Watching the Robins

American Robins are so patient while seeking out food.  Have you ever observed them on your lawn? They stand tall and nearly motionless until they spot movement then hastily run a few steps and suddenly stop to peck into the grass or dirt.  This running and stopping behavior is a distinctive characteristic of the American Robin.  They often scatter into small groups on the lawn, usually during mid-morning and late afternoon.  

This year is the first that I've seen a couple of them take food from the feeders.  I've read that their diet usually consists of 60 percent fruits and berries and 40 percent insects, so perhaps it's the nut and berry seed mix in the feeders that attracted them.

They appreciate clean water in the bird baths, especially during dry spells.

During hunting breaks, they sometimes sit high upon the branches of the old oak tree and relax, or tidy up their feathers...

With spring migration rapidly approaching, these robins will soon leave and return to their breeding areas north from here.  I'm sometimes lucky enough to see young robins when I visit my daughter in Tupelo during early summer because a pair usually nests in an outdoor light box next to her back door.

Robins are among a group of my winter friends.  It's refreshing to watch them during a time when my yard is drained of colorful blooms and fresh green grass.  Blended songs and calls from the robins, chipping sparrows, goldfinches and my resident cardinals and chickadees fill the bland air with cheerful music.  Every living thing has its season and I'm fortunate to witness many of them.

Woodpeckers on the Old Oak

An old oak tree in our front yard is a favorite hang-out for a resident pair of red-bellied woodpeckers during winter.  They are often seen scooting along the thick branches in search of tiny insects.  They also hide their gathered acorns in holes along the branches.  

Other birds like to visit this old tree too.  I've seen blue jays, cedar waxwings, chickadees, robins, downy woodpeckers and many others perched upon its branches or inspecting the branches in search of food.  

This old oak tree needs to be cut down because of the many signs of destruction and disease within its trunk and limbs.  My hubby and I have talked about having it cut down, but it's another one of those things that we procrastinate on because we can- seems there is always something more important that needs attention.  So, for now, the birds can enjoy it a while longer, and I can enjoy watching them.

Lots of Goldfinches

A yard full of hungry, thirsty, sometimes mean, sometimes sweet goldfinches...

(and an occasional purple finch)

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!