Camouflage

A female downy woodpecker blends in with the aspen tree.

A Christmas for All Creatures Great and Small

The birds weren't the only ones who appreciated what I got for Christmas this year. All creatures are welcome at my feeders. I had bunnies and squirrels (even a mouse) climbing the entire ascent of the deck steps to enjoy what we put out for the birds.

A wreath decorated with suet balls. Unfortunately the dog helped herself to these goodies.

Homemade bird seed cakes in fun cut-outs. Chickadees and downy woodpeckers love hanging from these, but it was the squirrels who would steal them off the hanger. 

Snowman feeder. I didn't have enough sunflower seeds to fill him all the way but I put him out anyway and the squirrels found him.  

A Lull

I tried a new birdseed the last couple weeks, a berry and nut mix, hoping to attract more cardinals, grosbeaks, and orioles. So far it has only reduced the number of sparrows and finches at my feeder and increased squirrel and bunny visitors. It's been very quiet around here.

However, I did see this downy woodpecker the other day. Perhaps I should put some suet out for him.

Downy Woodpecker

A series of shots of a female downy woodpecker feeding her little one (photos taken June 5). The last one is of her baby taking flight from the feeder. Look at that wing pattern!