For the Birds

Earlier this year, I noticed that we would occasionally get some very colorful birds stopping by our deck.  Oh, we got the standard finches and robins and sparrows and red winged blackbirds, but I wanted to see more cardinals and blue jays.

So I started buying these birdseed bells...packed with birdseed, black sunflower seeds, raisins, and peanuts.  And sat back and waited.

I didn't have to wait long.  The blue jays...they're a bit elusive.  They stop by regularly, but I believe they're not super enamored with what's on the menu.  My dad says they're partial to peanuts in the shell.

OK...here is an edit.  Blue Jay appeared to be hungry enough to eat the swill left by the other birds:

A couple of times, I've managed to get shots of the cardinal.  He's a beauty:

Then, mid summer the squirrels seemed to figure out that "Old Country Buffet" was open for business and they arrived (singularly...or it could be just one that keeps coming back) and this beast, that is the size of a siamese cat, is actually picking up the bell and gorging on it.  It either has an eating disorder or a thyroid problem.  You decide.

We also have hawks and the rare bald eagle that circles the area.  Not sure, beyond a small blonde child, what would attract them.  Or if I want to.