Friday, January 04, 2008

Stocking up before the storm...and bird I.D.'s

Today we have had temperatures above freezing for the first time since before Christmas, I think. The weather forecasters tell us it is 'the warm before the storm' that is blowing in from California. My daughter and I set up this redneck birdfeeder, a few days ago,which hasn't seen much action before today. I am italicizing my added remarks. We went to the library and checked out a few bird identifying books, and so I think this first bird is a housefinch (with the lovely red markings). You can see it is a creatively styled birdfeeder made from a shoebox and aluminum foil. The pine branches are supposed to protect the food from snow, but are more decorative than useful.
I'll try and find out what kind of birds (finches??) have been visiting, the little red headed one is a favorite of mine. My best guess on this bird with the black head, is that it is an oregon sparrow. If anyone has some better ideas, please let me know! We are not experienced 'birders' here, by any means.
At any rate, they were coming and going at a fast pace, while I tried to snap pictures through the back door (you can see the window frames in the first pic).
After I had taken a lot of pics of the birdfeeder and birds, I heard the familiar scrawtch of pheasants. They weren't about to get up on the back deck to reach the bird food, but they were out and about! I often see them in the yard.
Today I saw two (only got a pic of one), and was also lucky enough to get a photo of that one pheasant flying away.
Maybe I'll put some food out for the pheasants, too. They really are lovely birds.

7 comments:

verobirdie said...

Lovely pictures, especially that of the pheasant!

Laurie and Chris said...

Love your "redneck" birdfeeder. You got great pictures!

Kylee Baumle said...

We've got pheasants here, too, but it's been awhile since I've seen one. I think they're beautiful birds! Great photos!

Emily said...

wow, you got some great pictures of those birds! i like the little red one, too.

Jean said...

You got some great bird shots! Maybe you should of asked for a birdfeeder for Christmas! Love the pheasant flying away!

nancy said...

Hi. I came for show and tell, but enjoyed your bird photos even more. I must come back and visit when I have more time.
God Bless you.
Nancy

nannykim said...

Love the birds!!