At the Feeder I

MLH filled the bird feeder a few days ago for the first time since we retired to our cottage. We mounted it on a corner of the new addition over the deck, where we can see it from our breakfast table.
The first inquisitive birds arrived within hours, and by this morning chickadees, house and purple finch, goldfinch, nuthatches, hairy and downy woodpeckers, and a female grosbeak were shouldering each other aside as they snatched seeds and flitted away to nearby branches to eat in relative peace, secure from predatory hawks, which hunt such gatherings of well-fed little birds.
To avoid tedious spring cleaning, we long ago stopped using any but sunflower seed hearts, about 200 pounds a winter. Our feathered friends reward us with much activity and color throughout the coming bleak months. From time to time we've caught a glimpse of an irregular winter bird, often a sign of a very bad seed season up north.
Over the winter we'll post pictures as sightings may come our way.