Winter birds

The birds below have been showing up around the cabin since January.  They are definitely increasing in numbers -- especially those that frequent the feeder tray.  They particularly like black oil sunflower seeds.

Raven in the snow

I have to admit to cheating a bit regarding the ravens.  They are more often found in downtown Fairbanks, at the trash transfer stations, or in parking lots (where this photo was taken).  They are extraordinary birds of symbolic importance in traditional legends of the indigenous indians.  I bought a life size raven puppet and have put it on the edge of the loft in the cabin.  Chris said it really scared him the first time he saw it.

Common redpolls (Carduelis flammea) are by far the most frequent visitors to the feeder.  It is fascinating to watch  the dynamics and interactions among these birds, and it is a true luxury to have the time to just sit by the window and observe them.  

A small group of redpolls 

Black capped chickadees (Poecile atricapilla) are the next most frequent visitors.

A Gray Jay (Perisoreus canadensis) in the snow

... and in a tree

A Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)

A female Spruce Grouse (Dendragapus canadensis)

... and a male displaying

This courtship took place just beneath my kitchen window at dusk in late January.

A Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) in the snow

Apparently, these birds will fly into a snowbank to sleep, thus not leaving a trail and thereby avoiding predators.

This is the sum total of my experience and knowledge of birds  resident in the great white north during the winter.  Watching the redpolls and chickadees flocking to the bird feeder never gets old.