Birds in the Trees

Common Redpoll

Flying from branch to branch these small finches hungrily consume birch tree seeds on a cold, sunny morning.

A Quiet Afternoon

It has been quiet here today.  We had a dusting of snow last night, and the temperature hasn't risen much above 5 degrees C.  The sun came out now and again when I was outside earlier to observe the birds at the feeders which made it feel a little warmer. The little nuthatch arrived for a seed, but didn't linger so there was no chance of a picture.  I heard the Bald Eagle, but I didn't see where he might be perched.
  

Little Finch

Common Redpoll

Habitat

In this tree....

 a small finch (Common Redpoll)

In this tree....

a squirrel (Red Squirrel)

In this tree....

a nuthatch (White-breasted Nuthatch)

In this tree....

a nest for young crows

Sunshine

Common Redpoll with a sunflower seed

May you all enjoy a peaceful and happy new year.
 

Finches

Common Redpoll

Pine Grosbeak, Female

Sunny Morning

The little finches (Common Redpoll) were all over the birch trees this morning eating the seeds held in the catkins.  A beautiful and reassuring sight.  

A Chilly Start to March

 About -18C yesterday

Redpoll with feathers fluffed up for warmth.

This hardy Steller's Jay has remained with us all winter.

This Week's Featured Bird

Common Redpoll ~ Carduelis flammea

Length: 13cm (5 1/4")
Weighs 14g (0.5 oz.)

named for their red or orange-red cap or "poll"

Today the birds were fluffed up against the cold with the temperature hovering around -13C all day. It was mostly cloudy with some swirling snowflakes earlier on. I counted at least a dozen grosbeaks and as many redpolls at the feeders. There were two nuthatches on this day, numerous chickadees and our friendly squirrel.

Redpoll, female, perched in the Serviceberry Bushes.

This one is perched on the ash can lid which also serves as a platform feeder.

Common Redpoll

Carduelis flammea

Common Redpoll male, perched on clothesline

We have had the redpolls here since January. They like the shelled sunflower seeds and the suet cakes, as well as the birch tree seeds. One interesting fact is that they have throat pouches for temporarily storing seeds. Sometimes they will fill their pouches and then fly to a more sheltered spot to eat.

A Little Bird

Taken March 13/08 
I like this sunny picture because the rosy redpoll reminds me of the one I heard singing this morning and because of the gray groovy eye of a poplar tree.