O Christmas Tree

For Many of us, this is how we remember our Christmas tree. Typically we think of the ornaments, lights and whatever presents it might be gathered around the tree stand. Early in their life as part of our families, Christmas trees tend to make men say things that are not very . . . well,  "Christmasy." They often say un-Christmasy things  while putting the tree into a stand or trying to get the lights set perfectly around (and around) so that the other decorations may be attached.
Once the tree is up and in its second phase of family life, it becomes appreciated and loved. But then, Christmas is over. What about that tree? This year my tree has been called to a second tour of duty. It will stay a bit longer in our family creating more happy memories and taking our minds away from that first day when it caused so much trouble.
 While I often leave the tree in its stand just by the front door a few days, it is usually due to procrastination and a sense of putting off the end of Christmas.  It seems so sad to dump that perfectly nice green tree.
There have been many years that I have taken it down but used it to protect my Azaleas or Rhododendrons, hoping that the deer will eat on the needles of our Christmas tree, sparing my garden plants. Now that we have a fence (Building a fence or more fence building)  we no longer have a problem with deer. 
This year, though, it was left out front with a purpose.


I have scattered sunflower seeds into the tree. Underneath, juncos, cardinals and song sparrows reap the benefits of seeds that fell through onto the concrete below.

Chickadees become tree-toppers

and a Carolina wren nuzzles among its boughs,

taking advantage of protection from the wind

as it seeks out seeds balanced against the needles.

Downy woodpeckers find nourishment froms suet hanging heavily from a branch.

Now, remember that cardinal you saw in Yesterday's blog? Well, you have probably guessed it.  It was perched in the Howard family Christmas tree.

Love is in the Air

Spring has finally arrived in the Mid-Ohio Valley.  The birds, like many of the rest of us, seemed relieved.  "Busy" is the buzz-word of the season.  One of the first things I notice with the warmer weather is that the birds aren't at the feeder as much. The main reason is probably because the nights aren't as cold so they don't have to consume as many calories as in winter. 

But they do still come.  This (I think) downy woodpecker is making the most of its feeder visits by filling up on a high suet mixture I have offered.  The pink color on the mixture comes from raspberries.

The woodpecker, treating my feeder as a breakfast bar, carried bits of the stuff up into a maple tree and once she deemed there to be enough, she perched and ate.

It must have been more relaxing to eat up in the tree rather than hang on to the feeder while watching out for other birds.

The Eastern Towhee ignored my feeder this winter but has finally made an appearance. I saw and heard it often in the woods right behind my house, but it was content to stay hidden.  My theory is that there was no need to take the risk of going to my feeder because there was plenty to eat in the woods this winter.  It's the same reason the deer weren't out in the open much this year and I only saw the turkeys a couple times.  I never saw one come to my feeders.  Last year it was pretty common.

A second reason the birds aren't coming to the feeder as much is that they have better things to do. Spring is the season for love!  I caught this pair of flickers flirting in flight and circling a poplar tree.

They were often on opposite sides of the tree, going round and round. Do you see them both in the left photo?

The birds would eventually meet, fly together in mid air then fall to the ground and act as if nothing had happened.

Even now, as I write this, I am having trouble as a pair of phoebes try to build a nest while chasing another pair away from the nest sight. More about that tomorrow. 

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Wordless Wednesday

 

Female Downy Woodpecker (Procoides pubescens)

Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco Hyemalis)