Breakfast Buffet

SOMETIMES THE BEST NATURE WALK is close and convenient, like the one I’ve been taking on Sunday mornings this winter from my front door to a stealthy viewing perch on my front porch. With warm boots and a coat thrown over my PJs to ward off the chill, I watch a birdie breakfast buffet lit in the warm tones cast from the sunrise slot above the horizon but below the larger limbs of an expansive red oak tree.

The tufted titmouse, with its muted but lovely coloring.

Woody, the red-bellied woodpecker, with his bent beak.

The northern cardinal, red and black and seemingly always angry.

Breakfast buddies, the American goldfinch and downy woodpecker.

The bluejay, with its distinctive back pattern.

The American goldfinch offers a lovely contrast to the cool winter sky canvas.

This house finch keeps a messy house.