The Disappearing Wreath

In my second post, which hasn't been too long ago, (12/04/08), you can see a picture of the Seed Wreath that I hung for my birds - the photo will give you an idea of how big it was.
In the post entitled, "HELP!" you will see what happened to the Seed Wreath - that was a sad day - but I came up with a solution in the post, "New Visitors in the Morning".
The whole idea of the wreath didn't seem to impress the birds until I had that incredible 'fly-in' on Christmas morning! Since the 25th, its been noticeably disappearing everyday!
Sometimes, I've counted as many as 36 birds at the feeders - and of course, you know there are more, because they keep flying in and out and you can never get them all in one place at one time and what I've noticed, and thoroughly enjoyed, is that they seem to be very comfortable in the wire basket. They will sit there and eat and eat and eat - sometimes a half dozen or more birds for longer periods of time, compared to the feeders.
Well, today, I went out and took a photo of the Seed Wreath - IN ONE WEEK they just about cleaned it up! ! ! WOW!
Instead of replacing the wreath, I'm thinking about putting a tray in the basket and filling it with seed (the wreath was $14.00 - gone in one week!) and see if they behave the same way - staying longer.
Anyway, this is all part of the stuff I don't want to forget, so I just had to post the final act of
"The Disappearing Wreath" - - -

Sadness

I said that "This is a blog dedicated to my discoveries (good and not) in developing a Bird Sanctuary...", and so far there have been only good discoveries. But, today, I have a 'not good' discovery to journal.
On two separate days this week, I have found a little pinesiskin dead on the ground - one right under the feeders and the other about two feet away.
I've been perplexed and have studied the situation - trying to figure out what is happening.
I can only think they had flown into our dining room window. The feeders, situated right in front of the kitchen window, are 5 feet from it. This is within the 'safe' range recommended by the lady at WildBirds Unlimited. But, the dining room window is set back another 4 feet or so...
I will be taking measures to correct hazard. Meanwhile, I'm sure you know how I feel.
On a happier note, tho', the birds have just about devoured all of that seed wreath that has received so much attention! I am amazed!

The Eagles Gather

I was just thinking, "I haven't had anything of note to post in the last couple of days." Its been raining on top of ice in our yard, so its tricky footing, to say the least. I opened up my email and a friend sent me these photos. Someone from Eagle River, Alaska took the pictures, in -5F ! I found them to be awesome and thought I'd share them with you! Imagine putting out feeders for these guys! WOW!

Christmas Presents

It is a wonderful experience to have a friend who really knows you because they pay attention to what you share with them in conversation. But, it is the most incredible experience to have a friend who, not only pays attention to who you are, but can read your mind!
Since beginning my Bird Sanctuary Dream, I have purchased very little 'stuff''. I don't spend time pouring over Bird Catalogs or websites or constantly talk about this or that gadget. I've only been to the WildBirds Unlimited once - with my friend.
So, on Christmas Day, when we were opening gifts, I was in for the surprise of the year!
My friend gave me a large box, wrapped in red wrapping paper. I could NOT imagine what was in it! When it was time to open it, it was a pretty generic brown cardboard box - no real clues yet, and even when I OPENED the box, my mind could not register what my eyes were seeing. I had NO IDEA for several seconds what I was looking at - it was a mess of unrecognizable 'stuff'. I 'cautiously' reached in to lift out something that looked safe :) - and SCREAMED in DELIGHT at what was in my hand! I ended up tossing the thing in the air in the process!
It was a Nest Building Ball! ! ! and of course, I figured out, in that instant, that the box was full of 'Bird' things! (which was very cool, in and of itself!)
There were 2 Nest Building Balls (which won't go out until Spring), a red Christmas Stocking to be filled with Niger Thistle seed - there was a bag included! - and a Water Bath/Feeder apparatus.
It is amazing that, except for the Nesting Balls, my friend did not know that these were things I was thinking about from time to time, and planning to get someday! I don't think I ever mentioned them to her. "WOW!" Thank you, Rebekah!
The best part is my whole family gets to enjoy these presents too! All of us spend lengths of time standing in the window, watching the birds and their activities at the feeders. So many happy experiences, thoughts and emotions! It is absolutely delightful!
As you can see, it didn't take long for me to get these presents out to the santuary.
Can you tell I'm dancing inside?
OH YES! and don't miss the video that follows this post!
Rebekah recorded it on Christmas Morning. Enjoy!

Christmas Morning Flittering Delights! - courtesy of Rebekah and guaranteed to make you smile!

A Christmas Gift From My Birdies

These were the very first Christmas visitors this morning.

It was snowing - big, slow, beautiful flakes!

THEN SUDDENLY, they started coming in sooo FAST!
It's difficult to see, but there are 9 birds in the seed wreath basket!
See the one hanging from the bottom?

(There are a couple sitting in the middle, too!) It was a delightful morning watching them!
They were having a wonderful Christmas Feast!

I'm so thankful God made birds!
And, I'm so blessed by His gift of sending them to my feeders!

Thoughtful Today

The mountains are glorious in my backyard.
My heart is blessed by their beauty,
but more so by their Maker.

"I lift my eyes up to the mountains.
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
The Maker of heaven and earth!"
Psalm 121:1,2