By the Bird Feeder

I saw David Behm's post and it inspired me to keep an eye on the bird feeder just outside my window. We only use this feeder in the winter with hopes to keep the little birds satisfied. Below are some of the pictures I captured while the temperatures outside were sub-zero.

 This bird is a Junco. They are the most common bird around my feeder.

This is an American Goldfinch. It is darker in color in the winter than it appears in the summer season. 

This is a White-Breasted Nuthatch

 This is a Tufted Titmouse



This is a Chickadee

Keep an Eye on those Bird Feeders

Each of us probably has our own personal "open space" - a backyard, a common area or vacant lot near our home.  Birdfeeders can provide many opportunities to view colorful as well as common songbirds.  With the forecast calling for cold and snow, now is a good time to keep those feeders full and to keep a watchful eye on those that visit.

This morning, I spied this bird on our suet feeder - an American Tree Sparrow, according to the Peterson Field Guide, "Birds of Eastern and Central North America."  Note the dark spot on its breast and the two white wing bars - all identifying characteristics of this species.

While this species spends its winters throughout southern Canada to central U.S., it spends summers in Alaska or northern Canada.

Happy New Year to all!