We interrupt our tour of magical Kensington to announce that spring has officially arrived here in Southeastern Michigan. OK, it’s 30 degrees out with a stiff wind and snow lightly falling.
But it’s spring. Trust me on this.
Wait. That’s the wrong image. One moment please…
…try now…
What? You don’t see anything? How about now?
Well yes, that IS a goldfinch who MIGHT have a yellow feather showing, but no, what about the big black blob? What do you see?
Maybe this is better?
Yes! It is indeed our very first red-winged blackbird scout of the season! Give that bird a gold medal, he’s arrived early and the weather is clearly not in his favor. In fact we had a hail storm only two days ago. I hope he managed to avoid it.
I saw him for the first time on Thursday (day before yesterday), but I was on the phone and not close to my camera. I got a very poor image of him with the phone. But I shared it extensively with my bird friends here. Almost all of them had seen one in their yards that day too!
Yesterday (Friday) he stopped by again. The images in this post are from Friday’s visit.
I had filled all six feeders for him in the hopes he’d eat something. It was a very windy day and he was very hesitant. He slowly worked his way out from the safety of the middle of the beech tree, watching all the other birds eating. Clearly he was interested.
And then he made his move.
I hope he’s here to stay. I haven’t even heard the distinctive red-winged blackbird call yet. But I hope he starts calling in all of his friends so we know he is more than a fluke!
And I’m glad we were able to give him some food and water if he’s headed further north. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see if he stops by again.
Happy Spring everybody!
Edit: He’s here right now, eating at the flat feeder! So maybe he’s really going to stick around!
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.
Mom says she posted one of my baby pictures yesterday. She says it was from my very first day home, when I was a tiny little thing. Yesterday was my gotcha day, I’ve lived here three whole years now!
I needed a nap once I came home, it was all so overwhelming.
I sure remember that first winter. There was so much snow! Of course I was a lot shorter than. My Auntie Beth and my folks made a snowman for me.
I thought snow was meant to be played in, not posed in. Sheesh.
I wasn’t sure I wanted to sit next to it. And I didn’t know about getting treats for posing yet. But eventually I sat…for an instant…so mom could get a picture.
What is this ‘sit’ of which you speak?
This year there’s a lot of snow too, and guess what? Mom made a snowman for me yesterday! She said we had to act fast, though, cause it was so warm the snowman’s nose and eyes kept falling out while I was posing!
Whatever, mom. The treats better be good, this snow is cold!
Now days I know all about the treat system so I had no problem sitting in the snow for a little while, knowing there was something good coming my way as soon as mom was done.
Last chance, mom, this snow=boy is a melting!
I’m a lot bigger now…but mom made this snowman bigger too. That’s ok, the sun has already shrunk that ole snowman down to size!
It’s been cold here. Really cold. Mornings are often close to 0F if not below. (-17C)
Perfectly puffed.
My backyard birds need extra food to survive, and they’re eating about 40 pounds of oiler seeds a week. Not to mention the big bag of peanuts in the shell, and the 10 pounds of shelled peanuts and the 20 pound of niger seed.
Startled by the lady with the camera.
I don’t think they travel far from my yard. When I’m out there filling the 6 feeders and one suet cage they chirp and flutter in nearby shrubs and trees. Maybe they’re discussing the menu. Probably more likely they’re wondering why I’m so slow.
Waiting impatiently for his favorite feeder to be filled.
Before I’m even back in the house they’re already swooping down to see what fresh treats I’ve left them. Sometimes I stand against the house, under the eves, and wait to see who shows up. I’ sure they know I’m there, but they can’t wait to grab a snack. If it’s not to windy and cold I’ll stand there awhile, enjoying the sound of their wings and their gentle chirping to each other.
A titmouse on alert, looking for the biggest peanut to snag.
During the winter months, when they’re so hungry and not busy raising a family, they seem to all get along. I have 5 pair of cardinals that will eat side by side on the railing where I spread seed in the worst weather, so that everyone can eat at the same time and no one has to wait.
Diving into supper.
In the spring and summer the cardinals will chase each other out of what they seem to feel is their own territory. You won’t find them eating together when they’re setting up households and struggling under new parent responsibilities.
The titmouse is the bravest of the birds. They’re usually the first to arrive when the feeders are newly filled. They’ll even come hop around the shrub nearest me as I pour seed on the railing. They are not afraid and they pick the biggest peanuts in shells every time. The peanuts are almost as big as their heads. They are very proud to get the prize seed before the big bluejays show up.
A puffed up shy junco waiting for the lady to go inside.
The chickadees are right behind the titmice, making a lot of noise to announce their arrival. They like a particular feeder and often flit back and forth between the shelter of the shrubs and the safe, caged, feeder.
A fat little goldfinch getting frustrated at the wait for lunch.
And I have a band of 7 bluejays that send a scout first who will announce when it’s safe. Then the rest of them swoop in, scaring, for a moment, the little birds. But soon they and the littles are all eating together.
Mourning doves taking an apres meal nap in the empty, heated, birdbath.
But if, suddenly, all the birds disappear it’s important to look around. Because sometimes the reason they’ve all hidden is this guy.
Standing on one foot while warming the other on a cold morning.
I’ve seen him attack a huge thorny barberry bush where the little birds like to hide, trying to get lunch. So far I haven’t seen him suceed at that. The little birds fly out and he’s tangled up in the thorns.
On the day I shot his image last week, it was close to zero out. He was, at first, standing on one foot and keeping the other warm up under his feathers. But he eventually put two feet firmly on the feeder hook and surveyed the yard for quite awhile before he flew off into the woods to look for an easier meal.
Ok, I’ll pose for the lady.
So there you go, some of my cold birds, most puffed up to conserve heat. This week it might get up into the 40s (4 C)…for one day anyway. I expect the birds will be sunbathing in relief.
I think it’s been about a thousand weeks in dog years since you’ve seen anything written by me! Mom keeps saying the world is bigger than me. But seriously. Does anyone believe that?
Hanging out with my dad
Anyway I thought I’d bring you up to date on what I’ve been doing. Which is pretty much always the same. Beg for supper beginning at 3:00 p.m. (sooner if I think my parents aren’t wearing watches).
Just checking on the time, dad.
Continue to beg until Mom gives in at 3:50.
Isn’t it time yet, mom?
Ask to go out. Eat snow instead of doing my job. Ask to go in.
Over there looks interesting.
Ask to go out to inspect my yard. Or bark at the neighbors. Whichever comes first.
Initiating my early morning alarm in case anyone isn’t up yet.
Sometimes I ask to go out very early in the morning. Sometimes mom is glad because she would have missed the sunrise.
I told you mom!
Mostly she is not glad. Did I mention barking?
Mom calls this her artsy image, titled “Dog in Snow.”
She also has been taking me to school. She seems to need the stimulation and mind expanding exercise. I go along to supervise.
I got extra treats to sit on this little stool that matched my leash.
We took a short little class where I got lots of treats. I liked the treats part.
I can do this, mom, if you just stay out of the way.
We are back to doing Rally classes now that the holidays are over. Mom forgot to go the first week. She turned into a slacker without a schedule while we were out of school.
Don’t forget the sit at the end, mom!
While we were there mom noticed the pretty photo opportunity, left from the last trial the week before. I wasn’t entered because mom says we are not ready.
It’s a winter wonderland! Just like our backyard!
I don’t know, mom, when are we going to be ready? I ask to go down to my basement every day and sometimes we do, just to practice our obedience. And get treats.
This one is easy, mom, just don’t turn too close to the cone. Leave room for me!
Mom says sometimes she thinks we’re ready and then I do something silly and she rethinks. There’s another trial in March. She thinks maybe she should try again.
I think I’ve got it mom. You just have to trust me.
