Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Bird Watching...

First of all, I want to thank all of you who kindly offered me headache remedies and advice via my blog and private email.... It seems I am not alone when it comes to migraines. Luckily, mine are fewer and farther between than they used to be, but they still can sneak up when least expected. Fortunately, I have been pain-free for a couple days and counting...

Here, in Colorado it's been quite frigid, and the snow that fell over a week ago remains in shady spots, painting the landscape in sparkling white. I sit in awe as I look out my sun room window, watching the tiny birds eat their daily seed. How do they survive sub-zero nights with their wee little bodies and stick-thin legs?! Yet, each morning, they are out singing their little bird songs, tidying their feathers and fighting over the best spot at one of our many feeders. They truly fascinate and inspire me, and I have become addicted to watching their daily patterns and behavior through the glass and sometimes even up close, nose to beak...

Here are a few recent photos looking out at their little world...

~ Johanna


* A male finch, dressed in holiday red looks up from his breakfast seed...


* A pair of sparrows perch on twisted bittersweet vines while the last of the berries wave in the wind...


* A Northern Flicker props himself on a feeder full of sunflower seeds... I love his ruby red cheeks and coral orange under-feathers!

8 comments:

Kristen Beason said...

My youngest son and I enjoyed these pics. He said, "Oh, they are so cute. Are they real?" In the spring, our finch feeder attracts the bright yellow finches. They are so beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Johanna,

Cute birdies. I love going to my Mom & Dad's house. They have tons of bird feeders in their back yard and I just love watching them. It relaxes me. I am sorry to hear about your headaches. :( I hope you find a remedy that works for you.

Take Care,
Candy

Kitty Forseth said...

Awwww... I love the birdies! Especially the Flicker!!

Thanks for sharing your feathered friends!

xo Kitty

LYNDY WARD said...

Oh Johanna, I love your bird friends. They are beautiful. Do you have a book on local birds? My Dad & I bird watched with a little Bird Bible I bought for him for our area. Other wise I couldn't tell a Red Breasted Robin from an Orange Breasted Finch...

Merry Christmas With Hugs, Lyndy

Johanna Parker said...

I'm glad you're enjoying my birdie snapshots! Yes, I do have a Colorado Bird Book that I keep handy, and it's only a reach away when I see a new feathered-visitor to the backyard. I quickly skim through the pages to find out more! They are all such characters!

OH, yellow finches would be a delight to see!... So far, we only have the red ones eating at our outdoor restaurant :)

~ Johanna

Christopher A. Klingler said...

GREAT bird pictures Johanna!

Wishing you & yours a MOST blessed Merry Christmas & New Years!

PS: Don't be scared...my music is OFF now on my blog ~ come over and see me sometime! '-)

XOXO
Chris

Kim Hardt Originals said...

I love to look at the birds. But I must admire from a far. My neighbors all have cats around me and I can't have a bird feeder. But I certainly have enjoyed your pictures.

I wan't to wish you and your Family a Very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

It has been nice getting to know you better in the EHAG group. I adore your stuff. Can't wait to see what you have in mind for next year.

Kim

Emily said...

When I saw the Northern Flicker, I went "Whoah!" What an amazing bird!! I've seen some on my foot path eating ants in the summer but never at a bird feeder! Great caputre! :)