Thankful Thursday: Winter Birds

White-Breasted Nuthatch

Thankful Thursday post for the first Thursday of what is starting out to be a frigid February. Y'all staying warm out there?

I am thankful for all the delightful little bird friends that brighten up the dreary winter days. Some birds we have year round, some only in the summer, and a few only in the winter. We have the Nuthatches (pictured above) in both white and red-breasted varieties here all year. We see the White-Breasted ones much more frequently in the winter time as they are daily visitors to the feeders. These little cuties are one of the few (only?) birds that travel tree trunks in a head downward (upside down?) position.

One of the winter birds that enjoy the bird seed smorgasbord here are the Dark-eyed Juncos. They arrive in late fall and leave in mid-spring. It is always a sure sign that fall weather is over when the Juncos arrive.

 

Dark-Eyed Junco -Male

This one is almost cheating because it is a year-round bird, but it is one of my favorites. Although this is the male, the female Cardinal is also a strikingly beautiful bird. Unfortunately she is often overlooked due the flashiness of her red-feathered mate.

Male Cardinal

Any bird lovers out there? I can't complete my thankful for birds post without thanking my husband. He has kept the bird feeders filled all winter. Through bitter cold and deep snow without comment or complaint he has taken care of my feathered friends. Thank you, honey!

What are you thankful for this Thursday?