But…will I be willing to work without treats in the ring? Mom’s been working on that…but she says I’m not reliable yet. Geeze mom, I’m only 3. Have you ever met a reliable 3 year old anything?
I get extra points for cuteness.
Other than school we’ve been playing in the snow. It snows all the time. The snow banks are bigger than me! Even the snow in my back yard is up to my shoulders.
Gonna need a wider trail.
I told mom I wasn’t going to run around and chase snowballs when the snow was that deep. Other dogs’ parents dig them a trail in the backyard to run around on. I suggested that to my mom. She looked at me and then we went inside.
Come on, mom!
I guess that’s not happening.
So let’s see…school….snow….supper. Yep, those are the three most important things going on in my life right now. The 3 S’s.
And naps. Sleep, starting with S of course, is important!
I hope you are all enjoying your winter. Mom says we could do with some sunshine so I reminded her of this day when the sun came out. She had forgotten. Sometimes the sun comes out here.
I remember there was this one day when the sun came out…
Hey! That’s another important S!
Talk later,
Your snow-girl, supper-hog and super all around ray of sunshine, Penny.
The media has hyped this storm for more than a week, warning us of brutal cold and inches, maybe feet, of new snow. And they haven’t been wrong, about the cold anyway. We’ll see about the snow tomorrow when ours is due to arrive.
Last week I dug Katie’s old boots out for Penny. Penny’s feet are bigger but I can still, with a lot of work, get them on her. We’ve been using them for a few days when she goes out to do her business. She’s not a fan.
Ready to go.
On most of our trips outside at least one, and generally two, boots fall off as she runs around in the snow looking for the perfect place. I collect the rogue boots and stuff them in my pocket and sigh, and when she’s done we race for the house.
Most of the time. Sometimes she stops mid race and holds up a paw. Once she tried to hold up three paws all at once and then just sat down in the snow, shivering. When that happens I pick her up and we race, as fast as I can with an additional 26 pounds, back to the house.
I don’t think she appreciates her mom nearly as much as she should.
I just don’t think this is the look I’m going for, mom!
Anyway today is different. When I woke up this morning about 6 a.m. my phone said it was -15F (-26C) and that it felt like -25 (-31.6C). I lay very still. Penny was still sound asleep, curled up next to me, and I didn’t want to wake her.
At 8 a.m. the temp outside was -18F (-27.7C)
Because when Penny wakes up the day has started and that means breakfast and going outside! I didn’t want to go outside.
For a moment I contemplated how I could get her to hold it all day. I soon gave up on that idea and started thinking about how to make this work safely for both of us. I figured out how I could layer up in running tights under jeans under windproof running plants. And long sleeved shirts under sweatshirts under the coat. And two pair of socks.
I don’t think I’ll come over there to get my boots mom. OK?
But for Pen? She was definitely going to have to wear her boots and even then I was going to carry her out to her spot so there was less time for ‘boots on the ground’ and the opportunity to lose one along the way.
She woke up at 7, had her breakfast and then looked at me expectantly. It took forever to get me dressed and her boots on her.
Well darn it anyway.
She was not excited about me carrying her out into the cold. It hurt to breath. I wasn’t excited to be out there either.
It’s a look.
I set her down and she, of course, couldn’t stay on the part of the yard we’ve packed down from numerous trips. No, she needed fresh fluffy deep snow to pee in. Which she soon found and immediately peed and peed and peed.
I was telling her good girl and hurry up all at the same time. The chill was seeping through my coat.
She finished and looked at me, grinned, and ran through the snow, leaped over the pile of shoveled snow at the driveway and then just stood there, looking around. I asked if maybe she’d like to go in?
This isn’t so bad, mom. Want to go for a walk?
Oh no mom! I have to do my other job, and that needs to be over there in the front yard where we haven’t walked before at all! You know, in the DEEP snow!
I sighed and followed her as she leaped over the pile of snow on the other side of the driveway and ran through the snow until she found the perfect spot.
I think it’s better just over here, mom, come on!
