WHO IS TURNING UP AT THE FEEDERS?

After the concern of not seeing any birds for a few weeks with all the upheaval, things are slowly returning to normal. The House Finches arrive with great regularity.  

They are always welcome.

This one also.He wants to know if that is a problem. The frogs who are in a perpetual state of uncertainty, don't seem sure but I always say of course not!  Squirrel always says thank you, to me and to the frogs.  I tell him that good manners go a long way with me, and if he could perhaps not scoff all the birdseed, that would be lovely.  He said he will try but his inner greedy kicks in and he finds it difficult.  Just try I said.  I speak squirrel as you know, and I am aware that his inner greedy is a powerful force.Next, the Mourning Doves turn up. I always enjoy their soft cooing in the morning hours during the summer.  It is my soothing alarm clock to start the day, though I haven't heard them lately. Perhaps it is getting too cold.

Another House Finch arrived, this time at the birdbath.  It looks a young one, a juvenile I think.

The doves leave and more finches turn up. They are a bit messier...

but I will be handing out tiny brooms later.

Two other visitors were American Robins.  It was blogging friend Red - of Hiawatha House - who mentioned to me a while ago that they weren't actually robins at all, but part of the thrush family.  I am always grateful to Red for this interesting information.  Thanks Red!

Early colonial settlers named the American Robin for its resemblance to the familiar but unrelated European Robin, because both have a reddish-brown breast. At this link you can read more information.

Our Black-capped chickadee was next.  It picks up a morsel and flies up into the trees immediately afterwards.  Often hard to get a decent photo.

There were four of them in the space of half an hour, and they seemed to get on well with the smaller birds.  Perhaps because they only take one seed and disappear quickly.

I saw them at the top level, and the lower level of the feeders, and then at the birdbath.

Lovely little things, as is the American Goldfinch. He was a surprise as I thought he may have migrated south.  Perhaps he's just a little late. His feathers were more muted now that he is wearing his winter plumage. 

Incoming!  The Mourning Doves are back.  

I will finish with this last photo and show you more in another post.  In the meantime...

They make me smile these birds.  I am so glad they are back.  

A quote from David Attenborough:

"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

Thank you for visiting, it is always lovely reading your comments.  I am a bit behind in returning visits again, but I'll get there.  Enjoy your day!