Back Yard Photographer – Stormy Day

Snow covered

A winter storm came through our area leaving a foot of snow. Traveling was not recommended during this time, so I stayed home from work and took some pictures of the birds in the back yard. I had filled the bird feeders before the storm hit, so the birds would have plenty of food to get through the bad weather. Even on such a snowy, windy day, the feeders were busy. A few pictures from this day:

Snow Covered Fruit

A bit windy

Holding on Tight

The day after the storm the birds and the squirrels were busy getting through the snow to get to the bird seed that had been spilled the day before because of the wind. The birds stayed on top of the snow but would venture into the paths the squirrels created so they could get to the bird seed. I took a few pictures of the critters the day after the snow storm.

Looking for bird seed

Taking turns at the bird feeder

Not a fake back drop, just a snow covered field.

According to some, this was the most snow we have had in one day since a major snow storm in 1975. And there are other similarities – it took a couple of days to get the streets passable again and the children have had some great snow days to go sledding, build snow forts and snow men. 🙂

Do you have any snow day memories?

Thank you for stopping by – hope you liked the critter pictures. 🙂

All photos are originals by Kim Lawless

Back Yard Photographer – Family of Cardinals

Happily a family of cardinals has decided to call the trees behind my house their home. I must admit, I wasn’t sure there was a family until just this past week. Over the Summer I had seen the cardinals but wasn’t sure if I was seeing one multiple times or several different cardinals. Finally this week, I saw several of them together. At one point I saw three by one of the bird feeders, but I wasn’t quick enough to get the shot this time.

A few fun facts from allaboutbirds.org :

• The Northern Cardinal is the state bird for seven states
• The oldest recorded Northern Cardinal was a female. She was just about 16 years old.
• If the male Northern Cardinal sees its reflection in a mirror is can spend hours trying to fight off the intruder. The male fiercely protects it’s breeding territory.

Below are a few pictures of what I am referring to as the siblings. These are young northern cardinals because their beaks are a dark brown. I believe I have seen the mama, but I didn’t get a picture of her this week. I did hear her – she is very vocal. I was able to get a picture or two of the papa. He was a little more difficult as he didn’t stick around long to get his picture taken. 🙂

Mama cardinal blending in with the bird feeder

Sibling cardinals enjoying a snack

Sibling cardinals looking for their snack

Papa cardinal watching over his family

Hope you enjoy the pictures! Thank you for stopping by my blog!

All photos are originals by Kim Stites