sharp shinned hawk on the brush pile

The usual birds at the edge of the woods were suddenly scarce when this hawk swooped in to survey his hunting possibilities.

 

 

pumpkin lunch

The leftover pumpkins, split in halves, make a good lunch for the cardinals and bluejays. They seem able to share for a change.

winter guild is forming

The birds that stay in our woods through the cold winter months form a "guild" -- many birds of several species that share shelter and food for every one's sake. This female Cardinal, hovering in the woodland fringe at dusk, seemed to be enjoying another warm day in this unusual November.