Jan's Winter Backyard Bird Series: #6

This winter, I have seen and photographed a wide variety of birds in my own backyard.

Here is Mrs. Pileated Woodpecker:

She stops by to eat from my suet holder or just to peck (hammer!) away at my trees.
She hasn't done any real damage overall, so I am still pleased to see her when she wants to drop in. Sometimes she'll bring along Mr. Pileated, and that can sound a little like a construction project!
Next, is Mr. (or Mrs?) Crow. He definitely is not my favorite, but since his visits are rare, I'm ok with him stopping by. Sometimes he hangs out here with his friends and they can be quite noisey.



One of the most intriguing birds, to me, is the Cedar Waxwing. Mr. and Mrs. Cedar Waxwing are both virtually the same color, so it is very hard to distinguish one from the other. Many birds have this feature (see Crow, above). However, it does seem more common--in the 'colorful' bird category, that is--for the male to stand out more than the female.
Below, a Waxwing drinks from the birdbath...

From

posing so nicely, with the red on the wing and the yellow on the tail like paint on the tips of paintbrushes. I just had to snap this lovely bird twice (although you know I took about 1,000 million shots to get these good ones:)

Below, a younger--though not a 'juvenile'--Waxwing turns to look around. The red-tips aren't as visible until the bird begins to age. In time, this bird will look as if it's wings were dipped in red paint, too.

Stay tuned for more photos in my Winter Backyard Birds Series, 2008-2009.
--I'm thankful, as always, for my feathered friends.