15 Minutes
at the backyard feeder
It didn’t take long. I had neglected the feeder for a few weeks now, but this morning, when I looked out at the back yard and saw the birds hunkered down on the bare tree branches, I knew it was time.
I put out some winter feed on the ground, and hung my cylinder of capsicum-laced feed in place. By the time I got back to my porch, about 20 steps, I turned around to look. The first to show was a male Downey Woodpecker, with his red flash on his black and white Tuxedo back. Next came the Starlings, the bullies at the feeder, three of them, their iridescent backs shining in the light. The House Sparrows showed up, a half-dozen. I am amazed at how they blend in to everything this time of year.
The Carolina Wren appeared, and was soon joined by a Carolina Chickadee. I wonder if they know they are in Indiana, and what are they doing here? Or, a better question, why don’t we call them Indiana Wrens and Chickadees? (I can never say “Chickadee” in my head unless it is in the voice of the great W.C. Fields…) Three Dark Eyed Juncos stopped by to browse the ground, and at the last minute a pair of House Finches arrived to enjoy a snack.
It is the annual Audubon Winter Climate Watch bird count, now through February 15, and I will post my count from today, and from time to time during the month. It is a cool and fun way to contribute to a long-standing citizen science project. I will also make a page later today but I wanted to get this out now, to keep my Friday post streak alive. I may post my page later, or maybe tomorrow.
Some days organize themselves, without any effort on my part at all. My favorite kind of day…