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.

Pretty Lady

I'm delighted that my new visitor, the female Red-bellied Woodpecker, is still here. Her vermilion nape and zebra patterned shawl is pure glamour. And in addition to being lovely to look at, these woodpeckers are very beneficial in consuming wood-boring beetles. Welcome to the neighbourhood, pretty lady!

She uses a knot hole in this cedar tree to hull sunflower seeds.

Gotta love that zebra patterned outfit.

Early morning goldfinches are alert to all directions.

A resting goldfinch fluffed against the cold.

First Snow

This morning I awoke to see the season's first thin blanket of snow. Always a welcome sight for me, it signals the start of what I call 'my winter holidays'. Farewell to outside chores (except for the occasion walk with my snowblower) and hello to indoor hobbies and even more self indulgence with snacks and lounging about with the remote control. Bring it on!!!

Another nice surprise was a new visitor to a feeder. A female Red-bellied Woodpecker. She was interested in the black oil seed but hindered somewhat by the cage around it. Not quite able to reach the seed ports with her bill, she simply extended her long tongue to lick the seed into her beak.

Sorry about the window screen. It doesn't much bother the human eye but is a bit of an obstacle for my camera lens.

A female Red-bellied Woodpecker eyes the goodies.

Those seeds look so inviting.

Wish this darned cage was gone.

With a little help from her tongue...

... Got it!

Gold finches enjoying their breakfast at a different feeder.