What prompted me to create a little video collage is because I saw one of the Carolina Chickadees sitting in the water bowl that I put out for the birds and it was taking a bath.  I didn’t get my camera in time to video that moment, but I did get a few other shots.  If I’m not feeling lazy, and the birds are active, I may try and get up early in the morning when there is better light and see if I can record some additional video.

Now a pair of Tufted Titmouse birds feed on some mealworms, then the Eastern Bluebirds take a few bites, then the Titmouse birds come back and eat some more.  Surprisingly, the Bluebirds don’t seem to mind the Tufted Titmouse birds, they will wait their turn while they are eating.

Tufted Titmouse Eating Mealworms

Let me start with what all is occurring in the backyard.

The Monarch Butterflies have arrived, but unfortunately I’ve only seen 1-2.

The Ruby Throated Hummingbirds just arrived today (March 19).  There is one mature male, and I’m not sure on the other one.

The pair of Eastern Bluebirds continue to visit the yard for mealworms, but no nesting activity, at least in my birdhouses.

I have one nest, some type of Wren, and I’ve never had a Wren nest before.  So far I have been unable to determine what type of Wren.  No eggs yet, and I haven’t seen them working on the nest in a few days.  Not sure if they abandoned it, or something else is occurring.

Cedar Waxwings continue to hang out in the trees just behind my backyard, although in smaller numbers than before (around 30 previously).

A few American Goldfinches remain.  I see them bathing and drinking in my disappearing bird stream.

The male Northern Cardinals are singing day and night and chasing the females.

Around 25-30 Purple Martins.  No nests yet, but I think close to 10 of the rooms are being used at night.

I have lots and lots of Honeybees feeding on the fruit plants, nectar plants, and my hummingbird feeders.  One even stung Maggie, my 11 year old Golden Retriever, in the ear which required surgery (that will be another post).

Most of my fruit trees are blooming (2 Orange, 1 Lemon, 1 Blackberry, 1 Mulberry) so the backyard smells wonderful.

Besides the Monarch Butterflies, Giant Swallowtails, Gulf Fritillary, and Eastern Black Swallowtails have all made numerous appearances.  My Fennel is covered in Eastern Black Swallowtail caterpillars.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my nightly backyard invaders which include Raccoons, and a very large Possum.  So far, no Skunks or snakes:-).

Giant Swallowtail Butterfly On Bottlebrush Plant

First up is the Red Bellied Woodpecker.  I’m pretty sure there is a nest nearby, as both parents are constantly feeding from the primary feeder.

Red Bellied Woodpecker With Nut In Mouth From Bird Blind

Next is a Bluejay.  I thought we just had two of them as I see them bathing every day in the bird stream, but today I saw a total of three.

Blue Jay With Nut In Mouth On Feeder

Next is the Tufted Titmouse.  We often hear these birds, but they don’t stay too long at the feeder.  They grab a nut, then head off into the trees to eat.

Tufted Titmouse About To Grab A Nut

Finally we have a male Northern Cardinal.  These guys are present all year round.  They also tend to be the most patient in using the feeder.  Whereas some of the other birds tend to dominate the feeder, these guys will just wait until early evening to get their meal after everyone else has left.

Male Northern Cardinal About To Feed

I have no idea if they will eat off of this thing, but I do know we’ve had two of them gorging on the meal worms I “thought” I was leaving out for the Eastern Bluebirds.

For the bird experts out there, do you think this thing will be good for the Tufted Titmouse?

Tufted Titmouse Feeder

Tufted Titmouse On Fence

These little birds are challenging to photograph as they tend to grab some seed from the feeders, then immediately fly back into the woods to eat.

I haven’t done the research, but I’m guessing these are Winter visitors, as I don’t recall ever seeing them during other times of the year.

Tufted Titmouse On Branch In Woods

Leecy and I went to Walmart and got some stuff for folks at a Senior Assistance Living Facility in Kingwood (our bike idea for the neighborhood kids didn’t work out).

I’ve been renting a Canon 300mm f2.8 from LensRentals.com (awesome place, I highly recommend them).  I love this lens!  The weather has been terrible (although not near as bad as almost everywhere else in the U.S.), but this lens is so much sharper than my 100-400.

I think this is the lens I’m going to buy very soon.  If I do buy this lens, I’ll probably end up selling my 100-400.  Also if I do get the 300mm, I’m going to need a new tripod, so this upcoming year could end up being a little expensive.

I also am thinking about my New Years resolutions in relation to this blog and my photography.  I’ll post something about that a bit later.

Although the weather has been terrible, I did take some time to sit in my one man chair blind this afternoon and got a picture of a Tufted Titmouse.  I’ve seen this bird in the backyard before, but never have been able to get a picture.

Tufted Titmouse On Fountain