Birdfeeders

We are use to hearing all the bird songs during the spring when birds are busy attracting mates and raising their young, but winter is different. Our resident birds seem to be pretty quiet during bad weather, or maybe I am just not outside to hear them much. However, let the sun come out and the skies clear and the yard is alive with song. As the finches all crowd to the thistle bird feeder and the jays, titmice, sparrows etc. gather at the tube feeders, the sounds of bird songs fill the yard. Are they singing just because it’s a beautiful day (why not?) or are they anticipating the arrival of spring? Or both? This break from winter storms is good for us all and I certainly appreciate the sounds of joy coming from the yard. Right now I count 10 finches hanging on the thistle bird feeder with many more chattering in the nearby tree waiting their turns. We all need to appreciate this morning’s sun, for the next storm is due in this afternoon.