Migratory and Local Birds

The Dark-Eyed Juncos have arrived from Canada! They are here to spend the winter and will stay until about April. The American Goldfinches are losing their bright summer color and will become a grayish-tan during the winter. The oddball bird on the feeder comes up on the Seek app as a Brown-Headed Cowbird. However, I thought these were larger birds. A very common bird we are seeing is the Black-Capped Chickadees. 

All the feeders - seed and suet - are full now. There are 15 feeders in the front- and backyards. It is hard to keep up with the seed feeders with so many birds visiting us each day.

Waterlogue - Chickadee with Outstretched Wing

This is another image I created in the Waterlogue app. My original photo is of a black-capped chickadee with an outstretched wing. It was balancing on the wire part of a birdfeeder. 

More Birds

The migratory birds now have flown south and we are seeing those that will stay with us during the winter. New this year to us is the Red-Breasted Nuthatch. We have seen the White-Breasted Nuthatch often, so this is a pleasant surprise to see another type of nuthatch. There are Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, and plenty of True Sparrows. The sparrows love playing in the birdbath, especially on warmer days.

Fall Birds

We are seeing now a combination of migratory and local birds now. This morning, in the backyard alone, I saw a White-Throated Sparrow, Black-Capped Chickadee, Nashville Warbler, Lincoln's Sparrow, and Cardinal. These are only a fraction of the birds we see at our farm. Planting hundreds of native flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees at our farm is truly making a difference and drawing a wider diversity of birds here!

Another Great Horned Owl

There is a trio of Great Horned Owls that are spending a lot of time in our oak and pine trees. It always makes my day to hear them call to one another. Sometimes I will mimic what I think sounds like their call. When they answer me, it makes me feel like we are able to communicate with one another...owl to person.

Baby Chickadees!

 The baby black-capped chickadees are hungry and waiting for Mama Chickadee to return with breakfast.

More Migratory Birds

We continued to see more migratory birds this week - wrens, hummingbirds, and orioles. The colors and songs of the birds are so uplifting.

Migratory Birds are Returning

 It is so nice to see the migratory birds returning to our farm. Hearing them sing brings such joy to me. 

One of the First Signs of Spring

 

Waterlogue - Cardinal

The cardinals have been visiting the feeders during the winter a lot. It's always so uplifting to see them, especially after not seeing them a lot during the summer. I think all the native plants provide enough food for them that they do not need the seeds at the feeder. Now, however, with the cold they need all the food they can get.

Native Plants in Winter

We leave the native plants up in the winter to provide a landing spot for birds and cover for wildlife. Many of the plants have seeds still in them that can be consumed during the winter. 

Pileated Woodpecker

The pileated woodpeckers are looking for insects on the pine trees and eating the suet in the small, square feeders. I'm surprised at how low these birds will go to the ground looking for food.

Fiber Art

This fiber artist created a beautiful scene using fabric and thread. It was one of many stunning pieces at the Owatonna Arts Center.

Parakeet

At the Carver County Fair, there was an opportunity to feed a variety of birds, including this blue, white, and black one. 

Rooster at the County Fair

 This rooster was at the Washington County Fair.

Black-Capped Chickadee

 The black-capped chickadee is balancing itself as it walks along the birdfeeder. 

Singing Wren

 This little wren was singing quite a bit. For such a small bird, its song is very loud!

Tree Swallow

 A tree swallow was warming itself in the morning sunlight.

Cardinal Barn Quilt

The cardinal barn quilt that my daughter designed and painted was installed today. It is directly across from Lilleskogan Park - one of many parks in Scandia - so many people will be able to see and enjoy it.

Colorful Goldfinch

 The male goldfinches are decked out in their vibrant yellow feathers.