Bluebird Feeding Frenzy

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I  mentioned in my last post that the Bluebirds have taken to eating sunflower hearts this week.  We have a pretty solid 2" ice pack right now along with record low temps (7 last night), and all the birds are having to work hard to find enough food.  I am feeding the Bluebirds mealworms 3 times a day, but inbetween, they are going over to the bird feeder.  They are so plump and cute:-)

Mr. Bluebird

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We had 2" of sleet Monday night into Tuesday morning of this week.  Normally in central NC, whatever snow or ice we get disappears quick.  In this case, the sleet was followed by 3 days of record low daytime highs and nighttime lows.  The ice has been very slow to melt even in full sun, and then when it refreezes at night, driving the next morning is brutal all over again.

It goes without saying that I have been feeding the birds and putting out fresh water several times a day.  I take extra special care of our Bluebirds.  On a regular day, I put out mealworms in the morning, and we see 4-5 bluebirds come and feed.  This week, I have been putting out mealworms 3 times a day, and we saw a maximum count of 9 bluebirds at one time.  What a sight that was!!!  Even with that much supplemental feeding, they are still joining the other birds at my bird feeders to eat sunflower hearts.  I have never seen a bluebird eat a sunflower seed before...EVER.  That is just how frozen the ground is.  They prefer insects and berries, but both are in short supply right now.

We look forward to the bluebirds nesting in the yard later this spring.

Video

I know they sell dried mealworms, but I tried them a few years ago because they are cheaper, and our Bluebirds would not touch them.  Maybe they would eat them right now mixed in with the live worms because they are so desperate for food, but if you are trying to get Bluebirds to come and eat at your house, I recommend the live ones.

Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

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The most rare/unusual bird that I've seen at my feeders this week.  At a quick glance, I thought it was a dirty Downy Woodpecker.  After closer inspection, it's a Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker Juvenile.  I've seen him at the suet feeder multiple times a day this week.  I also saw a much easier to identify adult sapsucker once within the last 10 days.  Adults have a red band on their heads, but juveniles don't thus requiring additional scrutiny.  

Valentine Tablescape

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It's that time again...time for the new February/Valentine tablescape.  Of course the colors are red and pink!  And of course most of the items came from Guardian Angel.

I was totally delighted to find this romantic looking Corelle Heirloom Bloom pattern at GA a few months back.  This is exactly what I would have wanted if I could have gone out and picked anything.

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I thought this cute little teapot was the perfect addition to the table too.

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I found this PartyLite Crystal Castle for $2.  What an amazing deal and oh so pretty with these cute little heart tealights.

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Years ago, I found this beautiful heart-shaped vase.  It's always a pleasure to get it out each year.

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I really enjoyed putting this tablescape together...until next month.

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Mr. Bluebird on a Cold Winter Morning

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I feed the Bluebirds meal worms, and the Bluebirds let me take pics.  I fed them a second meal today, and the sun was at just the right angel to get some good shots.  I counted 6 at the feeder at one time.  Wow!  They are in and out of their box a lot.  I think it's likely we'll have the first nest of the season sometime in March.

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Sunrise

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Taken on the way to drop Joey off at school.  The boys tracked back in to their year round school on Wednesday after a 5 week break.  Getting up early was hard to do!  I figure the sunrise offsets the lack of sleep just a little.

Robin

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Taken in a parking lot where 50+ Robins were spotted.  I was hoping to catch some Cedar Waxwings in the group but no luck.  Processed with Color Efex Pro (CEP).