They're Back!

The Juncos have returned to Wisconsin!  You won't find them here in the summer, but they're the first to arrive in the Fall and the last to leave come Spring.  They'll visit platform feeders, or feed on the ground below a tubular feeder.  In winter, they move about in a mixed flock of Black Capped Chickadees, Red Brested Nutchatches and Downy Woodpeckers.  I love the delicate pink shade of their beaks.  Roger Tory Peterson notes, "This bird is charaterized by white outer tail feathers that flash conspicuously as it flies away."

The Juncos' arrival reminds me that even when we cannot see it, Mother Nature and Father Time have matters well in hand. 

For more info about Juncos, see: http://animal.discovery.com/guides/wild-birds/d-h/dark-eyed-junco.html

Thank You Mother Nature

There's been far less activity at the bird feeder now that food sources are abundant.  But patience and persistence pay off.  Looked outside and noticed something blue on the ground.  I did a double take because ONE is a dog toy...but I saw TWO!  Lo and behold a male Eastern bluebird was below the feeder.  I've lived here for 20 years and NEVER saw a single blue bird in this neighborhood.  What a thrill!  I sat quietly with my binoculars while Mrs. Bluebird approached. The two of them sat still long enough for me to identify them.  Know why they have a red breast?  Cuz they're cousins to the Robin.

To find out more about bluebirds, see http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Bluebird/sounds

Out of the corner of my eye I saw a yellow blur.  Mrs. Cardinal was collecting nest material, but had trouble convincing the chosen twig to come with her. She fluttered there for several minutes.

At the same time Mama Chipmunk came out from under the deck, and stuffed at least a dozen maple seeds in her pouches.  While she was busy, one baby chipmunk came onto the deck to explore.  It was soooo cute!

Thank you Mother Nature, thank you so much!

Sharing the Feast

There's a female cardinal in our area with white markings on her head.  This summer I watched her mature from a begging baby bird to an adult - eagerly waiting to see if she would turn red or gold.  The white markings persisted even after she got her adult plumage.  Haven't seen her since the days got shorter though.

Today I saw chickadees, nuthatches, purple finches and a Cooper's hawk.  But no cardinals.  When I finally spot Mrs. Cardinal again, I'll post a picture.  Meanwhile, the squirrels are feasting!

Did some quilting on TG, Friday and today.  I'm binding a UFO, and found a great small project that I can use as Christmas gifts - called Oragami Bags.  Will post pics of both soon.  Then I can finally get rolling on my cardinal quilt.

Remember the Not-To-Do List?  Yard work is history.  New dishwasher arrived today.  Delegated  laundry duties at home, and the Christmas party at work.  DANG, I'm good!