Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Somedays it's just too cold to eat

It was wicked cold today!
Even the little White-throated Sparrow above
is all fluffed up to stay warm.


There must have been several dozen 
titmice, juncos, finches, doves and chickadees 
yesterday at the feeders.  
But not so much today.
They probably knew it was going to be too cold
to leave their warm spots.


This image of the male Red-bellied Woodpecker above is from last year this time.
He was a frequent feeder and I rarely, if ever, 
saw his mate, below.

But this winter, the only red-bellied Woodpecker coming around are two females.  
I never see the male any longer.
It could be due to this guy below.

Remember a couple of months ago when I chased down the hawk in my backyard 
who had the woodpecker in his clutches?!!
The hawk finally let the woodpecker go and both flew off.  
I thought the male had survived!  
I was so happy.

But I guess the male must have had too many injuries.  
And now, only the females feed from my backyard.  
I hope they stay alert.
This 'cycle of life' thing really sucks sometimes!

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