A Pileated Woodpecker!!

While I was in town today, my husband saw this huge Pileated Woodpecker come to check out our bird feeder and landed on our suet feeder.  It looks like he's a bit large for this feeder but that does not deter him from getting a bite to eat!  I was so happy that my husband grabbed the camera and captured this special moment just for me!

As Promised....Some Sketches!

Over the past 2 weeks while my feeders were down, I did do a few rough sketches, so as I promised, here are a few of them......

 

A very quick, rough sketch done in watercolor & ink



A better start in pencil




Graphite Pencil



Watercolor & Ink 


 

A Reminder:
It's time to get those brushes wet!

My Feeders Are Back Up !!

Redpoll & Chickadee visiting my feeder.

 

After having my feeders down for a couple of weeks, I cleaned the deck & railings completely with a bleach solution.  I also threw out all of the accumulating seeds that had fallen to the ground underneath the feeder.  I contacted the DNR and reported a dozen birds that had died.  Since then the number has increased to around 15+.  The only birds affected were the Redpolls and Pine Siskins.  I do hope you have learned from my experiences that if you feed your backyard birds, be sure to keep your feeders clean!