Feeding Birds in Winter: A Heartfelt Reflection

To those who I have been blogging with for years, actually 14 of them, thanks for all the wonderful conversations.

To the new follows and followers I have had so much fun getting to know you through your BLOG.

This morning I pulled into the backyard, which is covered by ice.
So I drove up to where my bluebird feeders are.

I did this so I could carefully step out to fill their trays with dried mealworms.

Once those 2 trays were full, I took two cups of mixed seed I had in the car. I tossed them onto the ground for the rest of my feathered friends.

They all came flying in.
I am awfully good to them. :)

I never saw this gorgeous, Red Shouldered Hawk as I pulled in and fed them though.

It was just sunning itself on its favorite tree limb. It over looks the river. It also overlooked my backyard gardens where I feed the birds.

The small birds saw it there but I must have made them feel safe. They must have been very hungry. Or maybe they were waiting for me to return home so they could get more food.

The hawk was just 25 yards from where I parked my car and it never budged from its perch. They do conserve their energy. Only flying when they must, now in the cold weather even more than ever.

They all had to stay in that cold, freezing rain. I swear I do not know how they manage it.

Today I sat outside with them all in the frigid, ice-covered landscape. Having run in to grab a real camera. I visited with this gorgeous creature who calls my place home.

Meanwhile, my resident squirrels sat on their haunches. Their front feet were folded as if they were praying for it not to see them.

It may have already eaten.

So beautiful.

He flew down to the river after about a half hour. He had let the sun warm his face.

It was a very cold start to our last day of 2025.

Happy New Year Everyone!
Eunice