Tuesday, November 1, 2011

First Snow of the Season & Snow Birds

I am linking my Snow birds up with World Bird Wednesday and Nature Notes




Mr Cardinal is saying "Snow already, you got to be kidding!!

This past Saturday we received our first snowstorm. Snow in October in Maryland is somwhat rare, after the last two winters I could care less if I ever saw snow again. I would not miss it at all. We have had snow in October before but it was a long time ago. I love Spring, Summer and Fall but, I am not a winter person at all. Sorry for the rant, but I feel better now.


Above a Tufted Titmouse and a Carolina Chickadee are chowing down on my sunflower seeds.


It snowed all day long, I guess we are lucky compared to the New Englanders. They got dumped on. We did not even have our first frost yet, the flowers on the deck were still blooming.




These poor Mourning Doves look cold, all fluffed up looking chubby.




The snow did bring in my First of year Junco. I saw this female on my deck railing and the male was feeding on the ground.



Mr bluejay is saying " I am not going to look at this white stuff, maybe it will all go away. Bring out those peanuts lady. Snow makes me hungry".

 Looking at my deck I believe we had about 3 inches of the white stuff. The only thing I find good about snow is that I see a lot more birds in my yard. When it starts to snow the birds go into a feeding frenzy. I think this early snow threw them off too,  I am sure that is why my Cardinal is looking a little grumpy, I think my cardinal feels the same way as I do about snow. Bring on that Bermuda high!

I hope you enjoyed visiting my post and blog, to see more wonderful and beautiful birds
please visit World Bird Wednesday  and to see more nature posts please visit Nature Notes.  Thanks to Springman for hosting World Bird Wednesday and to Michelle for hosting Nature Notes.

Also, thanks for visiting my blog, I appreciate your comments and visit. Have a great week and Happy Birding.

70 comments:

Bob Bushell said...

It time you got your feeders out and full. Nice pictures Eileen.

genie said...

You all got a tiny bit more snow that we did. Now, I am wondering about Chestertown and Still Pond where my daughter and her family live. You have so many most birds that we do, though they are returning to get food now that the weather has changed. You asked about the dog in the road. It is the white looking puddle in the middle of the road....it looked like a French poodle to me. genie

diane b said...

As usual your birds are beautiful, but not so the weather. What happens to birds when it snows? Does their nest get full of snow?

Sue said...

I love to watch the feeders during winter-it brings so many new visitors. You've captured some lovely pics.

TexWisGirl said...

i'm thinking you live in the wrong area if you do not like snow/winter. move to texas! we only get a little!

936000 said...

Well, feel free to rant away, I always like the first snow, but then it can go away!
That photo of your deck does look pretty and I love that wee titmouse!
You know Eileen, it crossed my mind both last weekend and the one before, I haven't seen any juncos yet, and it seems late.
meggs.xx

Karin M. said...

This is a very nice series ... looking great ...
LG: Karin

Francisca said...

I am flabbergasted at how early the snows are coming in the northern hemisphere. While I sometimes miss the seasons living in a tropical climate, the cold white stuff is sticking around too long these past years and it sounds like you're in for another long cold spell. You did, however, capture wonderful images of the birds in snow, Eileen!

Anonymous said...

Hi Eileen, Nice pictures. Snow already! Imagine that! We here on the Cumberland Plateau will likely wait until Thanksgiving before we see any snow. I especially like the pictures of the Tufted Titmouse. Have a wonderful day and an extra-nice November!

laurak/ForestWalkArt :) said...

an unexpected early snow sure hit hard up north!
the poor little doves...look kind of miserable, huh?? that one with snow on his back?!! and they look all puffed up...trying to stay warm!
i like the titmouse & chickadee picture!!
and the Cardinal & Jay...and the falling snow!!

stay warm!! and like Bob said...fill those feeders! :)

Jen Sanford said...

So crazy about the snow!! At least you got some nice bird visitors!

Kilauea Poetry said...

Your header Eileen..Autumn in all its glory- sharing with the wild flowers!! Excellent capture!
The cold is here early, so I've read..(bet we get some this year too) While I'm a baby when it comes to the cold, these photos are exceptional..really-

Tina´s PicStory said...

great shots :)

Unknown said...

The weather is so up and down!! You want the Juncos they bring the snow!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

mick said...

The snow in your yard looks very pretty but I am very glad I don't have to live with it. I enjoy the tropics too much!

