I enjoy photographing wildlife visitors to our feeders, especially when there is snow in the air! These are some of the birds that brighten our winter days on a regular basis.
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Northern Cardinal, female
Northern Cardinal, male
Goldfinch, in non-breeding plumage
Blue Jay, opening a sunflower seed
Tufted Titmouse
White-throated Sparrow
Mourning Dove
Mourning Dove, one of about 20 fluttering in to feed on the ground
Photos by NB Hunter (January, 2020). © All rights reserved.
In the snow belt, harsh winter weather and snow cover trigger aggressive feeding by resident wildlife. Bird counts and squirrel activity at artificial feeding stations reach an annual peak, a phenomenon that is most apparent in the midst of a snow storm. At various times throughout the day, chaos reigns as dozens of birds and mammals converge at feeders, providing wonderful opportunities for “wildlife watching” …and photography.
Chickadee and Downy Woodpecker feeding on a block of suet and grain.
Red-breasted Nuthatch at rest near feeders on a frigid winter morning
Blue Jay evaluating its feeding options
A pleasantly plump Gray Squirrel eating …. because it can!
White-breasted Nuthatch, an upside-down favorite
Red Squirrel digging for grain under a layer of fresh snow
Squirrels are notorious for their creative gymnastics around elevated “bird” feeders
Perhaps our most popular winter resident, cardinal sightings are down this year, and we don’t know why
Woodpeckers (Hairy and Red-bellied) squabbling over access to a suet block.
The Tufted Titmouse is expanding its range northward, influenced by artificial feeding and global warming
Photos by NB Hunter. © All rights reserved.
We have four months of winter; I enjoy three of them. The earthy colors and vivid contrasts of uncluttered winter landscapes can be very appealing, even spectacular. Winter also affords us the opportunity to observe the behavior and coping mechanisms of resident birds and mammals as they struggle to find sufficient food and cover amidst dwindling resources. The “dormant” winter season is far from static; there’s a lot going on, and much to learn. I’ll share a few winter highlights from Central New York, captured in January, 2017.
Northern cardinal foraging for grain near a backyard feeder
Eastern wild turkeys searching for waste grain
Round bales on a foggy winter morning
Black-capped chickadee in a lake-effect snow storm
Hilltop panoramic view of farms and woodlands
American crow foraging on waste grain
Morning sunlight on the Chenango River
Red-bellied woodpecker feasting on a commercial suet block
Photos by NB Hunter. © All Rights Reserved.
Photo by NB Hunter
Nick's Nature Pics 