Chickadees and other birds have a hard time finding seeds to eat when they are hungry.
So imagine their pleasure at finding a bunch of seeds, free for the taking.
Early morning breakfast...
Or a lunchtime treat.
This Cooper's hawk was very disappointed.
"I was told this was a bird feeder. Where are the birds to eat? All I see are seeds!"
Why do teenagers always have messy heads?
This female Hairy Woodpecker shows the nictitating membrane that protects her eyes from wood chips when drilling into trees.
A Junco starts to feel at home with the "lunch in bed" concept
Blue Jays love to feel that they own the feeder.
Red Squirrels dispute that. "And don't come back!!!"
This Hairy woodpecker found a whole dish of sunflower seeds.
And he gives me the side-eye that says these are Mine!
As a Jay arrives, he tries to mantle his dish the way eagles do, to conceal their prey from others.
the Blue Jay suggests sharing...
The Hairy is quite offended.
Discussion ensues.
The argument gets more heated.
"This is MY dish. What are you going to do about it?"
One jump and the Jay pushes the woodpecker off the stump.
A sadder but wiser woodpecker retreats to the cedar post.
A Piliated Woodpecker visits occasionally in winter.
He enjoys seeds if any are left.
But he appreciates suet a lot more, when he is not distracted by an itchy chin.
Feeling just a little self-conscious...
He seldom stays long.
When the goldfinches arrive, love is in the air.
Unfortunately, freezing rain can be in the air too.
They are happy with sunflower seeds.
And they put on fine displays of aerobatics
Looking for approval from the assembled crowds.
Other guests appreciate the buffet.
There's never enough, but it is good to the last seed!
Hey. What's up here??
It's full again!
There is no mirror here.
They both enjoy the snacks, but sometimes get to discussing politics.
He who stands on the tallest post, wins.
Jays are the masters of sunflower cuisine.
They use their claws like thumbs to hold the seed.
Nuthatches are very appriciative as well.
Evening Grosbeaks have been rare here, but always light up the scene when they arrive.
Pine Grosbeaks are also unusual to see here.
They seem more comfortable finding their seeds on the ground than in a feeder.
A ruby crowned kinglet arrived in October when the feeder was not yet open for business.
A Yellow Bellied Sapsucker was more interested in the insects on birch trees at the end of May, but stayed around for a few days watching us garden.
Purple finches are not common here, but they will stay for a week or two in the spring.