Winter Bird Watching

I love watching the birds in my garden. I put out different kinds of food, feeders, and boxes. But I must admit to being somewhat flumoxed! I had an older wooden mailbox out at the front of my house. The house does sit back on my land, but not that far. Wrens nested in the box when the door was left open. Mu mailman asked me to remove the nest. I told them no - they could put our mail in the newspaper shoot until the babies had flown. After the birds ad nest were gone we changed our mailbox. I asked my husband to put the old box up on a post in the backyard to provide a nesting place for my favorite birds - the wrens. It has now been in place for four years and not a piece of grass has been put in there! I even put in some soft padding to give them a start - still nothing. Well the box is still there and I haven't given up hope - I love all birds to nest. We got bluebirds last year. One nest with babies was taken by predators, but they nested again and produced 4-5 fledglings! We were so proud and happy! We let sparrows nest, too.....I know some think we shouldn't but I couldn't turn out any creature.

I also live in a residential area and often see the hawks feeding on my birdfeeder...I've been washing dishes looking out my window and see a little bird plucked out in the blink of an eye.They are not afraid of me when I go into my yard and try to scare them away...I like them but prefer them to dine in a nearby field.

I enjoy your photos whenever you have a slide show. Especially enjoyed the birds. Thank you very much.

I really enjoyed your pictures and as you, I love to watch them also. This is the first year that I have seen robins so late or should I say, so early. and there must have been a dozen. we also have had 4 red tail hawks visiting my yard. They know where to find food because they are picking off my pigeons a couple at a time. We live about 2 streets up from the main street in town. They are beautiful but I like my pigeons too, they are friendly and I feed them daily. The hawks could come all they want if they didn't eat them. Keep up the good work. sincerely, Genetic99

Lovely! How could one not believe that our kind, merciful Creator exists and that He loves us intensely, just as He cares for the lovely birds that He also created!

I've been doing exactly the same thing . . . photographing the birds that come to my feeder and warm water. I have a gorgeous white rock dove that has been visiting every day lately.

P. Allen, I was surprised to see a photo of the barn swallow. These birds make a horrible, nasty mess if I allow them to build on my front porch. I discourage them as much as possible by taking down whatever they put up as soon as I see it. They were so bad at one time that they swooped down on unsuspecting guests to my front door and were a real threat. I have lots of old barns that they can freely nest in, but I don't allow them to get comfortable on my porches as my previous homeowners did. I consider them a nuisance and menace to people and painted surfaces. It has been my experience that if you are able to remove the mess they leave behind, you may also remove the paint.

I, too, have cedar waxwings enjoying the berries on my service berry tree. They are a joy to watch and listen to.

My husband, neighbor, and I drove up to Clarksville last Tuesday and were treated to a wonderful viewing of bald eagles. We counted at least two dozen, all of which were soaring up and down the river while many were fishing. There were adult and young eagles. It was just awe inspiring. We are so blessed to be able to share the earth with such majestic creatures. Sue Harper, St. Charles, MO

Feeding and watching birds give warmth to the Wisconsin brisk winter. Your photos provided enjoyment, too. Thank you for sharing.

Five years ago, I moved to my log home on the lake. When I lived in the city, mockingbirds were constant companions throughout the year. After I moved here, I realized I hadn't seen any of them. A very few have made appearances since then, but I do miss them. However, I am compensated by the daily sight of the great blue herons, who have their homes in the swampy areas around the lake.

My husband Tom and I live on the East Bay of Navarre, Fl. This morning there were pelicans, ducks from the north(i call them diving ducks)seagalls, and heron's all out in the bay in front of our home. It was a sight to behold. Of course they were all fishing for their breakfast. At one point an eagle flew back and forth and perched on a nearby tree so check out what all the excitement was about. To see all the birds whether they are in the trees or in the bay is like a piece of heaven.

Loved it. I also take pictures of my winter birds.

We have a beautiful RED Tailed Hawk living in the woods behind our house. Sometimes it visits our yard and rests on our tall trellis. It is a beautifol bird but we must watch our small yorkie puppy for fear the hawk will see a meal. Chris 8 lb thinks he can fight off anything. Enjoy your web site very much. Mary

I so enjoyed the slide show of your birds. Up north (brrrr) it was -19 degrees yesterday, so we have to wait a bit for the wide variety of birds to pass through our back yard. Still we enjoy and feed what we have!

A few years ago I was struggling to come up with a gift for my 80+ inlaws. I bought them a hummunigbird feeder for a few dollars and it has been the best gift I have ever given them. Now they have numerous bird feeders and are avid bird watchers. They are so entertained by the birds. I was so pleasantly suprised by their enthusiasm. They don't get out of the house much and they have really enjoyed watching from the house.

We have also been noticing more hawks grabbing their meals from around our bird feeders. We have been here 30 years and this is the first time we have noted hawks coming down to the feeders. Thanks for sharing the picture of the hawk in your yard.

Yes, I also like to watch the birds of winter. Especially now, outside temperature here in Pa. is -5, and I fill my feeders up every morning, by dusk the food is gone. I have doves, cardinals, nuthatches,blackcapped chicadees, carolina wrens, and red bellied woodpeckers. Love to watch them.

Red-tail hawks and other hawk species are abundant residents of Milwaukee, WI. They regularly show up to feed on the birds feeding at my bird feeder.

Hello, congratulations! Your pictures and comments are adorable,thank you very much!

I'm amazed! Did you say a wild Cedar Waxwing flew down and landed on your hand during an interview ? I see waxwings here in Texas but, never that close. If I hadn't seen the picture I wouldn't believed it. You must really have some kind of bird charisma or something... sounds like a wild Texas Tale!

These are beautiful pictures of the birds that visit your backyard. The only time I see a Robin is in the Spring when they stop just long enough to eat and then they are gone. This winter Cardinals, Speckled Woodpeckers, Bluejays and house Finches decided to stick around my garden in Lousiana to feast on sunflower seeds and suet. They are such a joy to watch.