Birdwatching

We get so much pleasure out of watching our bird visitors that we can overlook the mess they make on the deck.

House finch and Goldfinch 

This feeder pictured above is the favorite and I was disappointed when I could not find another one. You can see this one has been repaired. The top portion holds larger seeds and the bottom part holds small seeds like nyjer. The top part simply unscrews. It is so easy to fill and the birds love it. I got this feeder free as a product to review but it is no longer available and I have not seen any similar ones.

The heated bird bath is another favorite and it is a lifesaver in freezing temperatures.

Downy Woodpecker

After having our suet feeders rapidly depleted by starlings and squirrels, I purchased one of these suet feeders that have cages around them. They still get into it but not nearly as much as before. The Downy Woodpecker loves the suet as does...

Bushtit

The Bushtits! I love these guys but I admit this can be a disconcerting sight. They come through several times a day and are only here for a few minutes. 

Western Scrub Jay

Michael says I spoil the Scrub Jays rotten because I feed them peanuts. He hates the sound they make but I actually like it. They are so funny to watch.

Spotted Towhee

I think the Spotted Towhee is my favorite. Very shy and they tend to stay at ground level although I've seen them often lately in the bird box on the patio table and even at the feeders from time to time. So beautiful!

I did not get photos of the nuthatch and warbler which are also frequent visitors. To attract them, be sure and buy the nut and fruit bird mixes.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy