Red-Breasted Nuthatch in the Snow

This Red-breasted Nuthatch looks none to pleased about the snow and cold temperatures we are having.  After all the come here each winter to escape it.  Our huge flock seems to have gotten much smaller so I am afraid they have started to leave us for their spring and summer homes.  It has been great fun hearing their calls and songs all winter.  Hopefully they know they are very welcome to return next season.

King William County, VA USA
Olympus OMD-EM1X with 300mm

Ladies Day

It was definitely ladies day for this group of beautiful female cardinals.  For the couple of hours I was out taking pictures in the snow only females showed up to the feeding area.  They were chatting, flying in and out with “no problems in the world” attitudes.  

Later than evening I saw one male cardinal appear for about 5 minutes, without a lady by his side.   I wonder if because of the cold and snow one stays back at the nest.  Their spring chicks should have all fledged now so not sure why that would be the case but they definitely had split up for the day.

King William County, VA USA
Olympus OMD-EM1X with 300mm

What Is That?

The House Finches were very confused yesterday and kept looking around trying to figure out what was this white stuff falling from the sky.  We only got 4-5” but according to the weatherman, it was the most snow we have had at one time since 2018.  Yes, 2018. 

King William County, VA USA

Olympus OMD-EM1X with 300mm Pro

Top Model - Junco Style

This little Junco looked like he was putting on a modeling session with all his/her poses.  Even had the head til down to perfection LOL.  Another from the backyard, took this from the laundry room door, yes I got distracted again LOL.

Anyone know how to tell the Male from female?  They all look the same to me.

Olympus OMD-EM1X with 300mm f4.0 +MC-20

Pileated Woodpeckers in Holly

These Pileated Woodpeckers climbed through the high holly bushes we have mixed in with hardwoods near our yard/woods line to do their bark digging looking for insects during a warm January day last week.  While the first two pictures are of the same Pileated, the last is the 2nd of the three I sat at watched.  I was not able to get a shot of the third as she stayed on the other sides of the tree for during the visit. 

King William, Virginia
Olympus OMD-EM1X,  Olympus 300mm lens + MC-20

Life Bird - Ruby-crowned Kinglet

This is the Ruby-crowned Kinglet. I had wanted to see and photograph them for so long and was finally successful.  This super tiny birds are swift jumpers and flyers so I feel lucky any of my shots came in focused. 

The ruby crown in his head indicates this is a male. 

Olympus OMD-EM1X,  Olympus 300mm lens + MC-20