Winter Song

The sound of birds singing is a so joyful to listen to, but especially in the winter time. Even though there are not red cardinals in our part of the country, I always think of them in winter. I love watching the birds and have several bird feeders and bird baths just outside my windows. There are several different kinds of birds that stay during the winter. One of my favorites is the Anna's Hummingbird. I have defrosted several nectar feeders when it freezes outside to keep them well fed during the cold months. Several years ago I got our property certified as a wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to help not only the birds, but all wildlife in our area. I also helped count wild birds one year to help a local environmental conservation group.

One of my favorite sites to visit online is the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It is a great place to find out anything you want to know about birds. One of the cool things, are their live webcams where you can watch of a variety of species of birds in different places around the world. Just click here to go to their website.

During this unusual year, with less air and road traffic, I spotted a lot more birds around our area than in past years. I have noticed that I have had several birds of the same species nest in the same trees year after year. I think that I have generations of flickers and three kinds of woodpeckers that are always around. New sightings this past few years have been more ospreys and ravens. I am always in awe of the beauty and behaviors of birds. Every time I see an eagle fly overhead, it still takes my breath away. Pure joy!

I made my "Winter Song" pine needle basket using dyed dark brown Longleaf pine needles, green artificial sinew stitched in the diamond stitch pattern, a red cardinal pottery connector bead and a dyed green magnesite stone center base. This basket is 3-3/4" round by 2" tall. Enjoy!

Stay Safe and Keep Positive!