Wait and Adapt
This winter, the one we are currently having, has been the most hostile since I moved to Georgia nine and a half years ago. During that time, the previous winters were mild and happy ones, which never got to such low temperatures, at least that often or had such harsh winds nor gloomy and dark days as we are having lately!.
The days of Georgia winter used to be moderate cold in the morning and bright and warmer in the afternoons. Now, it’s a different story… with the lousy mood that makes the birds change their ways of feeding! ( Due to the limited short window of opportunity in the weather behavior).
I’ve been observing around my backyard and I’ve seen the birds, perched on trees or bushes, just sitting there trying to get warm ( I don’t blame them, they have to protect themselves to survive!). They just wait for the wind to stop or for a break in the clouds to get some sun rays to warm up a bit!
For me, seeing the situation from a photographer’s angle… it’s requiring more patience because birds do go to the feeders but at sporadic times. Meaning that I have to wait for the opportunities, in order to shoot and capture whatever photos I can.
The difference on the photographic effects being shot at different times of the day is quite dramatic!… Taking in consideration the angles of light from projected by the sun.
I’m satisfied with the final results, I honestly think it was worth the wait and new adaptation_ great factors applied for a good result!. See for yourself:
Photo Gallery
Text and photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
The poor little ones look like they are cold…I hope the rest of the winter will be more normal, like it used to be, for you guys!
Thank you so much Tiny, it’s very nice of you, I know you care for birds deeply! 🙂
The mockingbird could go skating in that water dish. Yikes! Those are cold winter days you’re having, HJ — stay warm! 🙂
Thanks Jet! Yes, we are having a colder Winter this time around! 🙂
Splendid gallery despite the weather. I liked the Carolina Wren best this time.
Thanks Susan! 🙂
Poor cold birds and poor cold HJ! I liked the Field Sparrow and the Caroliner Wren.
CAROLINA!! Sorry!
It’s okay Clare! I’m just glad that I don’t photograph Penguins! Thank you! 🙂
Sorry to hear you’re getting the brunt of that arctic air that buried us the better part of the last week and a half. The light is a challenge on this side, isn’t it?! It does take more energy to survive but luckily the birds have their down coats handy. The Carolina Wren looks perplexed. 🙂
Yeah! But isn’t going to stop me from feeding my birds. They show up all the time, freeze or rain they show up! Thanks Lisa! Keep warm ok? 🙂
You keep warm too! It’s easier to keep the feeders full that way… Glad to hear you’re getting a bit of a break in the cold. 🙂
I like the look on the cowbird’s face, like she is saying, “please make it warm up!” 🙂
She is more like saying -“This guy from the catering service never quits watching me! How rude!” Thanks Amy! 🙂
Does this mean that you have to break the ice on the water bowl HJ? Keep warm!
Thanks Barbara! It’s not a big deal. 🙂
How wonderful for all these little birds that you are so committed to keeping the bird feeders full for them. Cool to see so many different species of sparrow!
Thank you very much Carol! 🙂
The weather has been harsh on the birds in New England this year also. Bird counts are inconsistent. However, like you we just change the way we photograph them. 😊
That’s right! Thank you for sharing! 🙂