I've long been a lover of painting and crafting birds in my art. Some of you may remember the wool bird appliques I used to put on the bags I sold in the early aughts. I've been observing them and painting them for years, of course, as well. A few weeks ago, I created a collection of my bird art on various products which you can find here.
In the last year, I've brought my passion for birds to a new level with feeders on our deck. I thought I'd share that passion with you by posting a weekly entry about my birding adventures.
I have started getting up early in the morning to make sure the feeders are full and clean when the birds are at their busiest this Spring. And I've added more hummingbird feeders and a finch feeder with thistle.
We regularly have house finches and cardinals visiting. But I've also seen Yellow-Rumpled Warblers, a Red-Bellied Woodpecker, Dark-eyed Junkos, American Goldfinch, Carolina Chickadees, Bluebirds, a few Eastern Towhees and Carolina Wrens among others.
Last week, I was up at the crack of dawn and observed a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak sitting on the flat feeder eating a few meal worms. The same bird visited again that evening, but I haven't seen it since.
This morning's favorite visitor was a Carolina Wren which I rarely see. As you can tell, I'm no yet proficient at taking photos of the birds, and I certainly don't have pro equipment. To be honest, having seen pro photos, I should rightly be embarrassed to show you my shots. Nonetheless, I'm smitten with them. So here we are.
As for recording what I see, I have found an app you'll likely love as well. Even if you're just interested in who is making the bird sounds you hear. The Merlin App by Cornell University will identify photos and sounds as well. Plus you can keep a "life list" of the birds you've seen there.
My birding has also extended to my reading habits. I recently came across a title called "The Comfort of Crows" by Margaret Renkl. It's a memoir by an author originally from Alabama, but who has lived her adult life in the Nashville area. It's a charming and delightful read you might want to partake in!
Do let me know if you have any questions. I'm learning as I go about this wonderful hobby. More soon! Below is part of our current set up, plus some photos from the last few months.
Above, this evening. Two House Finches on the old feeder which is not squirrel proof and our new feeder which they haven't decided to use yet. I was told to put ribbons on it to attract their attention. They don't trust it quite yet. Once a few of them start to use it, I'll likely remove the old one.
May 2, 2025 - Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
This morning, A Carolina Wren
February 20, 2025 - Yellow Rumpled Warbler