Big Bird, RIP

This is a very different kind of post. TROVATORE, Metropolitan Opera, Dec. 1982. That's 37 years ago. Big Bird came to the opera. Fun memory. Word came this afternoon that Big Bird has passed away after several years of poor health. He was a gem and a precious friend, an upstairs neighbor who enjoyed hearing birding reports as he enjoyed sharing his bird stories. My condolences to his family, friends and to all those young at heart. Big Bird will live forever.  To Caroll Spinney RIP.

the Sapsuckers

Hanging outside wasn't my idea of fun. Too cold. But sapsucker is at it, grub and sap before heading downtown.

Favorite finch

There are still berries to be plucked. Nature is all screwed up. Happy male finch this time.

Fun kinglet

This is always a game. Stop! Stop!  Not in a kinglet's vocabulary.

Finally I saw a bit of the ruby crown

Another spot of the ruby crown.  Wait, wait! Do it again.

                                No such luck.

One month ago

Exactly one month ago in the garden. Female cardinal working the sunflower seeds.

The female finch

Leucey

                                 Sunflower nearing the end of its life for this season.

At the berries

Drill  master and berry hunter, the sapsucker

Didn't want to move closer and spook this bird

                  Hermit thrush at other end of garden.