Winter in the Forest

 

 

We've had a little dusting of snow in the foothills the last few days.

 

The skies have been clear but heavy with early morning fog.

 

It is quiet, with only the sound of my resident birds, twittering in the underbrush.

 

This morning I saw one of 'my' Anna's Hummingbirds. She came to my new feeder!

 

These little flying jewels winter over here! This is the first year I have fed them. I know there are at least two of them.

 

 

 

 

 

We are just below the 'snow line'.

 

But the forecast calls for mild temperatures, so no snow for us.

 

 

Everything is so green and white.

 

With the faint red tinge of bare branches.

   

 

 

As I zoom in, I can see individual trees highlighted against the mist.

I saw a pair of Bald Eagles the other day, hunting over the river valley.

 

 

Sometimes they are accompanied by Ravens.

 

 

 



Whenever the skies open up, and especially if there is some wind, we see the birds of prey.

 

Eagles often fly with companions.

I've seen Eagles with several different types of Hawks and of course, the Ravens, all circling together on the thermals.

 

I always know when there is an Eagle around.

My resident Stellar Jay's mimic their calls.
 

 

They are the 'watchdogs' of the forest.

I love finding their beautiful blue striped feathers.
 

 

 

There has been a smaller bird of prey haunting the songbirds the last few weeks, a Cooper's Hawk. He is very fast and agile.

 

 

I always know when he is around.

 

It is silent.

 

No twitters. No warning cries from the Stellar Jays.

 

Just silence.

 

Everyone is hiding in the underbrush.

 

 

 When the sun comes out, the yard is full of activity. Squirrels scamper about and ground feeding birds scratch and search for tasty morsels. I have noticed if I leave some leaves lying on the lawn, this encourages worms and grubs to hide underneath, giving the birds a tasty snack. Yesterday I watched a whole flock of Varied Thrushes work their way across the lawn.

 

 

 These beautiful birds have a one-note, ethereal, reedy call.

 

Their calls are particularly noticeable on a still winter day.

 

They, along with the Stellar Jay's, like to eat the dry dog food I leave out for them.

 

 

Two of my favorite little birds that come to my feeders are the Dark Eyed Junco on the left and the Red Breasted Nuthatch which are fearless and allow me to get up close whenever I fill the feeder.

 

They travel in little flocks along with Chickadees.

 

I love to hear them talking amongst themselves, chirping and twittering and fluttering about.

 

 



 

A few weeks ago we stopped using our wood stove for a couple of days.

 

The Mr. wanted to clean it out.

 

When he opened the doors to light the fire again, a little bird flew out into the house!

Luckily for him, the wood box was nice and clean and he didn't get covered in soot.

 

We opened up the doors and out he flew into the night, just in time! My cat Maggie had discovered him and was giving chase. I felt sorry that he might have been in there a day or more. I never heard a thing.

 

The Mr. has to clean the chimney this weekend and will put new screening up.

 

So even though the Forest appears to be still and quiet this time of year, there is plenty of activity going on.

 

Especially if you are a bird!

 

What kinds of birds are you seeing these days?

xx