Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Downyton Abbey

We got a big snowstorm on December 30 which really ramped up the activity at the bird feeders. Our normally territorial downy woodpecker pairs clearly declared a truce during this inclement weather spell, taking turns at the suet and peanut feeders without the usual threat poses and beak thrusts.

One pair nests and roosts somewhere in the orchard and woods in the background of this image, which is west of our house. The other pair lives in the woods to the east of our house. I'm not sure about the titmouse. He's one of about 50 that we have around the feeders.



I love that our ridge-top farm and its feeding stations are a gathering place for the downy woodpeckers—a Downyton Abbey, if you will. This morning I heard a rapid, staccato drumming so it won't be long before these small wood-boring creatures will be back to battling over the turf that is our farmyard. Spring will bring forth an urge to court, mate, defend...For now I'm pleased to see them behaving like dignified lords and ladies.

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5 comments:

  1. anna malcomJanuary 8, 2013 at 6:18 PM

    I love that you have a Titmouse in the photo. It gives a good size comparison.
    Austin had a wetter summer this year producing more food for the birds. So far this winter we're seeing fewer birds at our feeders.

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  2. UnknownJanuary 11, 2013 at 8:03 PM

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  3. UnknownJanuary 11, 2013 at 8:06 PM

    A Tufted Titmouse? I love those! But I live in northern IL, so I don't see those very much. Happy birding!

    -Mr. Guy Bird

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  4. Dawn FineJanuary 17, 2013 at 12:11 PM

    Ha ha..be careful..you may have a new hit series!

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  5. isaiah43123January 19, 2013 at 8:35 PM

    I love it when a storm approaches, well not the storm, but knowing the birdsfeeders will be full for a time.

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