Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Wild Birds: Cardinals and Bluebirds

Last Wednesday we had about an inch of snow. As usual on snowy days the birds flocked to the feeder. The cardinals being the main visitors on this particular day. I was lucky to get Mr. Cardinal grabbing some seed.
The poor Mrs. just looked miserable. Who can blame her!
By Friday the skies were clear and it had warmed up considerably. The Eastern Bluebird is supposed to be a year round dweller in my area but I have not seen them during the winter in the five years I've lived here. They have nested in my yard every summer of these five years. In the last week I caught a glimpse of them but this was the closest I have gotten to getting any kind of photo. This was through the window as he sat in the oak tree so it isn't a clear shot but I wanted to at least document that he was back.
Little Mrs. Bluebird sat in the nearby walnut tree (also outside my window). These were the best shots I could get. I watched a couple of minutes until the Mr. flew off into the nearby woods and Mrs. took off behind him. Since they were in different trees I hope they weren't having a spat! :)
Spring is only eight days away and Sunday we had a high temperature of 74 degrees. BUT,  rain and snow is again in the forecast after midnight tonight. Poor little bluebirds will be so confused.

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday and Rurality Blog Hop.
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38 comments:

  1. TexWisGirlMarch 12, 2013 at 10:38 AM

    yay for returning bluebirds! we get to keep them here all year 'round. i do love the cardinals in the snow!

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  2. NancyMarch 12, 2013 at 10:56 AM

    Your shots of the cardinals in the snow are breathtaking even if she is miserable....

    So glad you got shots of the blue birds; maybe they will come closer next time.....

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  3. Sallie (FullTime-Life)March 12, 2013 at 11:31 AM

    Those blue birds flew North a little too soon didn't they? (I bet they're Florida snowbirds in the winter time.) Wishing you some spring weather soon, although I must admit that your winter pictures look just beautiful.

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  4. theconstantwalkerMarch 12, 2013 at 12:56 PM

    I have nothing like your Cardinals... beautiful birds to see.

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  5. NickiMarch 12, 2013 at 12:56 PM

    Beautiful bird shots.

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  6. GeorgeMarch 12, 2013 at 2:42 PM

    We've seen bluebirds throughout the winter, but now they're working on the nest box. Hopefully Spring will really get here in eight days. I like your portraits of Mr. & Mrs. Cardinal.

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  7. mickMarch 12, 2013 at 3:41 PM

    Great photos. The cardinals are especially beautiful with the snowy background.

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  8. Coloring Outside the LinesMarch 12, 2013 at 4:02 PM

    Nice shots of your birds. I am so ready for spring!

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  9. HansHBMarch 12, 2013 at 4:55 PM

    Lovely photos from the birdfeeder!

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  10. Betsy Banks AdamsMarch 12, 2013 at 5:03 PM

    Cardinals are the prettiest little bird to show during snow. The red really shows up with the white background...

    Love your Blues also. My Blues are beginning to nest. I took a picture today of Daddy Blue at the nestbox.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  11. KarenMarch 12, 2013 at 5:25 PM

    These are lovely shots Carletta. They do look a bit cold and cranky. They are lucky you put feed out for them though.

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  12. Wally JonesMarch 12, 2013 at 5:57 PM

    You captured some beautiful color to contrast with the snow!

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  13. eileeninmdMarch 12, 2013 at 7:01 PM

    Carletta, lovely shots of the Cardinals and I just love Bluebirds. Have a great evening!

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  14. KarenMarch 12, 2013 at 8:17 PM

    I love the cardinal shots Carletta! She does look grumpy. LOL

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  15. Grandma Barb's This and ThatMarch 12, 2013 at 8:33 PM

    I always love seeing the cardinals. They are so pretty in the snow. I've only seen a bluebird once and I think he was passing through.

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  16. Vores haveMarch 13, 2013 at 3:29 AM

    Great image series :)

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  17. diane bMarch 13, 2013 at 4:12 AM

    They are so brightly coloured these two birds.

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  18. EG CameraGirlMarch 13, 2013 at 7:58 AM

    I am still awaiting the return of the bluebirds here. They should be here soon as they are among the first to migrate back to Ontario, I really like the photos of the cardinals.

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  19. i stora dragMarch 13, 2013 at 8:01 AM

    What a perfect match, red and blue! Very nice pictures, Carletta, we don't have none of those birds!
    /Pia

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  20. UnknownMarch 13, 2013 at 8:32 AM

    Great series!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  21. RajeshMarch 13, 2013 at 8:50 AM

    Wow! very beautiful birds.

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  22. JoriMarch 13, 2013 at 11:21 AM

    Gorgeous birds as always! You always have the BEST cardinal photo's! I have had a lot of Eastern Bluebirds this year. I guess that is why they are our state bird. :)

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  23. JoriMarch 13, 2013 at 11:21 AM

    PS-Thank you for your kind words on my Route 66 post. We had SO much fun looking at everything.

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  24. FranMarch 13, 2013 at 11:34 AM

    Colorful birds in the snow. Great shots.

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  25. Jackie McGuinnessMarch 13, 2013 at 12:34 PM

    I always love taking photos of the cardinals in the winter.

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  26. AnonymousMarch 13, 2013 at 12:40 PM

    Love the cardinals ~ how exciting you were able to get these wonderful photos ~ Wow!

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  27. AnonymousMarch 13, 2013 at 3:57 PM

    Love the Cardinals in the snow!

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  28. Craver ViiMarch 13, 2013 at 4:39 PM

    I like bluebirds, but haven't seen any around here. One former blogging friend had them trained to eat from her hand. I wish I could do that!

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  29. imacMarch 13, 2013 at 4:50 PM

    Real nice display of Birds my friend

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  30. Granny SueMarch 13, 2013 at 6:45 PM

    What gorgeous photos! You should submit some to Two Lane Livin's monthly cover contest. I am in awe of your talent.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog today; I always am happy to hear from another West Virginian.

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  31. Mary Howell CromerMarch 13, 2013 at 7:18 PM

    Our Bluebirds stay all Winter in KY and they have already begun nesting their first clutch, even with bits and amounts of snow. You got some very nice image shares!!!

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  32. DeniseinVAMarch 13, 2013 at 7:21 PM

    Love your bird photos Carletta. I wish we could see some bluebirds in our yard. We had some snow too.

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  33. LindaMarch 14, 2013 at 1:53 AM

    Awesome shots! I've been photographing birds -- helps my reflexes, LOL.

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  34. Karen @ Beatrice EuphemieMarch 14, 2013 at 1:59 AM

    So wonderful to have such colorful feathered friends! Great shots. We have neither of these in our area, so it is a treat to see them! xx

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  35. AnonymousMarch 14, 2013 at 3:43 PM

    So pretty aren't they in the snow? Thank you for joining in 'Rurality Blog Hop #6' Hope to see you next Wednesday for #7...

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  36. Stewart MMarch 15, 2013 at 4:18 AM

    Great pictures - its not just the winter / spring weather that it mixed up, the summer / autumn here is all to pot as well!

    Cheers and thanks for linking to WBW

    Stewart M - Melbourne

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  37. kayerjMarch 15, 2013 at 1:09 PM

    lovely shots today Carletta

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  38. RoseMarch 17, 2013 at 9:02 AM

    Oh, wow, Carletta...excellent shots of the Mr. and Mrs. Either would make a lovely greeting card.

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