NatureFootstep said...

auch, I thought the snow just melted, and here it is again. The birds don´t seem to enjoy it either.

Debbie said...

i get sooooo many birds when it snows and i get nothing done, cause i am always taking pictures!!

i do eat though....i always "over eat" when it snows!!

Springman said...

Snow in October? Yuck! I have been reading about those poor New Englanders in the freezing cold without power. And so winter begins! Your bird pals definitely mirror your sentiments, though your exasperation does seem tinted with a bit of humor.
This to shall pass!

Carole M. said...

love each photograph you posted; especially the red cardinal. No wonder the birds stay nearby when you look after their needs so well.

Nature Rambles said...

I always enjoy seeing your bird pictures, Eileen. Snow is early this year...I've been reading other blogs and was surprised to see snow images in winter. Love your deck too!

Arija said...

Eileen, I am sorry you resent snow, it does make for really pretty bird shots. I would love to have a decently cold and snowy winter but have no hope of one. I like my seasons to be distinct.
I bet the snow does not set in in a serious way until much later in the autumn and may even wait for old man winter himself.

Stewart M said...

Hi there - it’s cold early with you and it’s late getting warm here. (As I wrote this the heating came on!)

What’s going on?

Great pictures.

Stewart M - Australia

CameraCruise said...

Great shots of beautiful birds!
Have a great week!

??? said...

I totally agree with Mr Cardinal. The birds look so cold, but I guess they are warmer than it looks.

LeenaH said...

This autumn has been odd, we have here on the northern latitudes warm ( about 9 Celsius , no any frosts or snow.
And you got snow already. You got wonderful photos about snowy views and
birds there, thank you!
And thank you also for your kind comment on my site :)

Kcalpesh said...

It must be a chilling weather... Awesome captures of those lovely birds :-)

Carol said...

Pretty pics! They must be getting cold. And mixed up. Snow in October?

Unknown said...

Your photos tell the story well! I feel sorry for the birds in winter and the people for that matter!

Icy BC said...

Oh I heard about your snow and couldn't believe it. We missed out on the storm!

Beautiful photos, Eileen.

Phil Slade said...

Goodness Eileen, all that white stuff in October. At least you got some nice photos out of it but please don't send it over to the UK.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Great bird pictures! I don't envy you with the snow. I hope we don't get any this Winter - would not miss it at all.

joo said...

We are lucky not to have snow yet!!! Love your photos, Eileen, especially Cardinal - I wish I could see it one day in wild:)

EG CameraGirl said...

Snow brings birds into my yard too. I don't mind snow as long as I don't have to drive in it.

I haven't seen a junco yet this fall but, then, I haven't seen snow either.

Chronicles of Illusions said...

such dramatic shots - they all look so cold...

Anonymous said...

Lovely captures! No snow here yet, but I did see a couple of Juncos.

jeanlivingsimple said...

I thought about you when I heard the NE was getting snow in October. Nice shots of the rare event. The Junco is my fave...because I don't get to see them often.

Carver said...

It was wild how so many places got hit by the snow. I didn't get any but my cousin in CT got over 20 inches and still doesn't have power. Great shots. I particularly love the titmouse but they're all wonderful.

Ebie said...

I am not a birder, but I am learning so many things about birds. I truly enjoyed your photos and the way to "talk" to them.

Yes, we had snow first week of October up in Mammoth Lakes and Bishop where we were looking for fall foliage. Sigh...

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Your photos are beautiful! I love the red in the cardinals on dreary days.

Saturday was a dreary one for sure and it wasn't very nice to many of my flowers.

Jo said...

Brilliant photos of a variety of birds in the snow, Eileen. Amazing that they come "home" now. When we first arrived in Kenya in January, it was very dry. The garden was abuzz with dozens of birds. As soon as the rains set in, they "disappeared" to the lush bush beyond our garden. It's still raining regularly (read every night since mid-April!) but I'm sure the birds will return as soon as the "dry" winter weather arrives. Have a warm evening, Jo

Pat Ulrich said...

I always love to see birds in a snowy setting -- great shots!

Anonymous said...

Brrr.. all that snow! It makes for lovely shots.

Last year, we had snow already October 15.

holdingmoments said...

I don't envy you of your snow.
That seems far too early lol

Mildred said...

A wonderful series of lovely birds!
And thanks for sharing;o)

***
Hope you are having a nice and happy week****

Brian King said...

Beautiful pictures, Eileen! The mourning dove shot is gorgeous!

Kathie Brown said...

