Not your everyday backyard bird, but isn’t this bird beautiful?  My husband and I went to our local zoo on Sunday and we found this beauty in the aviary. I’m afraid I didn’t find out what kind of bird this was or where it was from, but regardless I’m glad he sat still long enough so I could take a few photos of him.

I don’t think hearts have to be red…..do they? Anyway, I think these white bleeding hearts can convey the same thought….Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Indigo Bunting

With this mild winter we are having I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of all the Spring and Summer birds to this area. I know it’s a ways off, but that’s what keeps me going during these winter months.  I hope I see more of the Indigo Buntings this summer as they sure are a beautiful bird with such striking plumage. Think Spring everyone!

This squirrel seemed to be enjoying the nice sunshine on a cold winter day. I’m surprised he wasn’t joined by his many brothers and sisters. We sure have a lot of squirrels this winter calling our yard their home.

No matter how beautiful the bright male cardinal is, I still think the female is gorgeous too. One of these times I hope to capture both the male and female in the same frame. Come on birds, cooperate with this photographer.

My birds are pretty well behaved. They take turns eating at the feeders and many times they are sitting right on top of one another it gets so busy.  I like how this cardinal is eyeing the downy woodpecker as if to say “It’s my turn next”.

I’m thrilled that this Northern Flicker is hanging around our yard this winter.  When we had snow falling the other morning, this Flicker stayed at the feeder for about 10 minutes.  Makes for a happy day!

These House Sparrows go crazy at the feeder. It can be so quiet around the yard when the weather is nice, but as soon as we get snow our feeders are full of our feathered friends. That is ONE nice aspect of a winter snowstorm.

We still have no snow on the ground and it looks like this squirrel is either prayer for snow or praying it doesn’t snow. Regardless, I sure think this little guy is cute. It’s still early and I’m sure we’ll get a ton, but for now let’s enjoy no shoveling.

We don’t have any snow on the ground this year yet, but that doesn’t mean the birds aren’t going crazy eating up all the bird seed or hitting up our suet feeders. I was able to take a photo of this Downy Woodpecker through my kitchen window. He sure seems to enjoy the suet we supply for his needs and for our other feathered friends.