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.

Look A Bit Closer During Winter.....

Transition day today in southeast Tennessee. From rather mild pleasant weather to windy, rainy conditions. May even get a bit of snow on the Plateau tonight. Normal hi/low temperature averages for today are 47/28 on the Cumberland Plateau. I hear many talk of the beauty of Tennessee in the spring and fall. One can also love the Tennessee winter and what it offers...but you may have to look a bit closer. And, once you are again 'out there' you may just discover some of nature's winter treasures, like the Pileated Woodpecker clinging to the Red Maple above (they visit my suet cakes daily)....

....or a Gray Squirrel perched high in an oak....

.....or appreciate the natural effects of elevation on a cold winter morning......

....or anticipate a sunrise just before the mighty helio peeks over a mountain......

.....or the small things hidden along the forest floor....like this Ground Pine (Lycopodium).....

....enjoy the serenity of the mountains while walking along a woodland trail.....

....or stand on a covered bridge and enjoy the natural soothing sounds of a noisy mountain stream...this is Mother's Bridge on Stone Creek - within our properties.....

....even appreciate the winter modifications of the various species of flora (perhaps like you....just waiting for the warmth of spring)...note the new buds at the apex of the stems on this Mountain Laurel. An 'old timer' once told me one could predict the level of harshness of the coming winter by the thickness of the covering of the buds...which begin to form as the leaves fall in the autumn. In some species of the conifers, like two species of local pines (Eastern White Pine and Shortleaf Pine/Yellow Pine), growth of the previous year will 'shed' (turns brown - then falls), while the green growth of the current year remains along the distal portion of the twigs. Thus the ground covering of brown pine needles beneath the pine trees. Happens every year.