Survivors

Since Thanksgiving, 

wild turkeys have been emboldened to come around close to the house.

I heard a soft clucking this morning, 

and glanced up from my desk to see two hen turkeys

on the patio outside my studio window.

This one looked a little accusing,

 and I wondered if she could possibly know about all those leftovers in the fridge.

The red squirrel seemed to think it was no big deal.  

But then, when's the last time anybody's had squirrel for Thanksgiving?

Linking with Wild Bird Wednesday

Hawk ID

On a cold gray yesterday, there was a visitor in our yard.  Perched on a rock that tops a tall stump, we could have mistaken it for a statue, had it not been for the occasional turn of the head.  It was only there briefly, before effortlessly, it glided into the woods.

Hope one of you birders can help us with identifying this bird.

Linking with Wild Bird Wednesday

Frigid Forecast

Hidden under a pile of newly fallen leaves is the entrance to a tunnel 

that leads to this chipmunk's snug home.

Inside is a chamber where the nuts are stored,

and in the dining area, on the table, 

The Farmer's Almanac is open to the forecast for a cold winter.

Apparently inspired by that prediction, he's been storing up acorns...

and a large helping of sunflower seeds.

It's cold out tonight, but some of us are ready.

Winter Home

A chattering noise drew my attention to the front porch the other day.  

A Carolina Wren peered out from between the logs of the wood pile.

It flitted around the stack of wood looking for some juicy morel to eat, then paused to preen.

Carolina wrens have made themselves at home on our front porch over the years, often raising their young in an old basket that hangs there.  Three years ago, when I hung a sunflower seed head from the porch eves to feed the birds, the titmice cleaned out every seed, but two wrens made their winter shelter in the small cavity in the underside of the seed head.

They came the following winter, and last week, when the weather turned cold, they were back again, flying in at dusk to tuck into their winter home.

It's nice to think of providing shelter for these pert little beauties,

but if we think about property rights,

their forebears were probably here long before we were.

Linking with Wild Bird Wednesday

Anybody out there use Zazzle?

Check out my store here, if you like.

You can find find an existing design, personalize it, or make your own,

by clicking CREATE at the top of the Zazzle page.