Window Watching

Two years ago, when the first Polar Vortex deep freeze event occurred, we created a feeding platform just outside my office. It’s about 10 feet from the doors that open onto the small patio, next to the “koi” (goldfish) pond where we keep water moving all winter long with access for the wild birds.

We don’t feed the birds except in deep winter when we know our support can have a true impact on the birds’ survival. But, because I haven’t had the chance to get outside for a month and I’ve been missing my interactions with the wildlife while I am still trying to get over this virus, Robert helped fill the feeder with black sunflower seeds. He pressed some suet into the holes that he excavated into a tree trunk back when we first set up the station. Additionally, peanuts in the shell, shelled peanuts, some grape jelly and fresh red grapes were added to the area.

We set up a piece of scrap plywood across the doors, so that I could keep the cold air off my lower body. The best thing about radiant floor heat is that the slab/floor holds the heat that continues to radiate upwards, so leaving a door open doesn’t mean all the heated air escapes liked with forced-air systems. I was able to sit behind my little “blind” (waist down) with the camera on a tripod and wait for the birds to arrive.

But, it was obvious they were very aware of my presence. While I had observed many birds in the morning, the fact that they don’t absolutely need access to the food at this time, there weren’t many visitors. As soon as I shut the door after giving it a good 90 minutes, they arrived. I think they will get used to me in time. But, hopefully the intense wind we’ve been having will subside and I will be able to get outside to drive around the place in a few days and film them out where they feel more comfortable.

Here are the cuties that did show up and I was able to capture.

WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW – perched in a rose bush.

GOLD FINCHES

HOUSE FINCHES

SONG SPARROW – this is an unusual visitor to a feeder.

I also saw Dark Eyed Juncos, House Sparrows and European Starlings.