Rudy (or Ruby) and Bella

A new eastern screech owl has started using the old roost box. This time, it's a rufous phase bird. In Canada, the grey phase predominates.

Ruby or Rudy? Regardless of gender, you are certainly a cutie.

Yep, it's me at the window with that darned camera again!

Oh, and thank you for helping control the mice population!

A few winters ago a female Red-Bellied woodpecker appeared in my back yard. It was the first time I had seen this species. I love her zebra stripe haute couture. She, or another one just like her, is back and on her own again. She spends a lot of time hiding food so I assume she intends to stay the winter. I've named her 'Bella'. I wonder if other folk have pet names for their backyard birds?

This old Manitoba Maple with it's peeling bark is a favourite foraging spot.

Don't worry Bella, I won't cut down all the trees!

Someone has already picked out most of the whole peanuts.

Daintily, she selects only the finest black oil seeds from the tray.

I'm sure there is strong competition from bird feeding neighbours but one attraction here is untidyness. (Normally not something one brags about.) Old trees, brush piles, overgrown vines, wild shrubs and weed-lined ditches are all good wildlife habitat. But since I do keep the lawn mowed around the house, I shouldn't get a municipal complaint just yet.