Black-capped Chickadee and Chipping Sparrow

When the ground starts to freeze, I start to fill up the bird feeders and try to keep them filled until spring starts defrosting the earth. When we moved to our current home, I started to see unusual birds visit our property. For example, I had to look up the Bufflehead, which is a duck. It seems like the pair just pass through as they only stayed a day or two every year. That day I started to record all the birds that visited our property. I found that each year I noticed more species than the previous. I’m not sure if I watch more diligently or indeed more varieties are visiting our home, but does it really matter.

Feeding the birds gives me such pleasure. And I guess it’s a reciprocal relationship, which are my favorite types. I give them nourishment during the harsh months; they in turn bring joy and beautiful colors to our lives during the dark days of winter. How wonderful. What more can anyone ask for?

Northern Cardinal