It’s spring and I’ve noticed new birds daily in the yard—Song Sparrows in the brush pile, Grackles swarming the feeder, House Finches hanging with the resident Goldfinches, a lone Phoebe calling from the apple tree—but before celebrating the excitement of migrating birds I want to recognize the winter residents. These birds are here all year-round—storing seeds in trees, puffing up feathers in the cold, hunting for food in the snow and mud of winter thaws.
White-breasted Nuthatches, Northern Cardinals, Black-capped Chickadees, Eastern Bluebirds (occasionally), Downy Woodpeckers, Pileated Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpeckers, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, American Goldfinches. They may be everyday birds, but they’re still remarkable.
Plus, one January morning a Golden-crowned Kinglet showed up briefly (new yard bird!).
Not pictured above, but also showing up on the regular were American Crows, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Mourning Doves, Tufted Titmice, and an occasional Blue Jay. (Sorry we didn’t have a picture makeup day, guys.) Also, these pictures aren’t nearly snowy enough for Maine winter pics…but that’s another post.
All photos copyright Alicia MacLeay and taken at home (Kennebec County, Maine) winter 2024-25.