It was so windy yesterday that it blew the birds right off the log the boss brought me down to use as a table feeder.
I had just tossed out the afternoon sunflower seeds.
A cloud of brown sparrows and crimson Cardinals had descended almost instantly to try to eat, when woosh, they were all swept away by the wind.
And then I saw it. A White-throated Sparrow was trying to fly to the log. The wind was so strong that it caused him to fly backwards for several feet, although flapping mightily.
It was weird. I mean, he wasn't exactly a hummingbird but he was moving backwards while flying forward.
He was smart though. When the wind swept him over the feeder, he just folded his wings and let it dump him right on it.
Later I attempted to look up into the honey locust to try to see which branch is grinding so ominously. The wind lashed snow crystals into my eyes, which sent me stumbling into the house in defeat. Couldn't see a thing.
Weather...we got it....but it doesn't mean we have to like it.
It's fascinating to watch, isn't it? We used to see the ravens flying backward in the Aleutians, as the stiff winds pushed them everywhere but where they were headed.
ReplyDeleteI am so ready for the warmer weather and for the snow to be gone! More critters you have, I see.
ReplyDeleteWhat a winter. Poor wittle birdies. The wind's been blowing here all day. It gets old - fast.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like the little Miss is oblivious to all that is going on outside. Hugs to your girls!
ReplyDeleteREv. Paul, I was amazed! Can't imagine seeing it with a Raven!
ReplyDeleteLisa, kinda nice out today, but still very cold.
Cathy, numbers are dwindling. Hopefully they are finding a better place to eat, but I don't think so. We fill the feeders several times a day and have all kinds of different suet blends and all. Even found a bunch of frozen ants in a split of firewood and picked them out for the chickadees, but still, way below zero every single night.
Nita, thanks, they have a lot of fun.