Birds are still migrating,
bringing occasional fun visitors, like Grackles and Redwinged Blackbirds. The House Finch almost got me with his head marks, I thought it might be a Purple. But the stripes on the belly are a true sign for House.
Speaking of Redwinged Blackbirds - today, the promo sale for the calendar ends. There will be another one or two farther down the road but I haven’t made my mind up when.
Giveaway! The December bird
of my calendar is a Blue Jay in a snow storm. We are expecting snow here today and tomorrow too, and I am a bit excited because it always is a great photo opportunity. I hope you are all in a safe and warm spot and as healthy as can be.
Since it is christmas Eve, I am doing a giveaway on my social media. You can win an Ostdrossel calendar if you are a follower, and you like, comment and share my post on Facebook or Instagram. There will be two winners, and I will announce them by the end of the week.
Merry Christmas & Fröhliche Weihnachten, everyone!
Every person
that feeds birds at one point will encounter one situation. The critters will find out that there is food, and they will try to get to those goodies. There is a number of ways to keep the bird food budget tight - with the help of squirrel-proof feeders or foods - but some also enjoy watching these entertaining rodents. This one looked so adorable that I decided to include it in the calendar this year. Meet the September “bird”.
You can get an Ostdrossel calendar here on ostdrossel.com or here.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
are one of the birds that come to spend spring and summer here, so this is the bird of June in my calendar. I love these guys. They look quite impressive with the big beak and red bib, but they are one of the calmest birds at the feeders. They will eat through a thunderstorm, their babies make the cutest little noises when they beg for food, they get along with everybody, and when they are excited, they will make the squeak of a rubber ducky.
My calendars are available here at ostdrossel.com or here.
The February bird
in my calendar is a Song Sparrow. This is a species that I rarely get in front of my cameras or in my backyard. The photo was taken on a lovely day that I spent at the Belle Isle Nature Center in Detroit last winter, talking to fellow nature lovers and showing my setup. They were nice enough to allow me to set up my camera outside their fabulous birdwatching window, and that is when this beautiful native sparrow came. It was a day full of snow, and I absolutely loved the wild, wintery background.
Christmas is getting closer
and in the days leading up to it, I am going to go through this year's calendar birds. You can get an Ostdrossel calendar in my shop here or following the link here at ostdrossel.com. There are four sizes available (the 8.5 one has a second, larger option).
The cover bird is a MoDo. This species has turned out to be an exceptional camera lover that creates some of the most hilarious portraits. The January bird is a male Red-bellied Woodpecker. They are quirky goofballs with a love for nuts, and we have them here all year. Last summer, we built a nestbox that would fit them, and we hope to get to see them raise a brood one day.
Ostdrossel 2021 calendars
I am seeing a couple new followers. Welcome, I am happy to have you and I hope you enjoy the photos.
If you are looking for a gift for yourself or loved ones, check out the Ostdrossel calendar.
There are four sizes available, three wall calendars and one desk calendar. All wall calendars have the species names on the back side with the thumbnails. The desk calendar has the species names on the photos. Get yours here: https://www.createphotocalendars.com/Shop/ostdrossel
Ostdrossel 2021 calendars
I am pleased to announce the Ostdrossel calendar for 2021. There are four sizes available, three wall calendars and one desk calendar. All wall calendars have the species names on the back side with the thumbnails. The desk calendar has the species names on the photos.
Get yours here: https://www.createphotocalendars.com/Shop/ostdrossel