Sunday, January 31, 2010

I Love Redpolls

We spent another day at Hasty Brook on Saturday. The temperature was still only 11 below when we got there. The birds were going crazy at the feeders and the four full thistle socks I had left a week before were empty. While Art went into the building to get the heaters going I started to fill the feeders. There was a good sized flock of Common Redpolls on the ground. When I approached they flew up into the trees but as soon as I opened the thistle bag they dropped back down and 4-5 of them landed on my head! Chickadees have landed on me before but these little Redpolls are usually more skittish so these little fluttering birds caught me by surprise. It was brutally cold so I finished filling and scattered plenty of thistle and oilers on the ground and headed indoors.
The photo above was taken upstairs through the patio doors. I sprinkled seed on the balcony railing and within minutes the birds came. This pretty little Redpoll was all of five feet away from me. Come on up and sip coffee with me and watch the birds.
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14 comments:

Unknown said...

What an amazing shot, Lynne. WOW!

troutbirder said...

How neat! We had lots of redpolls here in the banana belt last winter and not a one this year.

Jayne said...

So, uh, when do we all retire up there with you Lynne? :c)

Eve said...

Do you remember Morgan sitting with the Redpolls Lynne? Here's the post

http://sunnysideup-eve.blogspot.com/2008/11/last-year.html

I'm sure you will like it. Redpolls are just great. We will miss them for sure! Stay warm!

Beth said...

I want to live at Hasty Brook!

Montanagirl said...

That's a terrific shot, Lynne! I can't wait for the TV's to arrive here this spring, so I can post some more pictures of them for you!

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

Liza- Thanks!

Troutbider- Lots fewer up at Hasty too.

Jayne- The Retirement Home is in progress!

Eve- I do remember that photo of Morgan.

Beth- Come on up!!

Mona- Thank you! Can't wait for your fab TUVU pix!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

The Redpolls are so cute.The experience you relate about them landing on your head is precious.I would love to come and join you for that coffee and the birds.
Blessings,Ruth

Amy said...

Landed on your head!? What an experience - I'm so jealous! Fabulous picture.

KaHolly said...

What an awesome capture, Lynn! It's a beautiful picture. No redpolls in my neck of the woods yet. ~karen

Kathie Brown said...

Lynne, I would brave 11 below to have redpolls land on my head! If I made you cry, you made me laugh! I wish someone had gotten a photo of that!

FAB said...

What a glorious sight and so so close. When are you starting the extension so we can come and hang out at Hasty? Take care. FAB.

Cathy said...

I'm with you, Beth.

"I want to live at Hasty Brook!"

I vote for a very large guest house.

Dawn Fine said...

This is a perfectly gorgeous shot Lynne..wow..a beauty!
A bird not yet seen by me..