A Collection of Feeder Birds
If you feed birds in the winter, you know that watching what comes and goes can brighten your day and connect you with what’s happening outside from the comfort of your windows. We have a great variety of birds year-round and I like to keep a record of what shows up each season. Among my favorites is a pair of red-bellied woodpeckers whose heads glow flaming red when the sun shines. I was glad to give this bird the spotlight on this illustrated list and let him steal the show in my sketchbook and outside.
Note: February 16-19 is the Great Backyard Bird Count, a citizen science project where people from around the world submit records of the birds they see over the course of a few days. It’s managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada and participation is free and easy. Find out more: https://www.birdcount.org/
Drawn In 
We have a few feeders, too, and it is always a pleasure to watch the birds, whether feasting or fighting!
Agreed. I love seeing what birds are living in and around our yard.
We got a hawk yesterday!
We have the same gang at our feeders. This winter I have one Carolina Wren and 4 Bluebirds TOO! Your work is lovely.
I’ve seen flocks of robins and a few bluebirds on occasion here too, which doesn’t surprise me since they nest here and spend most of their time foraging in the nearby woods in winter. I usually hear the Carolina wren more than I see him. Lovely birds. Enjoy your sightings!
The scattering of seeds across the page adds a lot, I love it. And you captured each bird’s personality really well. I know I always say things like this, but I miss seeing Red-bellied woodpeckers! Even more, I miss hearing them. 🙂 And it looks like you have both nuthatches – that’s cool! p.s. I happened to notice that NYC was colder than Reykjavik today! Assuming it’s been cold where you are…but spring’s on the way. 🙂
Those seeds are fun to do and add a nice element to the page. I’m working on my California sketches now– will post soon– so that was a nice break and a great trip. I was fascinated to see so many new species there. I had to buy a field guide to western birds on day 2.
Oh, I bet! I don’t remember where you were going but the desert plants especially are really difficult – too many similar species and all too new. I can’t wait to see what you post!
Such a fun sketchbook entry!
Thanks! I wanted to convey an element of fun here, so I’m glad you like it.
Jean! What wonderful pages! And bravo for participating in the 2024 great backyard bird count. I’m also participating, but don’t have the variety to record. Your sketches and watercolors are so good and you’ve composed your pages to highlight not only the expressive woodpecker, but all of the other beautiful birds as well. Looks like that chickadee is a bit concerned with the attention you’ve given Mr. Redbelly!
Thanks Barb! Enjoy the variety of birds you are seeing!
Gorgeous illustrations full of character 😍
THanks!
Gorgeous! !
Thank you!
I have seen a flock of black birds and cardinals in my area. but I never thought of keeping records of them. It’s because when I am out there, I live i the moment and enjoy the presence of nature all around me.