Last week I jumped at the chance to visit Kensington on one of our only blue sky days. It had been a long time, and I was hoping the birds were hungry even though I got out there a little later in the day than I like. But, instead of me telling you about it, let me just show you. You know it’s all about the birds….right?
A sandhill crane sunbathing and not wanting to be disturbed.So I didn’t get close. A long lens helps.I found the red-headed woodpecker at his usual corner. Wonder if there’s going to be a nest in there this spring?Meanwhile the little birds were definitely hungry. This is a titmouse. They are so cheeky.A bluejay keeps a careful watch for any spillage.I did spend a lot of time with my hand out hoping to entice the bluejay or the woodpeckers down for brunch.The male downy woodpecker was interested…but uncertain.The titmouse is never uncertain.He got brave.The squirrel enthusiastically enjoyed his treat.A chickadee bops in between titmice.And watching it all is a male red-belly woodpecker. Who really wants a snack but doesn’t want to get too close.Though he works his way down from the tree to get a little closer, keeping his eye on me.Meanwhile the little birds fly in and out, grabbing snacks on the go.And right next to the path, last year’s young sandhill crane is poking around in the mud of a stream.Under the watchful eye of mom and dad. They were both just a bit further up the stream. And they knew exactly where I was.The red-belly supervises it all, including me, from his safe place.Brunch continues with a titmouse grabbing a shelled peanut.Would hunger make this guy brave?Yes!Coming in for a landing.Pursuing the buffet.He makes his selection……and he’s off!Now there was a bit of a traffic jam. Notice the chickadee wing shadow on the downy woodpecker’s chest.The woodpecker won, but the chickadee will be back, see him behind the woodpecker?Taking his snack with him.The red-belly is happy with his score.But wait! Who is this? A FEMALE red-belly waits for a snack of her own.The chickadee tells her off, he’s been displaced once too often already.She waits patiently.But it’s time for me to leave all this drama behind. I move on, leaving seed on the path for everyone to share.
Will I see any more birds on the rest of my walk. Well…of course…but they were birds of a different feather. They’ll show up in this blog soon I’m sure. They’re kind of pushy.
I'm a long time banker having worked in banks since the age of 17. I took a break when I turned 50 and went back to school. I graduated right when the economy took a turn for the worst and after a year of library work found myself unemployed. I was lucky that my previous bank employer wanted me back. So here I am again, a long time banker. Change is hard.
12 thoughts on “It’s been a long time, Kensington”
I really like your action pics! The blue jay looking at you with his head titled is great. Looks like a good day to visit Kensington. Wonderful images Dawn, thanks!
One photo is more stunning than the next! What a perfect day- I am always astounded at them coming right to your hand- especially the Woodpeckers! How do you get the flying shots if you are using one hand for feed? They are absolutely fantastic. Thanks for sharing! ❤
Fabulous, Dawn! I one had a woodpecker dare to nosh out of my hand. I was beyond thrilled! Funny how the chicadees and nuthatches don’t even hesitate (and I can see, neither do the titmouses!)
I will never get over how you take photos of the birds with one hand. I am jealous! They are so fabulous! Looks like everyone was very happy to see you. The expressions on those birds are funny. Who knew birds had so much personality?!
Wow, what wonderful shots! I love the titmouse and the birds coming in for a landing. But I don’t know how your poor hand wasn’t frozen without a mitten! And just imagining having to hold your hand so still while these birds made their selections from the buffet and you snapped their pictures with your other hand … amazing!
What a great outing you had Dawn! It’s funny to see the Sandhill Crane on the ground with snow all around it. The Titmouse and Chickadee are always so cute, but I really like the close-ups of the Woodpeckers as well. Their respective red heads – so brilliant on a finally sunny day! I know they enjoyed your visit as much as you did. I know what you mean about getting out. I got down to the Detroit River and back to Council Point Park several times and it felt like I’d been on a mini vacation after this Winter which essentially began in November. The outings will carry us through the rest of this Winter.
Change Is Hard 
February 19, 2026 at 4:35 am
I really like your action pics! The blue jay looking at you with his head titled is great. Looks like a good day to visit Kensington. Wonderful images Dawn, thanks!
LikeLike
February 19, 2026 at 5:59 am
One photo is more stunning than the next! What a perfect day- I am always astounded at them coming right to your hand- especially the Woodpeckers! How do you get the flying shots if you are using one hand for feed? They are absolutely fantastic. Thanks for sharing! ❤
LikeLike
February 19, 2026 at 6:57 am
Great pictures! I especially liked The red-belly is happy with his score. A perfect way to spend a blue sky day.
LikeLike
February 19, 2026 at 9:01 am
So wonderful! I’m impressed with your arm strength and patience! 👏🏼
LikeLike
February 19, 2026 at 10:22 am
This brought great joy! What an incredible bird feeder you make! How do you take such good one-handed photos?
LikeLike
February 19, 2026 at 10:59 am
Fabulous pictures! Yes, what strength and coordination to take pictures while feeding.
LikeLike
February 19, 2026 at 11:20 am
Dawn, you have officially earned the title of ‘Bird Whisperer.’ And, you are great at multitasking.
LikeLike
February 19, 2026 at 11:31 am
Fabulous, Dawn! I one had a woodpecker dare to nosh out of my hand. I was beyond thrilled! Funny how the chicadees and nuthatches don’t even hesitate (and I can see, neither do the titmouses!)
LikeLike
February 19, 2026 at 1:29 pm
You took some amazing pictures. The first one, the big bird laying on the ground, the little ones eating out of your hand. Beautiful.
LikeLike
February 19, 2026 at 2:44 pm
I will never get over how you take photos of the birds with one hand. I am jealous! They are so fabulous! Looks like everyone was very happy to see you. The expressions on those birds are funny. Who knew birds had so much personality?!
LikeLike
February 19, 2026 at 3:21 pm
Wow, what wonderful shots! I love the titmouse and the birds coming in for a landing. But I don’t know how your poor hand wasn’t frozen without a mitten! And just imagining having to hold your hand so still while these birds made their selections from the buffet and you snapped their pictures with your other hand … amazing!
LikeLike
February 19, 2026 at 10:52 pm
What a great outing you had Dawn! It’s funny to see the Sandhill Crane on the ground with snow all around it. The Titmouse and Chickadee are always so cute, but I really like the close-ups of the Woodpeckers as well. Their respective red heads – so brilliant on a finally sunny day! I know they enjoyed your visit as much as you did. I know what you mean about getting out. I got down to the Detroit River and back to Council Point Park several times and it felt like I’d been on a mini vacation after this Winter which essentially began in November. The outings will carry us through the rest of this Winter.
LikeLike