Carline Twitches
Carline recently helped to replace the suet block in the winter cage, which has gaps small enough to deter squirrels and starlings, but big enough to allow passerines to pass in and out. We did not realise that she was a birder, but she insisted on sitting down in a corner of the cage for much of the day, while coincidentally, the Hitty’s favourite photographer practised with his new camera and 40 year-old lens.
Yellow-Crowned Sparrow
Carline obligingly posed and observed the comings and goings… and though bird-watchers are sometimes called twitchers, she didn’t even twitch a single peg.
Song Sparrow
The birds quickly got used to her presence, and once they decided she wasn’t a threat, they carried on with their visitations.
Hummingbird
The Hummingbird was fascinated by her Turkey Red dress, but flitted past too quickly for a decent shot.
Fox Sparrow
The Fox Sparrow was almost too plump to squeeze through the wires.
Junco
The Junco was a bit dubious, but took heart from the fact that all the other birds were unscathed by the interloper.
Downy Woodpecker
The only bird that caused Carline mild anxiety was the woodpecker, but he was only interested in the suet.
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
The darling Chickadee tickled Carline’s ear with his tail.
Bush Tits
The Bush Tits were totally oblivious of Carline. They were so cute that she really hoped one of them would sit in her lap for a moment
Min loves to hear about Bush Tits
After her outdoor adventure, Carline was happy when Min (who is named for the Bush Tit –Psaltriparous minimus) did sit on her lap – telling birdy stories to a cuddly little girl is a great way to end an outdoor adventure.
Watch the video below to see how quietly Carline sat while the busy birds flitted in and out.
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Quimper Hittys 
This is a fabulous natural drama. Carline has great bravery with these avian feeders who are nearly as big as she! Very nice photography and video! It brings Spring a bit closer to watch the activity in the winter cage.
Oh, I was so glad she didn’t get pecked. Loved seeing it so much I watched it twice.
We love watching the birds as they flit through on their cheerful chirpy rounds, So happy to share the delight!
lovely! looks like the new camera is a winner. love the cage idea, I’ve made long S hooks out of coat hangers to hang feeders which seems to have outwitted the squirrels.
We are always glad when the photographer decides to indulge the Hittys with a photo session!
Oh how wonderful and rather brave of her….good thing they didn’t leave any calling cards! 😉
We were a little nervous about ‘calling cards’ too but Carline was either very lucky, or the birdies were feeling extra polite that day!
what an inventive and clever series of photos!! Carline is such a darling. I love her warm coat. Great color and style. Did you know that Jan 21 is National Squirrel Appreciation day?? Perhaps a celebration is in order? I know that Hetty Hickory is planning a bash for Lil Squirrel.
I like that coat too, and it is one of the warmest ones in the house…I wonder if Horrid Hetty would like to share her favourite squirrel recipes?
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