year's day, but since these birds are significant to David and since we don't usually have any at our feeder at this time of year, I thought I'd add them. Has anyone else had blackbirds at their feeders this winter?

Birds on the top of the deer fence on a bright morning

The weather remains cold after the freezing rain of a few days ago and everything is still covered with a layer of ice. The leaves of the rose bush beside this chickadee seem frozen in time - still showing their fall colours.

We have an 8 foot deer fence that surrounds the vegetable garden. The cedar posts that hold it up extend a few feet above the wire and provide perfect perches for birds waiting their turn at the nearby feeder. This Downy woodpecker is will land a foot from my shoulder just after I took her photo.