Since we travel most of the fall and early winter months, I don’t fill the bird feeders until we are back and our schedule slows down. This way we can provide a more consistent food source for our little friends. Once I fill the feeders with food, it usually takes at least a week for the birds to find them. The Blue Jays are typically our first visitors and then all of sudden every bird in the neighborhood learns about the new food source. Some days, it looks like an orgy at the bird feeder! The other day was one of those days; there were Black-capped Chickadees, Slate-colored Juncos, Tufted Titmouses (by the way Titmice or Titmouses are acceptable), White-breasted Nuthatches and actually a Northern Cardinal and Downy Woodpecker along with the Blue Jays, of course. There are always Blue Jays when a feeder is full.

The other day when temperatures dipped into negative digits, there were fewer visitors to our feeders. However, the ones that came were very impressive. The birds were extra big as they fluffed up their feathers, creating air pockets, which help keep them warm. The more air spaces, the better the insulation. These birds were big! Some even looked pregnant!

I really enjoy watching all the birds visit the feeders from inside our warm home and am so glad they enjoy our food. During the early morning hours, the light reflects off their wings in such a magical way. It’s a joy to see.

Blue Jay