The Nature Quest Continues

As I've become more interested in nature with a desire to leave more positive effects on the environment, I decided this winter I was going to be faithful in feeding the birds in my yard. We fed them sporadically last year and had been rewarded with a few interesting birds coming to visit us. This year I put up a few more feeders, I got one from my mom for Christmas and every other day I go out to fill them up. My dad made me a birdfeeder out of a birch log with holes in it that I actually have to make a "bird pudding" to put in it, but that is the feeder that empties quickly. Whether it's because we have about 30" of snow or because the birds know of a good eating spot, we have been able to attract an abundance of birds this year. There are blue jays, cardinals, little red-headed woodpeckers, finches and cute little chubby birds that I'm pretty sure are chickadees. Brenda said she looked out her window and saw deer eating out of her birdfeeders. I'm glad I haven't had that problem, the birds keep me busy enough with filling the feeders.

I have wanted to get pictures of the birds because there are so many different kinds, but, guess what? When I go out there with my camera, they fly away. I could sit out on my deck like I loved to do in the summer, but like I said, 30" of snow and temps up to a high of O degrees, doesn't make me eager to sit out there waiting for the birds to come back so I can take their picture. I guess I'll have to be content with watching them from my window.

One of my birdfeeders is out on my hillside and as I look out there, it's such a strange feeling when I think about all the time I spent out there last summer and all the color that was out there. My gardening flip flops still sit by the back door of our basement. I did get a picture of my winter hillside:

I'm eager to see how it is going to look in the summer. I hope my flowers have multiplied abundantly. I have plans for some things to add out there. For Christmas, again, my mom got me some butterfly cups so I hope to attract more butterflies. I would like to make a path around the hillside (or maybe part of it this year) and steps through the middle. I have not had a whole lot of success attracting orioles and hummingbirds so I hope I can create an environment that will be inviting to them. I've been so blessed by seeing God's creation in my backyard. What a gift this has been.

Much Love,