For a smile as wide as a country sunrise
Good morning everyone! It is another cold morning here at Steve’s Country. The birds have been busy at the feeders since just before 8 this morning, some chickadees were a bit earlier but they do not mind coming while it is still somewhat dark. The grosbeaks have flown away again, but they were very busy out here, and they will be back again shortly. It would be interesting to know why they keep doing that since there are no predators around and the smaller birds keep right on eating. But I guess mostly it is just their nervous nature. It just takes one of them to sound the alarm and off they all go.
Looks like they are starting to return now. My hands were getting rather cold this morning as I put the seeds out and filled one of the hanging feeders. Then I went to put some peanut pieces out for the chickadees and one spotted me and sat on the railing waiting for me to finish and came down right away and flew off with a nice big piece of peanut. They sure do like those peanuts. Less work too since there is no shell to deal with like sunflower seeds, just sit and eat. Much better for this cold weather.
Hmm, the grosbeaks have gone again, they did not stay around long that time. No wonder they eat so much with all that extra flying around. No squirrels have been around yet this morning, at least I have not seen any, but that does not mean much. They can sneak in and out without being seen, especially since my windows are still frosted and I guess they are likely going to stay that way for a long time. Muffin finally settled down for her morning nap, she was a bit late today.
January. A very long and cold month. A dark month too, even though the days are getting longer, well, a little bit longer. It is time for Muffin and I to begin our mid winter clean up. Not right this minute, but we will start today. Muffin enjoys this one, she likes to help with the dusting. Usually by swishing the dust in my face with her tail and making me sneeze. Although she does not like the sneeze. I sneeze rather loud. Oh well, time to get my trash out to the street before they come by to pick it up. Then it will be time for more coffee. Thank you for stopping by today, have a wonderful day and God bless!
Steve and Muffin.
Β©2022 Steve McLeod.
Thank you, Steve – and Muffin, for your beautiful photgraphs. Do have a nice week. π By here, it is cold, grey and rainy !! Never mind !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Merci Francefougere! Thank you too for stopping by today! I think your weather sounds better than ours. I hope you have a wonderful day!ππ»πββββ
LikeLike
you must go through a lot of food for your backyard friends…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not as bad as some years, about 30lbs of sunflower seeds a month, some years I go as high as 100lbs a month.π
LikeLiked by 1 person
wow – 100 pounds sounds like quite a bit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is, but that’s when I have a lot more grosbeaks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
and I’m sure the joy you have in seeing the extra birds make you forget about the extra cost…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, having the birds around in winter brightens things up a lot and helps make the days go faster, so it’s worth it.π
LikeLiked by 1 person
π
LikeLiked by 1 person
How many pounds of peanuts do you buy each month?
LikeLiked by 1 person
This winter it’s about 10 to 12 pounds per month, but that will change once the chipmunks come back. Normally it would be 15 to 16 pounds in winter, but I have less blue jays this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! No wonder they love you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed, that food is the way to go!π
LikeLiked by 1 person
You keep your birds well fed ! Oh ! When is Muffinβs birthday ? Sleep well ! ππΊπ₯π₯π₯π΄
LikeLiked by 1 person
I try hard. Coming up soon, on the 10th!π»π₯³
Have a good night!ππ»ππ΄π΄
LikeLike
So amazing photos , too beautiful birds π¦ What a lovely article written and inspiring π·πβ₯οΈ
Iβm so laughing here that Cute Muffin helping with you for cleaning , so lovely π π
Now some birds coming from other cold countries , greater Flamingo migrates Asia ,
Common teal , snowy owl , humming bird and so cuckoo birds ππ»π·so great travel π¦
Take care and good night ππ·π΄
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy you enjoyed the part about Muffin helping me.π» She really does enjoy it though sometimes she spreads dust the wrong way!ππΉ And many other things she does too. I will be writing about more of our cleaning fun soon! π³πΉ
Wow, that is a lot of different birds, sounds great!ππ¦
Thank you so much for visiting with us, have a great weekend and I guess good night to you!ππ»ππ΄
LikeLike
Thank you for so beautiful comment message π·β€οΈπ it is true that cats so loving
Animals, I also saw they with my children near only, sleeping time cat also with
them ππ your Muffin so clever one πβ€οΈ Hava a nice weekend πππ·
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Muffin likes to be with me all the time and she sleeps with me too when I sit down and at bedtime.π΄πΈ
Thank you so much!ππ»πβββββπΉ
LikeLike
Good night and sleep well this winter season ππβ€οΈπ«οΈπ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Steve for sharing, give Muffin a big hug from Norwayβ₯οΈ
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did give Muffin her hug and she sends purrs back to you Lillian! Have a wonderful week!!ππ»
LikeLike