If you feed them, they will come...

The last two winters have been very difficult for the birds in Northern Ontario. The lack of spruce cones, among other things, have forced many bird species to leave the area or starve. We have really missed seeing some of our beautiful winter birds and it seems, a few are beginning to return this year.
We usually have two, or four, mourning doves on a regular basis. This is the first time we have seen seven together. They are a placid, pretty bird, and hope they will stick around.

There are presently two female hairy woodpeckers "in residence" on a daily basis. This one is fluffed up for warmth.

And this one is hanging on a sunflower seed feeder, swinging in the wind. They are very comical to watch

And this is one of my assistant bird feeders, Jess....

A cute little nuthatch showed up a few days ago....the word is spreading...food, food, food...

The first redpoll to arrive, another two quickly followed. These birds used to plentiful in numbers in the winter, will be interesting to see if they are making a comeback.

My other 'assistant bird feeder', Trust, is collecting snow while she watches....