Where Are They Now?

Sunny and seasonably cool today in Southeast Tennessee, after yet another significant rain event yesterday. About 1.5"-2" of rain fell in most area locations. We haven't had a 'bird post' in a while now, so this post is dedicated to the birds. Though birds are warm-blooded, many of them migrate as an adaptive measure to maintain existence, an existence tied directly to the seasonal food supply. Other species of birds stay in our area year round, while some only visit with us during the winter months, then head back north in the spring for the annual courtship/nesting rituals. Two of our permanent residents are shown in the photograph above...The Eastern Bluebird and the Common Flicker. Most woodpeckers are year round residents. Examples include the following species (the Flicker is in the woodpecker group): Red-Bellied - Pileated - Hairy - Downy - Red-Headed. All of them are current regulars at my feeders. A few other common species are featured below.....

The Brown Thrasher typically migrates, but not far. They winter along the Gulf Coast states. The Thrasher's cousin, the Gray Catbird, winters in the same area. The other member of 'the mimic thrushes (previous post), the Nothern Mockingbird (our state bird), is a year round resident.

Hard to imagine a photo better depicting the male and female Eastern Towhee. The male sports the dark cape. They are year round residents.

No way to mistake the striking presence of the male Northern Cardinal. Another year round resident of our area.

This photo from last winter, when snowfall was above average. This year, no snow to speak of...so far. This is Bewick's Wren. Looks cold, almost inert... Very vocal in late winter/spring...they emit a variety of rolling, high-pitched songs as the weather warms, most often heard just after first light. A very active and perky little bird, I have had them nest in old boots in my outbuilding, as well as in old flower pots. I enjoy them immensely. This one is year round, while it's cousin, the House Wren, winters along the Gulf Coast to return in the early spring.

This small bird needs no introduction to those who feed birds. Carolina Chickadee.
Taken this week. Often found in the presence of the Tufted Titmouse...both species perform a daily back-forth pattern to and from my bird feeders, lasting as long as daylight allows. At times during the day, the nearby trees are alive with both species, followed by periods of inactivity. Constant companions during all seasons.

This photo taken this week...the Northern Junco. Some simply call them 'winter birds' and for good reason. This avia winters in the southeast, then flies all the way to Alaska and northern Canada to breed! How about that for an annual honeymoon vacation? Conversely, the Barn Swallow breeds here, then flies to Argentina, Costa Rica for the winter. Imagine.