Cautious Chickadee

I'm sure the little chickadees will be happy when the goldfinches leave.  Goldfinches have been numerous here this winter and they're dominant at the feeders.  They can be downright mean to each other and other small birds.  This cautious chickadee eased into the feeder, grabbed a seed and took off as quickly as possible.  

Upside Downy

I watched this little Downy woodpecker scoot along the limbs on a pine and oak tree in search of tiny bits of food.  She was very thorough as she pecked away at the crevices and peeked inside any holes that were along her path.  Little did she realize how much of my time she consumed, but I enjoyed each minute of watching her.  

Sharing with Stewart this week for

Wild Bird Wednesday

One, Just One (Male Purple Finch)

For the last several days, a male purple finch has been hanging around the feeders and bird bath. Purple finches are so attractive with their raspberry colored heads and sort of pink colored bellies. Of course, he really stands out among a crowd of chipping sparrows and goldfinches.  

He does have his mate with him- she's pictured in the last photo on the far left.  She's brown with a white belly which is heavily streaked.  She blends in easily with the other small birds in a crowd.  It's been fun watching the variety of winter birds that have visited our back yard. 

Have a blessed Sunday!

Goldfinches

I can depend on them to show up every winter.  They arrived a couple of weeks ago and each day it seems there are more of them.  My sunflower seed bill has gone up, but I don't mind.  It's only temporary and I want to keep them full and happy.

Have a wonderful day!

Squirrels Like Them Too

They also partook of the tiny fruits from the Cleveland Pear tree...

Obviously, squirrels aren't bothered with gastric reflux ;)

Robins-A-Robbing

American Robins show up every winter at our Cleveland Pear tree, only to steal their share of the tiny fruits it produces...  

Get Them While You Can

The last fruits of our Cleveland Pear tree are hastily being taken by nearby birds and squirrels.  I watched this female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker enjoy a few the other day...

She picked the most shriveled ones dangling between the ripe ones

The fruits closest to the tree have already been taken 

so it can be a challenge to reach the tiny fruits on the farthest twigs

360 degree head turn

When she tired of the fruits, she pecked around in the tree trunk for a while

It's been a while since I've regularly posted here on my nature blog.  I've been working on a genealogy project and book for my Dad so that has consumed much of my time.  I hope everyone is doing well.  Thank you for stopping in.  Have a wonderful weekend!