When we moved here to our country home (converted barn) it was a couple of weeks before Christmas. That first Christmas morning my husband and I woke up to snow, beautiful fluffy sparkly snow. We have 11 pine trees surrounding the barn. Of course the snow covered the pine branches. I looked out the front window , and there sitting on one of the pine branches was a bright red Cardinal. It looked like a Christmas card, all white with some green and red. I wish I would have had a camera ready at the time. It was just so perfect. It gave us that warm fuzzy Christmas feeling. As we sat and drank a cup of Hot Cocoa and a Christmas cookie. I hope we have fresh snow for Christmas this year. patti

Thanks everyone! One of the best joys of gardening is the wild life that you can attract. This is my *new* squirrel proof feeder that I bought at Kmart for $16. I have to say - so far, so good. The squirrels have not broken into it yet. Now, my $35 squirrel proof feeder seems to not work quite as well... The vine on the trellis is Blue Sky Vine. It has gorgeous large, blue flowers, although you cannot see any in this pic. I love it, but it is a vigourous vine and trying to climb everything in site. I'll probably have to replace it with something less prolific.

I was told when the fields seeds ripen in the fall they go there. I have seen that happen for years now. I recently quit feeding the birds because all I am feeding are sparrows and an occasional house finch. I have never seen that happen before. When the finches are there they drive the sparrows away. Could be due to our rainy spring affecting the crops and the finches leaving earlier.

This has been my best bird day, ever! Not long after posting this, several Northern Orioles flew in too. "The Gang's All Here!" and they're certainly making my feeder tree and post very colorful. Linda OHnowGA ~ Do you use the "upside down" finch/nyjer feeder? It restricts the seed so only the goldfinches can get to it? That has helped keep some of my costs down. Of course, the Pine Warblers here can eat upside down, too, so they "share." And the doves are always on the ground to pick up the leftovers. Ont Gal ~ There has been a rumor that there have been nesting cardinals in Grand Forks for the past two-three years. I haven't seen them yet, but I keep hoping. Lynn D ~ I've never seen an Indigo Bunting "in person," but I certainly hope to. They have got to be magical. RTHummer ~ f you send me a pair of cardinals, I'll send you a pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks! How's that for a deal? Bird on, ladies; Bird on!!!