Woodpeckers, that is! Remember I talked about how we had hairy woodpeckers now in addition to the downys and that they were considerably larger? The other day I was lucky enough to catch both the downys and the hairys on separate suet feeders at the same time. I think the difference is obvious. Here you have a female downy on one feeder, a male hairy on the other, and a male downy sitting on the clothesline.

And the beautiful Red-Bellied Woodpecker visits quite a bit too. (Don’t blame me, I didn’t name him!) Look at the gorgeous red head!

I am also it would seem, a bird rescuer. Many times the birds fly into our sliding glass doors on the back of the house and are stunned and cannot get up. I go out with gloves on, pick them up and hold them until they recover enough to stand by themselves. It’s rewarding to go from a bird that is lying on its back with its legs straight in the air to one that flies away. Yesterday it was a little chickadee. Keeping them warm is key so they recover from the concussive shock. I’ve done this many times with a 100% success rate!

Happy New Year!  Playing catch up on your blog as we just got back from a trip to Illinois to visit my husbands family.  Pretty birds….awesome leaves in ice…happy birthday (my birthday is Dec 20 so I understand)....sorry you slipped and fell - hope your bottom is better!

Debra, Happy New Year to you too! Were you in Illinois for Christmas? My bottom is ok now, thanks! And Happy Birthday to you too!

I thought you were going to show photos of my chest.

So which do you think you are dear hubby? Downy or hairy??

How great that you can revive the birds.  I just love the woodpeckers, you were lucky to get such good photos.

I feel so bad, Joyce, when they fly into the windows. I’m just glad they recover. I know, I love the woodpeckers too! And this year we have twice the number of them that we had last year.

Very cool!  I haven’t seen the Downy’s much this year, but then I’m not home all that much during the week, but don’t see them that much on the weekends either.  Glad you getting a good woodpecker showing.  Love the red-bellied!

P.S.  Maybe you could get some of those black silhouette things so the birds don’t fly into the door.

Getting a little snow in southern NJ!

Carolyn, the downys are normal; the hairys are something new and very exciting. Did you see the difference? I don’t know about “those black silhouette things” but it seems to happens when the sun is at a certain angle. It doesn’t happen on a daily basis or I would be pursuing something different.

We went to Illinois right after Christmas.  Me and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band have to have our Colorado Christmas
(at least there was snow on the ground here.  Still some green grass and rain in Illinois)

These are awesome photos!  Love the bird rescue!  Note to self…must get the window feeder set up this weekend!

Helene, thank you and welcome! I see you got registered with no problem. I love watching the birds! I’ll be over to visit you!

Lynne, I’ve been skipping through your blog and am thoroughly enjoying it.  The bear story was a real hoot.  Last spring I had a buck come up the driveway, make a right, and walk up the street - all this in a residentual area.  What made it awful was I was photographing the moon and was so stunned, I couldn’t unlock the camera from the tripod.  I can relate to your excitement.  Also loved the drug store writeup by my husband - best laugh I had all day!  All the best!

Helene, wow you really did explore the blog! Unfortunately we have so few bears around now that we hardly ever see one. It’s disappointing for sure. Glad you are enjoying!