Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Hope

Another cold, gray morning greeted me.
While feeding the birds I saw a tiny bit of blue sky.
A tiny bit of hope for sunshine.
I bundled up and took my tea to the deck.



A northern breeze blew snowflakes off the roof.
I heard the Goldfinches.
The sun came out.
The air was glittered.


Two Red-breasted Nuthutches took turns at the feeder.

Oh joy!
Two White-breasted Nuthatches came to the nuts.
The females were too quick for pictures, this time.

Maybe these darlings will nest near by.
Maybe they will bring their little ones.
Maybe Spring is not too far away.


Did that bird just wink at me?

20 comments:

Cheryl said...

Hi
Oh what lovely photographs...as an avid birdwatcher and bird lover, they gave me such a lift.
Thanks.

Chrissie said...

Your photos are beautiful, Sherry. Your birds will repay your kindness I am sure and trust you with their little ones :-)

Jeanne said...

Love and hugs
I love your photographs and the birds and YOU

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Yes, it is winkin' and blinkin'.

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
So nice to meet you.
The birds are always a delight.
I was pleased to see the Gold Finches today. They have not been around for awhile. Seeing females of the Nithatches was also wonderful.
I am looking forward to spring migration.
Will pop over to your journal and get to know you.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Chris,
Thank you. I remember last year and all the little ones that came to the feeders. I remember the baby White-breasted Nuthatches too. They were all over the deck, so unafraid. I hope Red-breasted brings her little ones. I have never seen the little Red-breasted.
I was rewarded for staying out in the cold. I was able to get many nice bird photos today.
Always fun to come in and download them.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Jeanne,
Thank you!
I do mostly birds but sometimes I will throw in a celebration of some sort.
Love you too,
Hugs and laughs,
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Lisa,
A funny Nuthatch!
I hope the weather is not too terrible for you and your new buds.
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Maybe Spring is not too far away.

It's only 37 days away, starting tomorrow. Yes, I just got up, went to the calender and counted the days.

www.thequietone.net

Mary said...

Oooooo, Sherry. Your birds are so beautiful, in the perfect setting, and in perfect light and very soon, the sun will shine on you and you can shed your blanket and instead of hot tea, you'll be sipping ice water and watching butterflies. What that another run-on sentence?

Anonymous said...

Your photos are always so perfect! I bet with the snow your birdies were very happy at the feeders!

Marvin said...

Beautiful photos, Sherry.

We never saw the sun today, but the skies did clear after dark -- just so it could get even colder over night.

Spring is certainly on the way, but it sounds as if we're going to get another "test" over the next few days.

meggie said...

Your photos of the little birds are just magic. I hope they bring their babies for your approval, & loving treats.

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Your bird pictures for the last few days are wonderful.
Aren't they such an uplifting sight in these snowy days!

Q said...

Dear Cathy,
I was tickled! Still laughing, 37 days, ahhh...not too long.
Maybe we should have a countdown to the official first day of Spring! I think a celebration is in order. Looks as if it will be Easter weekend and full moon time.
Spring, I can almost hear her and smell her and see her glorious flowers. Bees and butterflies will return. Spring!
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Mary,
LOL!!!
The only way I can run anymore is in a sentence.
Soon, very soon, my work will be cleaning flower beds and looking for bees and butterflies!
Spring migration will begin soon too. Part of the joy is the anticipation. You already have blooms and nesting Wrens.
The birds did thrill me yesterday. I heard Cardinals singing too. I think establishing territory. With so many Cardinals this year I am thinking the morning chorus will be lovely!
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Monarch,
The birds seem to be very pleased with the way I have been setting out their seed. I have lots and lots of small dishes as well as the regular feeders. I noticed the Cardinals like to eat at their own spot. They will share with birds of a different species but seem to like to dine away from each other.
The finches like to eat together. The doves and juncos and sparrows just eat anyplace. The Nuthatches seem to like to be able to see their food before they fly in. I have been watching them the most lately.
I could talk bird talk for hours....
Sherry

Q said...

dear Marvin,
The next 30 days could be cold and wet here too. A warm up to 40 degrees is suppose to come today. It has a ways to go, 11 degrees this morning.
Thank you! I do love taking pictures. Since 2008 is my year for the Nuthatch I am very pleased to see the pairs! Now to get some female pictures. and if all goes well I might be able to get little ones.
I have a plan...one day I will make my own field guide of backyard birds and bugs.
Stay warm.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Meggie,
Thanks. This is what I do for my living! At least for keeping my spirit filled with joy.
I also get much joy from sharing the photos. I live in the city and I encourage everyone to get outside and see the birds, see the butterflies, see the natural world. I think if people would just see the wild life around them they would begin to connect. They would see how beautiful each species is. Maybe, just maybe, people will take care of the environment in their own backyard.
I have a dream!
I want to encourage organic, respectful living. Asking ourselves, "Is it good for birds? Is it good for the butterflies?" If it is good for them it is good for us.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Nina,
I surely would die a slow, painful death without the birds, without the bugs! Maybe that's a bit dramatic! Yet, I do depend on Nature. I seem to need more and more of the fresh air and the beauty I can only find outside.
Perhaps I have spent too much of my life in the city. The sounds of traffic, airplanes, trains, and the sirens jarr my bones anymore.
I long for just bird songs and crickets.
I may have to move. I have lived in my house for over 30 years. The plants in my gardens are my friends. I do not know if I could leave them. For now I spend as much time as I can outside with the birds. I forget all about the noise and the power lines!
I need more dirt roads around me.
Sherry