Getting to Know You

Today was the first day I was able to sneak a peak at my backyard friends becoming more comfortable with their new feeder (and people/cat behind windows staring at them!). It was a busy morning with about a dozen different birds! First up, the oh so pretty but oh so bullyish Blue Jay!

Did you know that the Blue Jay's color is not pigment, but light refraction based on feather structure?

I came to quickly find which birds were more lounge-y and comfortable than others, for instance the numerous Dark-Eyed Junco. Ground dwellers, clearly they outnumbered the other birds that fed throughout the day.

Chubby and cute female.

Standing tall to check things out!
The male Dark-Eyed Junco has a more defined slate/white color,
while the female above has a softer look with brown tones.

Another sweetie pie that couldn't stay still longer than to grab a morsel and flit away was the Tufted Titmouse. With a bit of patience and more so luck, I was able to get some cuter than cute shots of this adorable bird. An interesting fact: The Tufted Titmouse live their entire lives within a few miles of where they were born!

Cute or what?

"I'm thinking I like this get-up!"

A big morsel for such a tiny Tufted Titmouse!

It was enjoyable seeing such the variety of birds, and while perhaps familiar, having to identify them fully. This was the case with my next visitor, another very skittish bird that barely let me get his picture: The Downy Woodpecker. Beautiful markings, including the red patch on its nape.

The Downy is the smallest in the Woodpecker family.
While it looks like he's slumbering, he was as quick as lightening in grabbing food and flying off to a nearby maple tree.

The Song Sparrow's name is exactly what it implies; I wish I'd been able to open a window to listen more clearly! He too is a chubby looking bird at times, with wonderful brown/white markings.

Caught in the act, even if you can't hear him!

Chubby cheeky Song Sparrow

The Northern Cardinals were just stunning, male and female alike. They were difficult new guests to lure in, but in time perhaps they will warm up to their new feeder and friend!

Mrs. Northern Cardinal - a true beauty!

So handsome!

If it were Christmas I'd be convinced these Cardinals were decorating the tree with themselves! Stunning red!

All in all it was a fantastic day for seeing my new feathered friends. While there were others - Black Capped Chickadee, Carolina Wren, and Red-Breasted Nuthatch to name a few, I wasn't able to  capture them today that would show them off (flighty and elusive!)...