December Things!

A male Northern Cardinal proudly displayed his red crest at our backyard feeder. Cardinals eat many kinds of birdseed, particularly black oil sunflower seed. They also eat beetles, crickets, katydids, leafhoppers, cicadas, flies, centipedes, spiders, butterflies, and moths, when available in the warmer weather.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Cardinal/lifehistory

The "resident" female Red-bellied Woodpecker has been finding food in lots of nooks and crannies. I have watched her extract sunflower seeds that were likely hidden by chickadees and nuthatches.

A Red-breasted Nuthatch was “flipping” seeds while eating.

A Cedar Waxing sat peacefully in the same fruit tree that was previously guarded by an American Robin. Cedar Waxwings are often heard before they're seen. Learning their high-pitched call notes can help to locate them. They can be low in berry bushes, high in evergreens, or found along rivers and ponds! 

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cedar_Waxwing/overview

A Red-tailed Hawk has been hunting from high perches. He is much easier to see at this time of year since the leaves have fallen from the deciduous trees.

Fluffed up feathers on the hawk's underside are visible as he launched from a branch. Feathers are crucial in providing needed insulation in the winter months.

A Bald Eagle patrolled the southern edge of Lake Huron.

Interesting beach ice is forming thanks to freezing and thawing temperatures.

Santa was recently spotted on the Samuel Risley, a Canada Coastguard Icebreaker. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!