Thursday, February 5, 2015

Baby, Blizzards, and Bluebirds...

Massachusetts has seen more than its fair share of snow these past few weeks,
with yet another 12" or so due on Monday.

Even Baby doesn't know what to make of it.

In other news, the bluebirds are daily visitors...

... with the main draw being both the meal worms...

... and the heated birdbath.

(yes, the heated birdbath really is there, mid-blizzard, with enough of a warm water oasis 
that the birds were able to drink to their hearts' content).

I love these 'in-flight' photos.

It seems like someone is always coming or going.

And I've found the bluebirds to be very curious...

...  and not the least bit fearful when they see me in the window.

As a matter of fact, when I sprinkle the meal worm on the screen feeder
and do my little clucking sound for them,

... they start landing on the feeder before I've even completely shut the window.

 Their second favorite food source is suet. You can see a bluebird perched on the
 shepherd's hook that one of our suet baskets hang from.

The cardinals, not nearly as trusting as the bluebirds, are very wary of me in the window, so capturing this handsome fellow on the feeder with one of the bluebirds was quite a treat. Until last year, I'd never even seen a bluebird, and now we are graced with flocks of them visiting the feeders of the house we've lived in for over 33 years! 

They certainly add to the view outside our dining room window!

I'll be joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show & Tell Friday this week.

Till next time, stay safe and warm, everyone!

Donna



29 comments:

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

Gorgeous photos of the birds.

Suz said...

Again, I am jealous. However with two outside cats that are now my charges along with the snow. No birds here. I tried the dried mealworms no one liked them. The mass ones must be better than the Illinois ones huGs and stay warm

Gina @ VictorianWannaBe said...

Donna, how magnificent!! Love all the bluebird photos! Wow, you must have a great camera! I like the splash of red from the Cardinal, that was a nice surprise! Thanks for sharing such beauty with us!
Happy Friday!
Gina

Susan said...

Hi Donna...

I think the bluebirds know you are their faithful benefactor!

Truthfully, I am so jealous of the birdies coming to your house in flocks. I bought the birdbath heater and have it going full steam ahead.
However, I've never seen a single tweetie bird take a sip from it. Can you send a few boidies this way? Tell them there are fresh seeds and warm water at Susan's house! Thanks.

Isn't this winter the pizazz? Feel like I am suspended in a winter wonderland when I drive out of the driveway.

Take care and stay warm. Susan

lala said...

Oh, you are so lucky to have the bluebirds visit you! I live in CT, and 12 years ago during the winter, I had flocks of about 50 bluebirds visit me all winter long - such a delight. Come spring I put up nesting boxes and the bluebirds set up residence - I was overjoyed. Then, just like that, they left after one season and I have not seen one since. Enjoy these precious little birds, they make winter a bit more tolerable.

Ellen, the Bluestocking Belle said...

Bluebirds are my favorite. We've had a few at our feeders these last weeks (although we've had no snow, this being the Deep South!). I love your window birdfeeder -- it certainly gives you an up-close view!

Unknown said...

WOW! How exciting, and to know you've been in your house 33 years and this is the first time you've seen Bluebirds is amazing! Now you'll need to get some Bluebird houses for them this Spring! ;o) Also, I'm shocked they're in your area during Winter, but perhaps they couldn't make it further South. Thank goodness you feed them and probably saved their lives!

Unknown said...

WOW! How exciting, and to know you've been in your house 33 years and this is the first time you've seen Bluebirds is amazing! Now you'll need to get some Bluebird houses for them this Spring! ;o) Also, I'm shocked they're in your area during Winter, but perhaps they couldn't make it further South. Thank goodness you feed them and probably saved their lives!

J said...

Bless you for providing heated water for the birds during this time of year. I'm planning the same thing. Wish I'd done it sooner.
Baby better not venture outside! Who would ever see that ball of white fluff out there midst the rest of the white fluff?

Merlesworld said...

Great shots of the blue birds.
A heated bird bath what a good idea.
Merle.............

Merlesworld said...

Great shots of the blue birds.
A heated bird bath what a good idea.
Merle.............

Unknown said...

Sure looks cold! Your pictures are beautiful as always! Stay warm and stay safe.

Claudia said...

I've been loving seeing bluebirds on our property for the first time ever! They are so charming.

xo
Claudia

Rose ~Victorian Rose ~ said...

Hey Donna, what a precious treat that you have all those delightful visitors and in their cute blue outfits . You are their gift from God, and they are yours.
DO NOT ENVY you the snow. We use to live in Indiana for 33 years (same house also)...but live in the Houston area now. NO snow, no ice.....just Hurricans from time to time.

Rose

Henny Penny said...

The Blue Birds are so pretty. We have a few in the summer, but I've never seen that many together. I love your window pictures.

Anonymous said...

Donna,

You have some fabulous pictures, there. Birds can be so entertaining. And you have a great spot for them.
Stay warm, ...ENOUGH SNOW!

Mary Ellen

Southern Lady said...

I love your bluebirds!! You have so many. Where do you buy your mealworms? Are they dried? Stay warm with all of your snow. Feel free to send a bit to NC. We would love to see a little this year. :). -Carla

Unknown said...

the bluebirds are beautiful right now i have mostly wrens and cardinals i love your blog blessings

BeachGypsy said...

Donna, HOW MUCH MORE snow? Oh goodness gracious you are right in the thick of it all then aren't you? Well, try to stay WARM! And stay sheltered! If a big snow like that came here, our city would shut down and nobody would go anywhere for weeks! LOL I do so love your bird photography! I am loving seeing your bluebirds especially! and the pictures of them in flight are just so amazing, arent they just precious captured in the air like that??! well, y'all take care up there and keep us posted on your weather and how you're doing okay

On a Wing and a Prayer said...

I love the Pictures you took...I love Birds! It seems to me you created the perfect Oasis for them. I think if I was a blue bird or cardinal...I would hang outside your window as well!!!

Elaine said...

The bluebirds are beautiful! And that cardinal! What a great capture!

They must be telling their friends about the buffet at your house!

I worry about all of the birds and animals outside in the cold and snow. It has been beastly lately.

Curtains in My Tree said...


I love feeding my birds and I also bought a heater for my bird bath this winter. My birds and squirrels have really enjoyed it

Donna said...

You are so lucky to have all those beautiful blue birds coming to your feeder. What a joy it must be to watch.
Lovely photos.

Donna

BeachGypsy said...

stopped in to see how you're doing and if you're staying warm p there? I hope to see some new photos of your gorgeous birds real soon!

Janice said...

The bluebird photos are completely delightful!! You brought a smile to my face! What sweet little dears and such a nice thing you do for them with the meal worms and heated bird bath in the dead of winter! Thank you so much for sharing!

Ellen Hite said...

Love bluebirds. I don't see much of them around here anymore. Pretty soon the chipmunks will be back out. Even though I haven't commented on here for a long while - I still check in on Baby.

BeachGypsy said...

Hi Donna....just stopped by to see how you're doing?.....miss your pretty posts!!

Rue said...

Hello Donna :)

Petty pictures!

Remember me?

xo,
rue

Joanne said...

I don't think I have ever seen a heated bird bath. very cool! I love all your pictures especially the ones with the birds just landing and still fluttering their wings :o)

Blessings, Joanne