One Benefit of Cold, Wind, and Snow - Bird and Squirrel Fun

I have sunflower seeds for a meet and greet tomorrow.

We felt the cold rolling in yesterday, but this morning was special, the coldest night in 40 years was followed by winds and snow. But when the going gets tough, the tough feed the birds. Sassy and I did our normal Sunday morning walk (shorter than usual) and she watched me jog backwards and ahead of her too. She froze, to coin a term. Sassy does the running. 

If you enjoy these Blue Angels, buy some whole peanuts at the hardware store.

We got back and I explored the bird and squirrel feeding menu.

1. Squirrel food is heavy on corn but includes sunflower seeds and peanuts in the shell.
2. Shelled peanuts smell delicious and attract more varieties.
3. A few almonds add to the selection, tilted toward the larger birds and hungry squirrels.

 Which cardinal is prettier, male or female?
Scholars are divided.

The little birds pick at the corn and larger nuts. We had quite a convention. Ranger Bob was coming over, so I poured two piles of peanuts in the shell on the barrels and the third feeder. Two things help a lot - 

• open, washable, easy-draining garbage barrels, 
• low brush and trashy garden areas.

The barrel food was covered with snow in an hour, so I broomed some snow away to show the animals how many calories were below the white stuff. Blue jays hit the covered peanuts and took off with their prizes. It was a squadron of three, one after another - the Blue Angels of Creation.

"He built this swing and filled these treasure-houses, just so I could balance on the wire and eat all I want. Water and bathing are below."

When Bob and I were talking and drinking coffee, I saw a lot of activity in the air. I suggested that Bob look out the kitchen window. One garbage barrel was packed with starlings eating and jostling at the same time.

The brushes and "dead" Poke Weed serve as perches for small birds. They like to look around in safety, and those slender remnants are perfect for their weight and little more.

The males hide their gold most of the year, so we appreciate the male goldfinches that much more when they wear their livery. They love sunflowers seeds and "thistle." Retailers love "thistle," so little for so much money.