Flying Squirrel

Not flying just yet, but getting enough energy to try.

Here's a long shot, he's sitting on the back of a metal crane in a flower bed.

He's just munching away.  Glad he's eating this nut instead of planting it in the flower beds to sprout later.

And, then!!!!

He spots me and takes off flying from the crane and headed for the woods.

Blue Birds Working the Nest

    Some secrets behind these pictures.

This nest is full of babies and the parents are working furiously on feeding and cleaning.  A nest like this is a birder's paradise as you know they'll be coming and going.  Just a matter of waiting, camera ready.  These were shot from my pickup truck.  Yup, camera on a tripod sitting in the passenger's seat.  I moved the truck to several different locations to get different angles for the shots.  Focus was manually adjusted for the hole in the box.    Using a remote and multiple shot setting, I sat, drank coffee, and waited.  As the birds approached the box, I shot away.  Then, it was just a matter of picking the photos I liked  and processing them.  Here's what happened:

Click on the picture for exploded view!

Coming in loaded with fresh food.

Preparing for landing!

 Quick check around the perimeter to be safe.

 Fortunately, my truck doesn't count as a threat, 

 it's always there.

                  

Then, it's takeoff time to start all over again.

                          Now, it's clean up time for the babies.

Taking out the trash.  

Just like a Pamper for birds.

Away in a flash!

I just liked this one, looked like a painting to me.

As a side note, looked at the babies yesterday, very large, and today (Sunday, the 26th) they're out and about.  Hope some stay around nearby.

Photos From an Easy Chair

These photos were taking while sitting on my deck at the back of the house, coffee cup within reach.  Lots of patience and coffee required to capture these photos.  Ok, a couple of cigarettes as well.  Spring is here, I hope.  At least it is with the birds turning to their brilliant colors after the drab Winter ones. 

A look across the deck shows the splendor of the Dogwoods that are abundant in our yard.  Over 35 mature Dogwoods all in bloom right now for a white wonderland without snow.

Feathers and Fat

All of these pictures were taken through a bedroom window facing the feeders.  Just too cold to do it outside so I'm able to do them in the comfort of the house.

Red Bellied Woodpecker starting on a fresh suet.

Male Downy Woodpecker feasting.

Goldfinch just resting while awaiting a place at the other feeders.

Black-Capped Chickadee taking it's turn.

Even Mr. Wren gets his share.

Last call with a female Downy Woopecker.

Carolina Wrens

Mr. Wren (pictured above & below) and Mrs. Wren set up houskeeping several years ago in a Wren Condo on our back deck and are still there.   He has no fear of me and will walk around my feet or under my chair while looking for insects or whatever.  He's also LOUD!!!!

They usually produce a couple of families each year in the condo or one of many flower pots and other interesting places under the deck.
These, unfortunately, were hatched in a flower pot only to be discovered by a squirrel. 
Mr. & Mrs. Wren just moved to a higher pot sitting on top of a water fountain and raised another batch that did survive.Last one out but certainly not a rotten egg.

Needless to say, they are my favorites of all the birds just because they're always around and close.

Woodpeckers are abundant in our back

yard and the woods behind the house.

Keeping a watchful eye on the suet feeder below.

Waiting again for a space at the suet feeder.

Going for the sunflower seeds 

just like a ground feeding bird.

Snowy Morn in TN

Purple Finch waiting his turn at the feeder.

Pileated Woodpecker looking for insects.

And, then they were all gone!

Here's why.

Coopers Hawk overlooking the feeders.