Avian Hometown Buffet

We're pretty socked in here in South Toledo and I assumed not much would be happening outside my picture window. Since I couldn't get my front door open, I couldn't restock the window boxes I am using as feeders, but that didn't stop my feathered friends from foraging.

I watched as the larger birds literally beat away the eight inches of snow with their wings and let the chickadees, wrens, and titmouses/titmice come in droves to get what seed they could. Then the mourning doves took their turn, the cardinals, blue jays, and finally, the largest blackbird I have ever seen since living here dropped in twice for a nibble. Across the way, on the one tree left in the front yard, I had pileated woodpeckers, downy and hairy woodpeckers, and a large Northern flicker all sharing the suet cake I remembered to hang before the storm started. They even let a squirrel or two get close for a taste.

The birds have gotten so comfortable with me sitting and watching, many sat along the windowsill out of the wind and pecked at the window just a foot away. I want to think they were saying hello, but perhaps they decided they'd try the drive-through window approach and make a request.

It's getting dark now and the moon is up, and the last mourning dove just left her tree limb perch. I wonder where they go at night? I hope it's some place warm.

Thanks for spending the day with me.