Acorn suet and remembering Tink.

Here is another idea for feeding your birds this winter. I bought this to use as a model to make my own. Start with a large pine-cone and tie a piece of covered wire to it.Then shape home-made suet over it and roll it in some peanuts on top. This makes a really cute addition to your feeding area. So cheap; home-made suet can be as simple as lard, seed and peanut butter or you can fancy it up with corn meal, oats, flour & fruit such as cranberries, apples or raisins. I add Cheerios and Shreddies, too, to make it go further.
 Of course, the chickadees were first to find it.

Someone is anxiously awaiting the arrival of those plump and delicious-looking mourning doves.  She really, really, really wants one with all the trimmings. ;-)
                                   "on a sesame seed bun."

                           Or a can of stinky goodness will do.

This little bird house at the back of our property is covered in snow and vacant 'til spring. Then I hope we have another little family move in. 

Last year it was Mr. & Mrs. House Wren. I was so excited it was ridiculous. :) It was the first time I have ever had a bird nest in a bird house.

She looked like this...

Adorable, right?

I named her Tink.

The male arrived last summer first and placed twigs in different houses. Then soon after, she arrived, and after checking out the different possibilities, she chose the little white house that was adorned with ten blue jewels.

She obviously settled on the flashiest house in the neighbourhood.

She sang her little heart out

and made gardening all the better. :)

I hope she returns this summer.

I'll be watching for her.

It is -17C tonight.

God bless and keep our wild-life safe and warm.

hugs, Deb