The Snowstorm for the Birds

Hopefully what we are getting is our last snowstorm of the season. It is miserable outside with gusts of wind impacting visibility.  Fortunately, we didn't have any reason to venture out.

Last night I spoke to a cousin about three hours from us, who was also going to be getting this snowstorm. He's put a bird feeder in his yard to entertain his indoor cat.  The cat loves to sit and watch the birds.

As for my spouse, who tends our bird feeders, he can spend a long time watching the birds, too.  Today, I joined him.

How were the birds dealing with the snow and wind? Quite well, and I think they were happy to have our feeders.  We saw a lot of birds today.  Our usual dark eyed juncos, sparrows, house finches, Northern cardinals, mourning doves.  Now, male red winged blackbirds have joined them, fresh from their migration. The starlings and grackles they like to hang out with are less welcome guests to our feeding area.

The juncos will be leaving us soon to go up north.  Believe it or not, they migrate from the north to spend the winter with us in the Southern Tier of New York.

I took some pictures with my phone, and I can't zoom in much but if you look in the center left, you will see a red Northern Cardinal male.  You can see the snow coming down against the fence.

Two goldfinches (in their drab winter colors) on a yellow finch bag.

More birds waiting their turn.  I promise, I am working on my picture taking situation so I can get better pictures for you.

Not too much visibility.

I am amazed at these little puffs of joy.  They may only weigh a few ounces, but they shrug off the weather as long as they have enough food.  And, they bring us joy.

What will bring me joy?  The promise of warmer weather in the coming week.

Soon, I hope, this snow will only be a memory.