This morning I looked out the window at the flowerbed below and saw a bird with a crisp black and white striped head. I dared not hope that it was a White-crowned sparrow since I'd been fooled before only to have it be a White-throated sparrow when it raised its head, displaying it's white throat. Nope, this time it was the real McCoy. What a thrill! They used to be regulars, but this is the first one in my yard in many years. It showed up again this afternoon, joining the others at the tray feeder on the patio. I'd forgotten how distinctive those head markings are when seen from the back. Made my day.
The one-footed Starling must have bragged to his friends about the good eats at my place because some are here every day now. They sure are dirty when it comes to the birdbath. They poop with abandon so I have to replace the water daily.
The lone grackle that was here yesterday was a nice surprise. Every now and then, a pair of cowbirds show up but move on.
Years ago, I had feeders on three sides of the house. Snow events required shoveling a path to them. I'm older and wiser and decided it was safer for birds to fly to the feeders in one general area than for
me to navigate additional icy paths. The cold temps have prevented any melting, so walking still requires caution.
