Watching bluebirds is not a bad way to end the year...
For a long time I thought bluebirds migrated in winter. Gradually, I came to the realization that they just changed their behavior; gathering in flocks rather than the mated pairs I was familiar with...
While watching a hillside for whatever might present itself, I was visited by bluebirds arriving to drink from a small stream and feast on greenbrier berries...
They didn't stay very long but it was fun to see them...
Other visitors included a female cardinal...
The cold water did not discourage her...
In the next image she seemed t be checking out her feet...
Finally she gazed upon her reflection...
A Carolina wren inspected a fallen tree for insects...
A male downy woodpecker did the same on a standing tree...
This flicker was puffed up against the single digit temperatures...
A goldfinch displays beautiful winter plumage...
I saw this house finch enjoying some early buds...
I watched as this red-bellied woodpecker...
Made several trips to bring a kernel of corn to stash under bark...
When I left I came across a buck that had been wounded...
There is no joy in taking photos like these. I was able to make a call to ensure that he was humanely dispatched, and the venison salvaged...
On the way home I spotted this hawk watching for prey in an open field...
Thanks for visiting, be well, and come back soon.
Great pics Steve and happy you could do something for the poor deer to end its misery
ReplyDeleteI rarely ever see bluebirds here in winter, but will have to look more closely. Ibwonder if the female cardinal was prepping for a wild New Years celebration?
ReplyDeleteSad about the buck. My husband is a hunter and venison is our beef substitute here, but he will always track down any animal he has wounded. Thankfully he is a good shot so its a rare case.