Eileen, first, let me say that I love your header shot with the field and the flowers and the trees all ablaze in the background.

Second, thanks for your visit to my blog. My tern was a common tern after all and not a Roseate. I've posted the update there.

Third, yes, we did get dumped on and we were without power for 20 hours but many New Englanders are still without power today! We only got about 4" but where I live is a bit closer to the coast.

Hope you and the birds survive the winter!

forgetmenot said...

It is kind of "shocking" to wake up and find snow on the ground--who's ready for that now!!!!!! Great shots of all those little birds trying to "adjust" to the changing seasons. Always great photos on your posts. Have a terrific weekend. Mickie ;)

Gallery of the Mountains said...

We did not get snow here but I hear La Nina is in full force this year meaning a snowy winter for the north!

SandyCarlson said...

Just gorgeous.

Lew said...

Strange to see flowers still blooming in the snow. Our temps stayed 30-33 for the snow. But the birds really showup against the white background!

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

Sorry about the early snow but the birds are beautiful.

Darryl and Ruth :)

BlueShell said...

I have tears in my eyes...because here I can see how beautifull natue is...
I feel like a luky person for the honour to come and see these amazing photos and words.
I Thank YOU!

rainfield61 said...

They are "winter birds" who are strong and tough to face the winter.

Larry said...

Great post Eileen! The Titmouse and Chickadee don't look too bothered by the snow but those poor Doves. This early of a snow doesn't bode well for you either I see. On the other hand, the Juncos I'm sure are in 7th heaven ;-)

Rambling Woods said...

We missed that one but I am sure that Buffalo NY will live up to its reputation this winter. I know what you mean as the birds do have the look of 'you have to be kidding'..Michelle

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Love your snow photos! The birds and your deck look wonderful and only a little cold. Very pretty.

giorno26 ¸¸.•*¨*•. said...

Hi Eillen
grandi foto... mi piace molot l'uccello rosso...
Grazie delle tue visite :)
Buona domenica.
Myriam

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Hi Eileen -- I thought at first you were talking about another kind of snowbird (the kind we ARE) ;>). You can do that after you retire, but then you'd miss those wonderful winter birds posing so beautifully for you. (I'm not a cold-weather fan either, just trying to make you feel better!) And your birds pictures really are beautiful.

Red Nomad OZ said...

One person's dreary snowstorm is another person's white exotica!! I so rarely see snow downunder here in OZ that I still find it a novelty!! Sorry you're not enjoying it, but to me it looks wonderful!!

But I don't have to actually live with it ...

SquirrelQueen said...

Oh, poor little birds. That bluejay looks miserable. The snow is pretty but after ten years in AK I can do without it. There is snow on our mountains down to about 1500' so it won't be long until we get some.

I love your shot of the cardinal, that is quite an expression.

Arlene said...

What a beautiful yard you have and the snow makes it even prettier! I loved all of the photos. We just got a dusting of snow here in SE Arizona on 11/5! Unreal. Hope this does mean a nasty winter like last year.

Unknown said...

Poor birds! The shots look lovely though.

Inger-M said...

Great shots, the red cardinal is gorgeous. We haven't had neither frost nor snow yet; but it could happen any day now :-)

Kathie Brown said...

I came and read this post before but apparently didn't leave a comment! Sorry! The juncos have returned to my yard also. Sometimes I only see one, sometimes 6 or more. I saw 40 at the bog last week, but none while I was there yesterday. I am sure your snow has melted by now. Ours has too. I am sure your birds are happy you are there to dish up a tasty meal, especially when it snows!

Leora said...

Those poor little (but gorgeous) birds in the snow. I hope they enjoyed yesterday's warm November weather.

Autumn Belle said...

Oh wow, snowing already?

DeniseinVA said...

I'm glad I stopped in to see these Eileen. They're lovely! We had snow here back then too but it didn't hang around. It snowed pretty hard but was so wet it melted as soon as it touched the ground. Hope the start of your week has gone well with lots of sunshine. It was lovely here today.

One said...

Beautiful capture of these birds but snow already? Take care. Keep warm.

Rambling Woods said...

Here near Buffalo we didn't get anything like this but south of us they got quite a bit. The birds do look kind of puzzled when the first snow comes...Michelle

Liz said...

How did I miss this post last week???!!! That cardinal is just gorgeous - wonderful capture!
And the Mourning Doves on the snow covered branches are just divine!
Wonderful photography Eileen!!

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