Friday, May 2, 2014

Blackberry Winter

We've been having a cold spell for the past several days.
Old-timers in the South know this as Blackberry Winter, which mainly describes a brief period of cold weather that coincides with the time the blackberries are in bloom.




The birds are busy nesting, and visiting the feeders throughout the day.
Consuming copious amounts of their special suet and seed concoction, diligently prepared by the First Sergeant.
 
The Woodpeckers have become his new BFF's.




 
 
 
 
 
 

 



And we've had a rare and welcomed visitor to the feeders.
A Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, on his migration home to Canada.



Have a safe journey little friend.


14 comments:

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Hi Jo! Really lovely photos and post! I had no idea about the 'blackberry winter' and wonder if my blackberries are in bloom, I'll need to check.

Take care, and enjoy your weekend.

rusty duck said...

Beautiful birds Jo.

ann said...

What a great photo of the grosebeck. Every few years we see one at our feeders. They are are here, and as you say on their way to Canada.

Country Gal said...

Lovely photos ! Yup The Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are here now . I took photos yesterday of them . I have a Red bellied wood pecker that has been here with us for a few years I named him Charlie he responds to me when I talk to him whilst he is at the feeder . Thanks for sharing , Have a good weekend !

DJan said...

It won't last long, the Blackberry Winter, not like the other one. And I do love your pictures. The grosbeak is a great capture! :-)

Ann Summerville said...

Beautiful pictures. Blackberries don't seem to do well here in the Texas heat.
Ann

Nellie said...

Our blackberries are not in bloom yet! They are behind this cold spell! We needed to add some extra cover to the bed during the night. I've taken off the blanket.

Patsy said...

I for got all about blackberry winter, so that is why it has been so cool . My roses love it.

Susan Freeman said...

Such a charming post! I love birds more and more now. We have a family of Cardinals in our yard and I so enjoy watching them every day. Now I had a chance to enjoy yours too.

Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Stella Jones said...

Just beautiful pictures of birds Jo. The birds of Tennessee are gorgeous. Our birds are nesting too but they don't seem interested in the feeder here. Perhaps they prefer to find their own food this year.

DeniseinVA said...

Pretty as a picture applies to each of your photos Jo. Interesting to see what birds come into the garden on their way north.

Terry said...

Wonderful bird photos!

L. D. said...

It is fascinating that they go all the way to Canada. We use to see them in Minnesota while vacationing there. There a beautiful bird.

Aleta said...

What beautiful photos! We had the rose breasted grosbeaks at our feeder too last week, here in TN, on their way north. With they would stick around!