Annie snoozing in her french bread basket.
Took a run up to the lot again now that the frigid weather is behind us for awhile. Geesh.....that was something. I've been layered up for two days and look like the Goodyear Blimp when I head out. I can usually take winter with a grain of salt but for some reason, this year, I am already done with it. Must be this 'getting older' thing.
The feeders were almost empty AGAIN. Poor things must be eating constantly to try and warm up.
I filled them to the brim, added pumpkin seeds to the wooden box, made another feeder out of an old pumpkin and filled it with a mixed seed along with fresh pumpkin seeds and put a fresh apple in the apple holder.
The birds went crazy. I had countless chickadees, wrens, nut-hatch, a woodpecker, 2 huge bluejays, several morning doves and sparrows come to the buffet.
Male Downy Woodpecker & Mourning Dove.
Chickadee...dee...dee...dee...dee
Look at that face. Can you find him?
(Blue-jay)
Wren
I have a recipe now for suet (which I never thought I would ever want to make) and have gathered up the ingredients to make some this weekend. If I don't, this may be one expensive hobby I have now taken on.
Martha Stewart has many videos on feeding back-yard birds all winter and I think this one is very helpful for anyone starting out.
http://www.marthastewart.com/246593/winter-bird-feeding-2#246593
Did you know that when you hang a new bird feeder you should add a bright ribbon to it to attract the birds faster? Check this out.
http://www.marthastewart.com/272496/ribbon-bird-feeder
"Yippee ...she's finally found a decent hobby."
"Bring on the birdies."
I'm joining http://camera-critters.blogspot.ca/ and
http://viewingnaturewitheileen.blogspot.ca/ for Saturday's Critters.
stay toasty,
Deb
LOL! Oh, Audrey. She's too busy taking care of you to have a hobby! ;) ;)
ReplyDeleteStay warm.
Hugs and Purrs....
Audrey, the birds are for you to LOOK at only! It's a great hobby but can get expensive!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Linda
Audrey! I am laughing out loud! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the pumpkin idea...I'll have to remember that one! I have suet making on my to do list for the weekend...it's easy and they do love it...and that peanut butter in it is so good for them.
I love all the birds you had come to your buffet...so fun to see! I do love nuthatches...they are just adorable!
Audrey, you're looking fierce today! Isn't it fun to watch the birdies outside?
ReplyDeleteAnnie's looking so sweet napping like that.
HeHe! Is that you Audrey....
ReplyDeleteScheming in the darkness!
Bless!x
Wonderful photos!
ReplyDeleteYou remind me that I need to find my boot so I can go in the snow to fill the feeders -- you are right -- they are eating more like pigs than birds! And Lizzie's loving every second!
ReplyDeleteLovely birds!
ReplyDeleteWe have two cats, very individual in their habits and attitudes.
Have a wonderful week-end!
Lea
Hello Deb, I am sure the birdies are thanking you for feeding them and helping to keep them warm.. This is some cold weather we are having.. I like your sweet kitty and all the pretty birds.. Cute post and photos.. Thank you for linking up and sharing your critter post.. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteGreat Pumpkin idea! Lovely Birds!
ReplyDeleteI love the pumpkin feeder too! The hungry birds must be loving you now. Makes you wonder how they survived before you hung all the feeders. I love your blog!!!
ReplyDeleteIt seems the birds can empty a feeder in a matter of hours, they are simply not large enough. The halved pumpkin is a good idea, it holds a lot more feed. We use a wild pheasant/turkey feeder which will hold 50 lbs of grain, seeds or corn. I set it on the floor in the barn for the chickens and ducks, but wild birds fly in and out all day long to eat. It is worth the investment of around $100 and could be rigged to sit up high to protect the BIRDS from the CATS.
ReplyDeleteAnnie is lovely and I am glad she is inside and not frightening the lovely birds that are in your garden. Have a great weekened
ReplyDeleteThe layer of snow looks beautiful Deb. So good of you to be feeding the birds now. Although living in a city apartment, I do it as well when the cold sets in.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend!
Madelief x
You're as good to birds as you are to cats! I always think a blue jay appears to have a scowl on his face. Haven't seen a chickadee for awhile.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Cute, the cat watching the birds at the feeder. The birds here are very interested in my seeds, I keep wondering what they would be eating if we were not feeding them. I tried making suet cakes for the first time, the birds like them too. I'm concerned about whether the ones I can buy contain GMO corn, they all seem to have corn. It didn't turn out to be very difficult.
ReplyDeleteYou need to change your header to :Just Cats ... and Birds" , You have not only taken on a hobby, it becomes a responsibilty because the birds will learn to depend on your feeders. Expensive yes ... but. you can cut back in the summer because they have a lot more natural options to rely on. I would say you are doing an awesome job ... and my guess will be that you will make one, maybe two batches of suet, realize how messy it is and find out that the store versions are not that much more expensive ... but go for it. I will be back to see how you are doing. Now I think I will go see what Martha has to say ... thanks for this fun post!
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
Cute! I love the shot of Annie sleeping.
ReplyDelete