Thursday, March 5, 2009

Redpolls




A few days ago, I asked Archie and Brent to put a new feeder up on a pulley between the porch and the big maple tree by the driveway. The other bird feeders are over by my office and I can't see them from the house and I wanted to be able to drink my morning coffee, look out the window and see birds. So after seeing a similar arrangement at Charlie's brother's house, the boys and I went to the hardware store and procured the necessary supplies.

That first night, I dreamed about hordes of colorful birds flocking to my yard--I woke up and laughed about my silly dream--and this morning it came true!

This morning as we drank our coffee and checked e-mail, we were treated to 50 or more common redpolls and goldfinches. It was magical and I will never forget this day.

17 comments:

beckie said...

Bird watching is such a pleasure and can bring such joy. The boys and you did good. Now dream about winning the lottery and sharing with all of us! :}

June said...

I should be able to see a redpoll near the Michigan place, but haven't spotted one yet, so when I can--it'll be a LIFE BIRD! Congratulations!

KaHolly said...

I love those little redpolls. We didn't have as many this year as last. They sure are aggressive for such little birds. No Hoary's among that large a flock?

Kim said...

Beth, you are so lucky! I have been dreaming of redpolls coming to my yard too but have not had any luck. Such pretty birds!

R. Aastrup said...

That's awesome, Beth! I get excited with the pair of cardinals and titmice who come to my feeder. I'd ecstatic with redpolls and goldfinch! Have fun birding at breakfast!

Mary C said...

Isn't is great to have birds greet you in the morning while drinking your coffee? Redpolls sure love the cold temps, don't they?

Jayne said...

If you hang it, they will come? :c) So glad you had such colorful visitors so quickly.

Anonymous said...

That's a great idea. We don't have a good spot for a feeder, I'm going to look at my trees a little differently today. It's going to 60 so I'm going out later to clean up the yard a bit:)

Nan said...

Oh Beth, just a few days ago the same thing happened here. Let's pretend they are the same birds flying between our houses!

Sara Ray said...

All hail the Redpoll Queen!

Its a sunny day in Macedonia and I am sorry about all the snow I see in those pictures.....

But I love you!

Pappy said...

Hi Cuz, I just gave you a blog award today. Come by and pick it up anytime. I always enjoy my vists here. I hope things warm up in Maine a bit. Pappy

Lanny said...

Aren't the birdies wonderful? I could have bird feeders out every window and near every workspot on the farm. The filling of just the five or so places I do have them is at least an half an hour chore!

Cindy said...

Beth, I love the new feeder! I have to get one next year. Just trying to figure out where I will put it. I like everyone's posts on blogs where the feeders are close enough to photograph. Living in Brooklyn we have bars on the first floor windows. Ah, to live in Miane...someday. Have a great day.

Kathie Brown said...

Oh Beth, how wonderful! I'm glad you put your feeder where you can see it! I used to love to sit at my diningroom table and watch the birds out the big picture window when I lived in Maine. I could sit there for hours, which makes me think, this may prove to be hazardous to your work! (but good for your soul!)

R. Aastrup said...

Beth--I told my mom (in Alfred) about your redpolls and she said she had a huge flock of them too...that same day or maybe the day before! She said she'd never had them at her feeders before, so was quite thrilled. I wonder if it was the same flock?

RuthieJ said...

Good for you Beth! I still have quite a few redpolls coming to my thistle feeders, and seeing even more goldfinches now, with a few pine siskins thrown in. It's been a great winter for birds and birdfeeders this year!

Anonymous said...

I love seeing the Common Redpolls here in Maine. There are times that we get close too 100 at our feeders, mostly during snow storms.

Nice photos!