The contrast between the rumpled, tired looking older lady cardinal and the fresh, sweet young thing caught my eye.

Sitting inside and taking pictures of birds in the cold rain makes me feel kind of guilty. I mean, they Could come sit on the covered porch, but I haven't yet figured out how to communicate this to them.

This is Scooby, a dog nephew of mine. Today is his birthday (he shares it with my sister-in-law) and apparently this pink princess hat is a birthday tradition. Don't feel too bad for him -- I'm pretty sure he also got a puppy cake♥️

I was so excited to see crocuses yesterday! I'm So ready for spring! But also, the winter light on the leaves is beautiful. And look at this poor stressed-out male cardinal! He and another fellow were disputing territory and I felt so sorry for him! The females are enjoying their last peaceful days!

We had a couple pretty days but are now back to dark, cold, and drizzle. But I have pictures, so it definitely happened! A very floofy red-tailed hawk, some mallard ducks, and a bald eagle! The eagle is blurry because I was so excited that I forgot to change the shutter speed😂

One last pic. I love the no-nonsense expression on this lady cardinal♥️

I keep meaning to find a new place to walk so that I might, perhaps, see new birds. But, then, I'm awfully fond of Downy Woodpeckers and Bluebirds and also, very much, a creature of habit😉

Ooof. It's been a while but it has been too cold for much picture taking. For me. Because my fingers get frozen very quickly😅 But this week is supposed to be warmer!

It's been a busy week but I found some time to sneak out and admire the birds anyway!

Finally a sunny day! Also cold, but really beautiful. I love how sleek this Cedar Waxwing looks, though I relate much more to the rumpled Titmouse!

It's been SO cold lately. My fingers are practically frozen and I'm Inside, with central heat. This little Northern Mockingbird is a brave little figure on his windblown stump, buffeted by icy winds but stalwart. I'd have never made it as a bird. Also, a very round robin and bright-eyed kildeer.

It was gloves-weather this morning and I wasn't wearing any. Still, lovely to be outside! The Eastern Phoebe is handsome but looks very "no-nonsense." I felt more in common with the sparrow, who seems very pensive. And then there's a blurry little something... A kinglet, perhaps?

For today we have a Downy Woodpecker I saw just as the sun was setting. There's something incredibly cute about woodpecker tongues, don't you think? Also, the way he can twist his neck to get the right angle for digging into a hole!

I think it's the yellow eyes, but when I imagine this Pileated Woodpecker's inner dialogue it in a Gollum voice. "Oooh, Precious! Such lovely grubses we've found! And all OURS!"

Yesterday evening I was walking in the park and the wind was blowing so hard I had to brace my feet to stand steady. This wee titmouse was clinging to a branch, trying to puff his feathers out but being blown all gillywhompers. Wish I could invite all the little critters inside on cold nights.

As I was wandering about taking mediocre bird pics this morning I startled this junior stag. He and another young fellow watched me for a little while, then left, but the third in the group, this much bigger deer, followed me around for quite a while, photobombing my grass seed pics.

I was super excited this morning to spot a Belted Kingfisher! I’d have a missed him but started peering into the branches to see who was raising such a ruckus 😅 Also a sparrow, nicely coordinating with fall leaves 💕

A couple pictures to get started on! The bird pic isn’t good but I was really excited because I don’t remember seeing a Cedar Waxwing before. And the horse is from yesterday evening. I was squishing through a soggy part in the pasture and nearly bumped into this fellow.