One consequence of the cold that has been gripping our region is that all open water is frozen and the birds have a hard time finding water to drink. I saw a Carolina Chickadee jump on one of our deck railing next to the feeder, and it hesitated for a moment looking at some melted snow.
Then it decided to go ahead and drink. The bird feeder was only a couple feet away but it ignored it.
A Dark-eyed Junco was nearby, perhaps waiting its turn.
Another Dar-eyed Junco was perched on a magnolia branch, all puffed up like a toy bird.
Emma Cownie said:
This Carolina Chickadee looks a bit like a Willow Tit I saw in South Wales (UK) yesterday.
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neihtn2012 said:
I bet they are the same bird (family Paridae), just different continent. Thank you for commenting.
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Emma Cownie said:
Yes, I think you are right. I had no idea that this family of birds are spread all over the northern hemisphere and large part of Africa. Thank you.
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theyoungbirder1 said:
Beautiful, beautiful birds! Awesome pictures!!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you!
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sunshinysa said:
Ah blizzard :(. Poor babies… luckily they have you.
Here in SA, it is quite the opposite. Hot. Too much sun. They sit on our rooftop and watch the sun rise. Fed up waiting for us to arise, cooing and dancing on the roof begins. Wearily i draw open the curtains and there they are, nosily peering into the bedroom. We try to give them a variety of meals but their favourite is crumbed bread. My cockatiels watch them happily and experiences are shared. They dip into my late labradors water bowl and the significance is appreciated. The tubs that have greedily hoarded water for the garden is a brief bath. Wings apart, they sunbathe under the brunfelsia tree.
Just before we arrive from work, they park themselves and wait for supper.
My latest post reveals the dove in the sunshine.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you for commenting!
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The Thrifty Campers said:
I never really thought about the fact that when ponds and lakes are frozen, it leaves little to no access of water for birds. Your completely right.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you for visiting and commenting! I’ve been travelling, catching the flu, and only today am getting back to normal.
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Tiny said:
Beautiful birds! I so feel for them during these cold spells.
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neihtn2012 said:
The cold and the snow that was being blown around were pretty bad. However, the birds held on, perhaps thanks to the strong grip of their feet.
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nhi said:
Congatulate anh Hiến, now you can dedicate all your time for whatever you want to.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Anh Nhi. I already have a few projects lined up…
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bayphotosbydonna said:
Beautiful photos, Hien, looks like you could reach out and feel their softness. 🙂
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neihtn2012 said:
Thanks Donna! They do look like plush toy birds.
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Mary said:
So cute Hien, birds are the most beautiful creatures – your photography tells their story. That slight bit of water tells it all – I like Eliza’s idea.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Mary! I will follow Eliza’s advice and get a bird bath heater, or something like that.
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Mary said:
We have a spa connected to our pool and I have to say (laughing of course) that it’s the drinking bin for all our neighborhood animals and birds. From birds (blue jays, cardinals, flycatchers, sparrows, hawks) to squirrels and even gecko’s – they all politely take their turns. It’s really very amusing.
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Amy said:
I love Chickadee, beautiful captures. They move so fast. 🙂
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Amy! Chickadees are very cute birds, and they fly in and out very fast.
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Eliza Waters said:
It’s a good idea to provide a water dish with heater during the winter. It really attracts the birds, which increases the photo ops! 🙂
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neihtn2012 said:
Good advice, Eliza! I didn’t think about water until now and will try to do something about it.
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Eliza Waters said:
Lowes and Home Depot carry bird bath heaters.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thanks Eliza! I am heading there as soon as this blizzard is over.
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Meta said:
I feel bad for the birds. Hopefully a thaw will be coming soon.
Excellent observation about their problem.
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neihtn2012 said:
Temperatures are supposed to climb to the high thirties, but only next week, after we get another load of snow and bitter cold. I’ll make sure to fill the feeder, and maybe put out a pan of warm water once in a while.
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quietsolopursuits said:
I look forward to the post that you do with the photos of the birds in your backyard, the images are always excellent! I love this one, for it shows how birds cope with the extreme weather that we’re having.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Jerry! I am staying home every day now, to keep out of the cold, and am taking this time to watch the birds that come by the bird feeder. It’s just amazing how they manage to survive the cold and the difficulty in finding food, and water.
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