The Birds Invaded! Finally!

As I went to sit at the window a couple of weeks back, a flash of red caught my eye.  It was a Cardinal!  Haven't seen one in ages, though I heard them singing around the neighborhood last week when it was so warm and I got out riding.  And then in about 5 minutes four other birds flashed out the window - more than I've seen all winter.

The first one I got a good photo of (at least good for my phone camera) was a White-breasted Nuthatch, climbing upside down as usual on the feeder.

How's this for the unique patterns on its back?  I love the three-tone colours.

Then the Cardinal settled down among the detritus of last years garden, presumably picking out sunflower seeds from among the leaves.

I think the Cardinal is the iconic bird of spring here, its loud piercing call easy to recognize from its typical perch high in the treetops.  Though 30 years ago I remember my mother being excited to see one they were still so unusual.

Then a Mourning Dove flew in and perched in the red chair with a bug in its beak.  Dull colouring overall, but those dark spots are iridescent in the right light.

Finally a Dark-eyed Junco ran behind a big pot, only appearing briefly as it dashed away toward the neighbors.  Not a very good photo, but it completed the sudden five minutes of visiting birds for me.  After a winter of seeing no birds, I was relieved!

Today is a bright sunny day and getting warm.  I think I'll go out for some fresh air!