What I've always celebrated on this day is that each day that follows gets longer and brighter. I take note because soon, it won't be dark when I leave the office.
But that's if you live in this hemisphere. If you are following Noah Stryker's blog, "Antartica-- Among the Penquins", it's a different story. There they are experiencing their longest day of the year with the sun at its highest point in the sky, a sun that won't set for another couple of months.
But back to Tennessee. The beach reminiscent weather of a day ago has said 'farewell' and this shortest day of the year has ushered in a blast of frigid air. I know frigid is a relative term but the adjustment can be startling. Throughout the day we've rapidly moved into our winter coats and are destined for the teens tonight.
However, the chickadees and titmice and I are ready. My first visitor was a little yellow-breasted bird that I only glimpsed and then came a parade of chickadees and titmice. This feasting followed a day of rain with no takers. So I was happy. The party has begun.
For those of you who are experienced at bird-feeding, this may seem uneventful. But then, maybe you can still remember the silence before the first birds arrive. They have certainly brought entertainment along with them! I don't know how I'm going to get anything else done. And don't we all need one more distraction this time of year?
This wire feeder is rapidly becoming my favorite. There are so many ways the birds can hang on to it.
Doesn't this tufted titmous get the "what are you looking at" award?!Linked to Bird Photography Weekly #17 at Birdfreak.com to celebrate the conservation of our world's birds.
What wonderful pictures. Thank you for sharing so much.
ReplyDeleteHi, Connie. Thanks for your comment. Despite the cold wind today, it was fun to be outside in the sunshine with the birds.
ReplyDeleteThese are great and so festive with the holly! I am actually having to provide the birds with unforzen water a few times a day now -- very unusual for the Wet Coast. :)
ReplyDeleteThose feeders and the birds at them look to be lots of fun! I can just imagine all the photo opportunities! I won't even put out a bird bath until I can work out a way to keep my cat away! I may just need to make part of the garden a no-go area for pets!
ReplyDeleteYour funny little titmouse would be a lifer for me- they're uncommon here. He's very expressive with thos ebig eyes.
ReplyDeleteHi, Andrea. That is happening on our northern west coast as well. I also set out a bird bath yesterday, so I'll now see how fast it freezes.
ReplyDeleteHey, Mick. The cat issue is a tricky one. my feeders have already been fun. I spent much of the day laughing as I watched the antics.
Lynn, he is funny, isn't he? Spirited funny. I'm learning a lot about bird patterns in other areas from blogs and comments like yours. Titmice and chickadees hangout with us year round.
Thanks for the link to Noah's blog, it is an interesting read. Also, I really like the wired feeder, you got some great pictures of our feathered friends hanging on to it.
ReplyDeleteHappy winter solstice Vickie which also means happy new season and therefore happy new year. Your titmice are cute. We don't get any at our feeders in the part of the Continent.
ReplyDeleteThe statue with the junco over at Natural Moments is of a fairy riding a raptor. I think she travels through the underlying currents of nature working hard to make the world we live in just right.
Hi, Indigo-Daisy. I look forward to taking more of these photos. The birds didn't seem to mind me being nearby at all. They see me with my camera all the time!
ReplyDeleteGlad you visited Noah's blog. The habitat there is amazing and he posts wonderful photos of the penquins and other wildlife.
Hi, Bernie. Thanks for that explanation of the statue. I recognized it was a raptor but I knew there was more. Our world can use everyone's assistance! Happy New Season!
Hi Vickie. I arrived through a Google Alert and loved what I saw. The photos of the Tufted Titmouse are gorgeous. I had my first one arrive in my yard here in Wisconson, last Winter. A mate arrived in the Spring. They nested, had one offspring. All three would come to the feeders at once. It was a delight to see. Now the pair remain.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I love bird feeding as well. I will be back often to see what else you have to offer us nature lovers.
cute bird. well captured
ReplyDeleteHi, Marie. Welcome. You are certainly getting a lot of snow up your way. I love your titmous story.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tom.
What a cute little bird...one I would like to add to my lifelist. I was just about to say we don't get them here in Wisconsin when I read that GoWildMarie has had them in her yard. I will have to find out what part of the state she is in. Happy winter solstice...here's to longer days ahead.
ReplyDeleteHey Vickie,
ReplyDeleteNice feeders you have there. Love the titmouse photos! It's really turned cold here in VA as well. It got in the 20s last night & will probably be even lower tonight.
Stay warm!
You tufted titmouse should be a gymnast! So cute!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the Bokerns. I'm learning more about who has what birds in their area in the winter, too. Yes, after this last blast of cold, we're all looking forward to longer, warmer days. Thanks for leaving a comment.
ReplyDeleteHi Alan. I was glad I put water out. I filled the bird bath three times today because it was frozen and the bird who seemed to appreciate it the most was a mocking bird. I seldom see them in the yard but he came twice or I I had two mocking bird visitors.
Hi, Shelly. The titmice are fun to watch. They are so expressive with their little top crests and those eyes.
Looks like the titmice love your wire feeder as well. What a ham!
ReplyDeleteGreat postings!! I love the artwork. Beautiful! The bird with the red berries is a lovely photo. I love the touch of red to the scene.. :) I got your message about being "tagged". I got it right before my computer crashed so I will be doing that very soon. Hope you had a lovely Christmas. :)
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