One boot came off. I collected it and told her to hurry up. She did.
So then I scooped her up and we trotted through the snow, over the piles, up the driveway and into the house. Success! She’s such a good dog!
I believe the proper fee for doing my stuff outside is three kibbles mom. Hurry up.
And just then then the sun came up.
A sign of coming warmth. We hope.
We’re not heading out there again until much later today, when we can hope that the sun will warm us up to at least 0F. A veritable heat wave.
Stay tuned for stories about snow tomorrow. I won’t ask you to read a whole post about Penny doing her business again anytime soon.
I have a new laptop. Can you tell? I can, there’s a different feel, things are in different places, and I have to figure everything out.
What’s going on down there?
For example, I can’t find the cursor to put it where I want it to do any editing. Getting the images in is hard too. I can cut and paste previously typed stuff, but I can’t delete anything. So odds are you’re going to see the same sentence repeated because as I was inserting photos they were going in the wrong locations and I was trying to move text around them.
I’ll just ignore all that going on over there.
AND I have this backlog of photos to show you! Of course they’re mostly birds, shot in my own backyard because sometimes I look out there and I can’t not take their pictures. They are soooo cute. And beautiful too.
Hey lady! This is supposed to have water in it!
I have so many images of the same birds eating out of the same feeders. But each time I’m hopeful of getting that shot. You know the one. The one that makes you gasp or smile or both.
Hurry up and eat before some big bird comes along.
Sometimes I think I’m the only one feeding the birds in my neighborhood. They sit out there in the trees and shrubs and seem to wait. I’m hardly ever back in the house when they’re chowing down on the newly filled feeders. It’s cold right now and I’m filling six feeders 2x a day.
Does that make them spoiled?
Coming in for a landing.
So now I have all these images that I’m just now getting processed and you just need to see them. I have virtually nothing interesting to say to accompany the pictures.
No bird in this image…just beautiful frosty ice.
The birds have been so hungry they are getting used to me standing in the window with that big black lens pointed at them. I think they’ve decided the risk of me is worth it. Or maybe they recognize me from all my trips outside to fill their feeders.
Just leave all the peanuts in the shell to me and I’ll leave you guys alone.
I guess I could tell you that all of these were taken from across a room and through a window. Thank goodness we paid some nice gentlemen to wash the windows this fall.
There are five of us cardinal couples at the feeders daily.
Whenever I’ve tried to do the windows I end up with a streaky mess. The guys that come here twice a year do a beautiful job and I don’t think they’re very expensive given all the windows we have. We try to get them scheduled in the fall before the weather would make window cleaning really miserable.
We were pretty late this year but we made it. In addition winter started a little early. Does that mean it will end early this spring?
How many of us do you see?
Probably not. The winter this year seems more like winters I remember as a kid. Cold and snowy. We’ve had snow on the ground most of the time since Thanksgiving.
Eating upside down is good for your digestion. Really.
Anyway I think I’ve rambled enough to show you some of the images I got last month. I have a whole other set of images from the ice storm. That was pretty amazing.
Hi, I’m a titmouse and I fly really fast. And I eat a lot. Cause I’m such a crazy little bird.
I’d like to get all these photos from 2025 processed and filed away. Cause there are even more on my camera waiting to be downloaded from 2026!
Stay tuned.
Make room for incoming!
I’m just going to publish this and see what it looks like. I can’t get to the preview either, and I can’t delete some stuff, though I was able to delete a few sentences and then I lost that ability again. It’s going to make me crazy if this is the way things work!
But I’m glad to just get some photos out there. I’ll try to see if I can edit it tomorrow. Maybe the laptop (or WordPress) just needs a good night of sleep.
UPDATE: Apparently WordPress just needed a nap. The editing today went just fine. I’m not going to reread this post, I’m sure it reads somewhat clunky as I was working so hard last night just to insert an image or a paragraph. But I feel better that I can at least delete repetition. Hope you enjoy the birds!
Change Is Hard 