Birds coping with the cold... or, as it is now, the Polar Vortex! Who knew!

http://www.audubonmagazine.org/articles/birds/how-birds-cope-cold-winter

Their creator thought of everything! 

WOWSERS...after looking at your pics and videos, I've got chills! Those are some tough creatures, all right. It's interesting that the ducks and geese must feel safer sleeping On Frozen Pond? Beautiful hawks. Guess I'll go have something to warm me up, now. Thanks for the tour, MAK!

You're welcome as always Barb! I was thinking that maybe the ducks and geese were on the ice as a means to thaw it-just a thought! It's 2 degrees here right now-hard to believe when you consider we're only one state away from the Gulf of Mexico!! 

MAK, I notice you refer to your favorite red bird and his mate as Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal. I remember in school we learned to use honorifics for various and sundry personages, and that a Cardinal was to be addressed as "Your Eminence."  Well, in my yard I often see His Eminence, but how to refer to a female Cardinal (of which the Church has none)? Her Eminence, of course!

Let me add my praise for your pictures -- they are really wonderful.

Mary in Charlotte (NC)  

Mary, it's too bad the church doesn't allow women to be Cardinals. That being said, I like your idea! Thanks for your interesting comment!! 

Wow, that is cold!  Loved the videos and album. It was really nice seeing the area and road leading up to the ranch.


Nora in NW Florida

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Nora, I'm glad you enjoyed the ride! 

   Well I ventured out this morning with a temperature of -4 degrees when I left. 2 hours later when I returned it was all the way up to 2 degrees with an expected high of 11.
Day 6 in Paradise featured many Red-tail Hawks and Blackie. As I made my way down the driveway a cow wanted to play chicken with me and as I got closer it gave in and got out of my way. I visited Bertha who came to the fence to say hi and an American Kestrel that I had trouble focusing on because I think it was too cold for my camera and the wind was making the power line it was on sway. I stayed on Dove Rd. and Ross Salvage Rd. (both dirt roads) for the entire watch as the driving conditions on the main road were terrible-snow packed and icy. My sister had the day off from work as it was closed due to the road conditions. I ended my watch with a video that begins where I turn off Route 72 onto my sisters' road, Spanker Creek Rd.-it ends at her driveway!

Click on the link below to see my photo album and some videos

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjKA

 http://youtu.be/gScBSEf3vJM
 http://youtu.be/5YG7CXfp2Zo
 http://youtu.be/63Wp5zSxxGg

Won't be able to see anybody if they land on the southeast corner of the deck now. 

MAK - Have fun this morning!

Thanks Nora, somehow I don't think I'll have a problem doing that!   

Loved the pix of the tree-full of birds on today's walk-along.

 

That wasn't the only tree full of birds-the blackbirds and cowbirds filled several trees! 

You had a fine time, even staying indoors! To be surrounded by beautiful kitties and sweet doggies is a good thing. The Cardinals look like brilliant tree ornaments. Such a nice variety of birds coming to visit. You had previously mentioned the White-crowned Sparrow's song. So melodious. Another fine series of photos and video, MAK. Thank you!

I did have a nice day indoors Barb, thank you. I think it was the first day in about a year that I didn't go out on a watch, between here and my daily falcon watches at home in Rochester. It's all good-nature is everywhere, you just need to look around you!
 

Wonderful photos again today MAK!  I love all the little birds especially the Reds 

Thanks Carly! Nice to hear from you. 

Thank you so very much Nora-it helps that I love taking pictures and have great subjects. 

Thanks Lynn, I can never pass up shooting pics of my favorite backyard friends, the Cardinals!   

   Due to snow covered ice making for slippery conditions, day 15 in Paradise kept me off the roads-but I still saw plenty to share with y'all! I started the day by looking out front to see both Savannah and Ginger were joined by some cows by the barn. They all had frozen snow on their backs from an overnite rain that froze as the temperature plummeted from the 30's to 12 degrees today. Besides the regulars at the feeders, we were invaded by flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds and Grackles. I shoveled the back walkway for the Cardinals,Juncos,Sparrows and Tufted Titmouse and put down some seed for them. Later in the day Brown-headed Cowbirds came in and finished off what was left. My niece came by with 2 of her 7 dogs and I got shots of my sisters' cats.

Click the link below to see my photo album and I have one video to share

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWqjJu


 http://youtu.be/W1WvqbAT6c0

Loved all the pictures today. Especially the dogs.

I don't think I've ever seen a Meadowlark.


Nora in NW Florida

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Nora, they love dogs here-I think just about everybody has at least one!   

Loved the old hippie horse blanket and the burros. Quite a flock of cowbirds! Sure are lots of roads with interesting names to explore.

Dot in PA

That's me Dot-an old hippie!    There's tons of roads to check out here-I try to do a new one or two everyday.