His Eye is on the Sparrow

Living in Western NY means experiencing the joy of four distinct seasons. For us, one of the more glorious aspects during this time of year (besides not having to rake leaves) is the lack of foliage in winter, thus allowing Claudia & I the ability to gaze into the woodlots nearest our home. Cottonwood, Walnut, Box Elder and White Ash, just to name a few, all reach toward the sun, beckoning to an abundance of avian wildlife to find respite amidst their branches. 

 

Here a Red-bellied woodpecker stops hammering away in its search for insects long enough to have its picture taken.

 

A pair of mourning doves rest in the barren branches of a walnut tree.  These two will likely be a monogamous couple for life.

Sampling the spillage from our bird feeder, a chickadee helps itself to a sunflower seed. A trusting and friendly sort, the chickadees on occasion have taken seed from our hands.

A female cardinal belts out a tune. Unlike most songbirds that sing only during the spring mating season, the male and female cardinal may be heard any time of year.

This past week especially, I couldn’t help but give a good deal of thought to how our feathered friends deal with the extreme cold. They just fluff their feathers and without complaint, go about their business as usual. Watching them in the bitter cold, I’m reminded of an old and favorite hymn; “His Eye is on the Sparrow”. Sure does seem that way….Amen!

Until Next Time,

Jim & Claudia