It’s been trial and error over here, but I finally have some regular customers at this platform feeder. Two blue jays and two cardinals have been stopping over several times a day. I even have seen a couple hummingbirds at a hanging feeder I put up for them.
This first photo was taken during my first stealth mission: I hid in my daughter’s play house, very still, for about 15 minutes, camera ready. Finally this guy came near, but one shot and he was gone. My new lens is rather loud unfortunately! It’s also getting really humid and hot here so I probably have to save my camouflage for the fall.
The main problems I’ve had are squirrel-related. I eventually decided that if you can’t shoot beat ’em, join ’em. I got them their own feeder, which they seem to like. Not that they are leaving the others alone, but they do like their pumpkin seeds. It’s also hilarious to watch a bird land there and try to figure out how to get to that food.
I have loved watching the activity in the yard. I’m not alone in that either. This project has given an old kitty something new to get excited about.
I went so far as to order and put up several types of feeders in different locations around the back yard, only to be inundated with these white-winged doves.
They thwak each other with their wings, coo incessantly, and take all the food from the other birds! I took that multi feeder down for now until I figure out what to do.
By far the favorite is black oil sunflower seeds for everyone, though the blue jays love whole peanuts.
My daughter is interested because I am interested…
She and I have been painting bird house yard art for a couple weeks now. I guess it’s bird week here on the blog. Thursday I will show you what we’ve been up to with that. Thanks for reading!
What a lovely and fun post. Your yard will become the vacation land for all the birds and squirrels.. Love the photo of you and your daughter on the couch.
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Oh, just look at you cuties! I love it! I love the BIRD action, too! They are my favorites. I haven’t been feeding mine lately. Now, I’ve put all kinds of flowers and veggies out on the deck to keep me occupied. Daily watering is a new idea for me. Tomatoes require it, though I am told and last year I only got ONE tomato from two plants because I didn’t know that. I know that NOW! It’s a fresh new summer. Glad to hear about your wanderings. Have fun with your sweetie!
Amy Putkonen recently posted…Knitting & Crocheting Blog Week 2015: Day 2
Uh, yeah… water is good for plants my dear. 🙂 I have trouble here during the summer because it gets so sweltering that I can’t handle the humidity outside. So no tomatoes for me!
I am a birding junkie having been addicted for about 40 years now. It is warbler migration time here in Minnesota so I am out a lot with my back arched and my neck tilted. The main rush hasn’t hit yet but it will soon.
Squirrel maintenance for backyard feeders is an art and requires clever preventers or, at least, making the varmints entertain me while the attempt to get to my feeders.
I recommend putting up a cardboard wall between you and the birds you wish to photograph. Cut a hole for the lens. Watch them through the screen if you have one. The noise will be dispersed and may not scare them off.
Loved the pictures in your post. It adds a lot to see homemade pics to support the story.
A cardboard wall is a great idea! Thank you!
I love feeding and watching the birds too! It sounds like you have a great variety. I live right by a pond and get a lot of red wing black birds as well as regular black birds…both varieties are equally unkind. My favorite are the pair of doves who come frequently and eat from the spilled seeds on the ground. They are really sweet. My grandson and I will he making bird feeders tomorrow.
Michele Bergh recently posted…Chicken and Veggie Bake
How sweet! Crafting with kids is (mostly) fun.
How lovely! I so enjoy watching birds and squirrels and bunnies and critters in general! They are so darn cute! Great photos!
Debbie Goode recently posted…Tucumcari, New Mexico
Thanks, Debbie!
Naomi, I too love watching the birds. We have a bird bush that’s about 20 ft. across we call the bird hotel. This time of year we have hundreds as they fly north along the Rio Grande just 1/2 block away. My favorite are the funny walking Quails, the males are super protective of their mates. They stick around. we must have at least a dozen getting ready to have their funny little chick parades. I love their warbly cooing. In fact, most of the year the only sound you hear at our place is the birds singing, can’t beat that.
kimberly recently posted…Today’s 5K
That bird hotel must get rather noisy! It is so fun to hear about everyone’s different backyard varieties. 🙂
Oh how fun Naomi – it’s such a joy to watch the birds (and squirrels). Love that your daughter is interested too. It makes me laugh thinking of you in stealth mode sneaking photos, only to be busted by your loud camera.
Deborah Weber recently posted…In My Own Time
I love to watch the birds. My husband, handyman is obsessed with keeping them fed during the winter months. I really appreciate his efforts since I am the beneficiary being able to watch the magic birds hold through the kitchen window. I love, love cardinals!! And our backyard is full of Blue Jays. Many times a bird comes as a indicator of something you need to learn from them. Perhaps knowing what wisdom Doves bring to you may calm their presence. Here’s a shortened version for you. They bring peace and prophecy letting you know there is a new cycle of opportunity about to open up for you. They ask that you be willing to let go and mourn, if you have to, what is leaving you and to accept with grace the new cycle of birth you are about to undertake. They also speak for souls of passed loved ones letting you know they are well taken care of and are in a peaceful transition.
Kelli Spencer recently posted…Four Easy Steps To Clear Stagnant Energy
Kelli, that is a fascinating concept… that the doves are teaching me something. I hadn’t heard that. Do particular birds carry specific messages? Your summary intrigued me. I am all for new beginnings! Thank you.
It is such a good idea! Me and my brother used to do it as children…we were collecting seeds from apples and pears over summer and autumn to later put them in the garden for birds in the winter as in Poland it was almost impossible for them to find any food under inches of snow. And it is so pleasant to watch them.
Anna recently posted…Sunday Postcard- Scotland
We feed the birds too, but I don’t mind the two squirrels we have sharing their food. There’s more than enough for everyone in our yard.
Linda Ursin recently posted…I promised to show you the progress
I do still enjoy watching the squirrels. They are so funny.
Yes, they are 🙂
Linda Ursin recently posted…I promised to show you the progress