Birds in the Snow

First photo isn't of birds, but it is the feeder! This made me laugh. The squirrels knocked off the lid to the feeder and yet didn't discover it. Not even when there were two squirrels hanging on the squirrel baffler. It isn't supposed to be squirrel proof, just annoying enough so the squirrel need to work at it. Anyway, this day there were 5 of the critters in the lilac, waiting for seeds!!! We were really hoping one would crawl in, but it is probably best. Can't imagine trying to empty a bird feeder of an irate fat squirrel. 

Eventually, the fluffy tailed rodents left and the birds got their chance. I was inside taking photos, the porch had too much snow on it to hang around out there til birds were used to me. These are not near as curious as the ones in North Kenai. They are mostly gold finches, red finches, a few sparrows, and assorted juncos. Haven't seen a chickadee in years! 

This picture made me laugh, too. The little fairy figure is next to a cement border near daffodils. She's in the ground so her 'toes' touch the earth. At the moment, she's waist deep in the snow. By Monday, her head was covered. She eventually was unearthed when I assume a squirrel fell off the tube feeder into the deep soft snow. Later, when I looked, there was a hole in the snow near her and she was uncovered to about where she is now. I've a photo somewhere of a squirrel eating in the hole and will post it later. 

It has been a splendid moment in winter. Thankfully, the birds are still visiting and you can see the goldfinches are starting to get their summer feathers. Next year, I hope to participate in the 25th annual winter bird count. Right now, we'll just keep them fed and happy.